This week, we break out of the mold of Team Durango and welcome our first post by another team. We hear from Bob Etheridge from Team Longhorn. Bob is from Indianapolis, Indiana and currently attends Concordia St. Paul.
Take it away:
What made you decide to apply to be a YAV?
I decided to be a YAV because the gathering in New Orleans three years ago had changed my life to be a more loving person to the people I met. This has wanted me to be able to show the love of Christ to everyone including the youth at the gathering. It made me want to bring the light of Christ to everywhere I go. My DCE at my home congregation had told me that he and his wife had been YAVs before and really encouraged me and others from my congregation to volunteer. They said that you would build relationships with those in the synod. Since I am going into ministry I believed it would be a great way to develop new relationships with other Lutherans that I may one day be working with in congregations if they continue to be active in their churches. I also liked the part of serving the youth, so that they could see God in their lives.
What were you expecting being a YAV would be like?
I had heard stories from my DCE that you would work the whole time down there. I would get no breaks, and would barely be able to make time to eat meals during the week. I believed I would get very little sleep because I would be working all day and night. I expected to bond with my teammates, and those were the only people I would meet at the gathering, since I would spend the majority of my time with them. I believed I meet brothers and sisters that I could still communicate with after the Gathering to continue the relationships that had been made. I also expected to grow in my relationship with God, knowing that he is the reason why I live, and why I chose to be a YAV. In this I could come out of the gathering to live loved to the people I interact with the rest of my life.
What was the most overwhelming moment you experienced at the Gathering?
The most overwhelming moment was being able to commune with 25,000 people who all believe the same thing I believe. That was awesome. It reminds me of all the saints who celebrate the victory of the Lamb in heaven. I loved when we sang This is the Feast of Victory for Our God. The power of knowing that Jesus lives forever and comes to us through the word and the bread and wine, allows me to be able to live loved knowing that there are over 25,000 Lutherans who care for me. That was truly amazing, and I look forward to the feast that is to come with all my brothers and sisters through all ages with Jesus.
Where did you see God’s love the most during your week at the Gathering?
Everywhere! God’s love surrounded the whole Gathering. He got all the YAV’s to the Hotel nice and safely on Saturday. He got all the participants to San Antonio in a timely gathering. The city offered nice accommodation with lodging and food for the whole week at its hotels and restaurant. God’s love was seen in the YAV’s enthusiasm for the youth, to get them excited, or giving them a high five, or even a free hug here and there. It’s in that physical touch of a hug or a high five, they feel the touch of Christ, knowing that Christ is in us. So when we give a hug or a high five or a pat on the back it is Christ working through us to give them that hug allowing him to remind them of his love through the whole Christian community at the gathering. God’s love was seen on that Thursday morning worship when we celebrated the resurrection. How he wants each and every one of us to come to him and be a part of him in his kingdom forever. How out of his love for us he sent Jesus to die for us, so that we might be saved.
What would you tell someone to convince them to apply to be a YAV in the future?
Being a YAV allows you to get to bond and build great relationships that will last for eternity with people who believe the same thing you do. You have the opportunity to work with the bands in concerts, working with the community at the service events, or helping out at the mass events. You get the opportunity to change someone life by being the love of Jesus to them. It’s a lot of fun, a lot of hard work, but a lot of love that you can share to the youth at the gathering. Everyone should apply to be a YAV who is applicable so that they can continue to grow in their relationship with God at the gathering, as well as meet new Lutherans, and to be able to show Christ love to the youth.
Showing posts with label Lutheran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lutheran. Show all posts
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Volunteer Hearts (Part 3)
This week, we hear from Ashley Caruso. Another wonderful part of Team Durango. Ashley is from Florida and became a YAV after attending the NYG as a participant. You'll find her wonderful story and insights below.
What made you decide to apply to be a YAV?
I decided to apply to be a YAV because of my experience as a participant. I came home closer to God, my youth group, and myself. I wanted to pass that joy on to someone else. I wanted to see kids enjoy the gathering just like I did when I was a participant.
What were you expecting being a YAV would be like?
To be completely honest, I was scared to DEATH to be a YAV. I heard that it was a lot of work, a lot of responsibility, and A LOT of stepping out of your comfort zone. I happen to like my comfort zone and was VERY apprehensive about stepping outside of it. I was hoping that I would experience that amazing "God moment" like I did as a participant but was skeptical that I would considering how busy we would be.
