National Youth Gathering July 22 - July 26

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National Youth Gathering - Day 1
National Youth Gathering - Day 2
National Youth Gathering - Day 3
National Youth Gathering - Day 4
National Youth Gathering - Day 5
Day 3 - Thursday: "About the Town"
 
After a whirlwind first day at the Gathering, we settled into a good
groove today. We started the day in the Interactive Center for our
assigned time there. Our youth especially enjoyed playing basketball
and dodgeball in the sports area and some time on the LMM bumper cars.
You don't realize how big the convention floor is until you walk it a
few times!
 
We then had a quiet lunch together. This was very different than
yesterday as we had to "grab and go" with pretty much all our meals.
Another lesson of the gathering: if you find some quiet time for your
group to be together, take it. We finished the afternoon by taking the
streetcar to the Garden District with a stop for ice cream. What a
difference a day makes!
 
Today we wore our (bright!) yellow "Jesus Jams - Spreadin' His Love in
the 803" shirts and have received MANY compliments on those. It's a
common thing to give "high-fives" to other gathering folks just
walking down the street.
 
The big news from the dome tonight, "We made it to the floor!" After
sitting so high up last night, the youth joined the celebration on the
floor joining the conga lines, rocking out with the crowd, and bonding
more closer as a group. It was a great finish to this great day.
 
The speakers and the music spoke to the heart of the gospel: in Christ
we are loved, we are accepted, we are graced, we are forgiven, and
called to share those gifts with others.
 
One cool fact we have heard at the beginning of the gathering: the
ELCA National Youth Gathering is the largest convention event post
Katrina. Many times walking the city today we heard from New Orleans
natives, "We are glad you are here. Enjoy the city." And they truly
meant it.
 
Tomorrow, servant project day...
Peace.
Mount Hermon LCY
Jesus+Justice+Jaz
In The Interactive Center.
Enjoying Ice Cream In The Garden District.
On The Floor In The Dome!
West Columbia, SC  29169 • 803-794-6430 • Information

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