What was the most overwhelming moment you experienced at the Gathering?
The most overwhelming part of the gathering was the mass event on Tuesday night when they were discussing distractions and how they get in our way of our relationship with God.I was having second thoughts about being at the gathering. I had actually considered going home because I felt like I didn't belong. That I was not good enough to be here with all these amazing believers of Christ. I had screwed up a lot this past year and had fallen away from God, my family, and friends. I had pretty much turned my back on everything that was important to me. I was in an abusive relationship that totally consumed me (in a bad way). I thought that was the type of love I deserved. I moved out of my parents' house, moved in with this abusive guy, got engaged, lost 2 jobs, and left my church. These things were huge distractions and kept me from my loving Savior. I really broke down and pretty much just laid all those distractions down at God's feet. Mia Koehne spoke about her struggles with looking for empty love. That's where I was a year ago. It was also overwhelming to have my little brother, Steven, there as a participant. He got to experience that HUGE weight of distractions lifted off my shoulders and put onto the shoulders of Christ as he died in my place on the cross.
Where did you see God's love the most during your week at the Gathering?
I think I saw God's love most in the people of San Antonio. They were so happy we were there and were so happy and willing to help if any of us were in need. I think the story that sticks out in my mind is when I got to speak to one of the ushers at the Alamodome. His name was Alex and when I first started talking to him, he seemed pretty skeptical about us "Christian Youth". He was there on Thursday night when we were writing down our sins and laying them at the cross. He left the stadium and stepped into the hallway while we were doing this. We continued worshipping and Alex stepped back in. We came to the part where we turned to the person next to us and told them that their sins were forgiven. I went over to Alex and told him that Jesus had died so that we might live and that his sins were forgiven. He broke down and said that he needed to hear that and that he is going to start going back to church. WOW!! What an awesome testament to God's love.
What would you tell someone to convince them to apply to be a YAV in the future?
I've already started recruiting YAVs for the 2016 gathering in New Orleans, LA! I've been telling them about the bonds that are formed, the awesome experiences I had, the fact that you get to be there 2 days early, and all the AMAZING events that you get to see from a different perspective. I think your heart really has to be in it to volunteer, but it is so amazing that it would be CRAZY to miss out on something this awesome.
What made you decide to apply to be a YAV?
I decided to apply to be a YAV because of my experience as a participant. I came home closer to God, my youth group, and myself. I wanted to pass that joy on to someone else. I wanted to see kids enjoy the gathering just like I did when I was a participant.
What were you expecting being a YAV would be like?
To be completely honest, I was scared to DEATH to be a YAV. I heard that it was a lot of work, a lot of responsibility, and A LOT of stepping out of your comfort zone. I happen to like my comfort zone and was VERY apprehensive about stepping outside of it. I was hoping that I would experience that amazing "God moment" like I did as a participant but was skeptical that I would considering how busy we would be.
What was the most overwhelming moment you experienced at the Gathering?
The most overwhelming part of the gathering was the mass event on Tuesday night when they were discussing distractions and how they get in our way of our relationship with God.I was having second thoughts about being at the gathering. I had actually considered going home because I felt like I didn't belong. That I was not good enough to be here with all these amazing believers of Christ. I had screwed up a lot this past year and had fallen away from God, my family, and friends. I had pretty much turned my back on everything that was important to me. I was in an abusive relationship that totally consumed me (in a bad way). I thought that was the type of love I deserved. I moved out of my parents' house, moved in with this abusive guy, got engaged, lost 2 jobs, and left my church. These things were huge distractions and kept me from my loving Savior. I really broke down and pretty much just laid all those distractions down at God's feet. Mia Koehne spoke about her struggles with looking for empty love. That's where I was a year ago. It was also overwhelming to have my little brother, Steven, there as a participant. He got to experience that HUGE weight of distractions lifted off my shoulders and put onto the shoulders of Christ as he died in my place on the cross.
Where did you see God's love the most during your week at the Gathering?
I think I saw God's love most in the people of San Antonio. They were so happy we were there and were so happy and willing to help if any of us were in need. I think the story that sticks out in my mind is when I got to speak to one of the ushers at the Alamodome. His name was Alex and when I first started talking to him, he seemed pretty skeptical about us "Christian Youth". He was there on Thursday night when we were writing down our sins and laying them at the cross. He left the stadium and stepped into the hallway while we were doing this. We continued worshipping and Alex stepped back in. We came to the part where we turned to the person next to us and told them that their sins were forgiven. I went over to Alex and told him that Jesus had died so that we might live and that his sins were forgiven. He broke down and said that he needed to hear that and that he is going to start going back to church. WOW!! What an awesome testament to God's love.
What would you tell someone to convince them to apply to be a YAV in the future?
I've already started recruiting YAVs for the 2016 gathering in New Orleans, LA! I've been telling them about the bonds that are formed, the awesome experiences I had, the fact that you get to be there 2 days early, and all the AMAZING events that you get to see from a different perspective. I think your heart really has to be in it to volunteer, but it is so amazing that it would be CRAZY to miss out on something this awesome.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Transition Days
Today was a transition day of sorts. It started with a lot of goodbyes and continued on spending time with the people who will populate my life in the future.
I have grown up in Flagstaff. I was baptized and confirmed at the same church. I have spent 20 years of my life involved in the ministry at Peace Lutheran as either a youth participant, usher, greeter, or youth leader. I have seen the church ebb and flow, change from pews to chairs, get new hymnals, get painted and repainted, rooms change, people pass away and new members come. I have seen and been apart of just about everything at Peace.
The wonderful kids that I have had the privilege of leading in the youth group spoke their words to the congregation this morning about their experience at the National Youth Gathering just two weeks ago. Their experiences give me hope for the future of the LCMS and the future of their lives. They are filled with God's love and compassion and truly have found lifelong friends during their time at youth events. I am not always 100% fond of the policies or direction of the synod but I cannot debate the history and impact it has on my life and the people who I have crossed paths with.
I reminisce because it was my last Sunday of consistent worship at Peace. They had a cake made for me and when our presentation to the congregation was over, I was surprised by the youth group with a number of heartfelt letters from them.
I have spent the last four years with these kids. When I began, there was about 4-5 consistent members at inconsistent events. It was led by a wonderful parent who was just too busy to also take on the task of planning and coordinating events for a small youth group. She did phenomenal in the circumstances.
I prayed about the whole situation and felt compelled to take on a more prominent role with the youth. It may be the one true situation in my life where God spoke a clear and concise message to me. When I was asked if I was interested in leading high school Sunday School, I asked for the whole youth group instead. It started slow and I was not sure how to become that person God wanted me to be. I am still not sure I do the best job of it sometimes. Sometimes I wonder if I am not just hurting the kids more with my advice, or fully getting my point across in bible studies. And I certainly don't claim to have the impact on their lives that some have told me I have had, because at the end of the day, God put us all on the path that crossed in the cramped youth room at Peace. I was merely a tool in his belt. I was very clearly stressed and tired to those closest to me at times and questioned the role I was playing.
When I left today, we have grown from those original 4-5 (who all still attend or have graduated out of youth group), to more than 20 in four short years. At the last National Youth Gathering in 2010, we sent 4 kids and 2 adults. Two weeks ago, we sent 12 kids and 5 adults. We only have a congregation of about 130 members.
It physically pains me sometimes to worry about these kids and the path that they walk. I worry about their relationships, life decisions, their walk with God and if I am truly stressing enough that they are amazing for being who they are and that no one can tell them differently. Because it doesn't matter who you are but whose you are. And I just pray that they never lose sight of that fact. That God is the one true path in life and as long as they put their faith in Him, he will never lead them astray.
I leave these kids with great hope for their futures. I pray that the new youth leader is led by God in the most beneficial way. I expect incredible things from these youth and I know that they won't let me down.
I wanted to close this blog post with photos from over the years of my time leading the youth group and some of the activities we have all had the blessing to do together.
I have grown up in Flagstaff. I was baptized and confirmed at the same church. I have spent 20 years of my life involved in the ministry at Peace Lutheran as either a youth participant, usher, greeter, or youth leader. I have seen the church ebb and flow, change from pews to chairs, get new hymnals, get painted and repainted, rooms change, people pass away and new members come. I have seen and been apart of just about everything at Peace.
The wonderful kids that I have had the privilege of leading in the youth group spoke their words to the congregation this morning about their experience at the National Youth Gathering just two weeks ago. Their experiences give me hope for the future of the LCMS and the future of their lives. They are filled with God's love and compassion and truly have found lifelong friends during their time at youth events. I am not always 100% fond of the policies or direction of the synod but I cannot debate the history and impact it has on my life and the people who I have crossed paths with.
I reminisce because it was my last Sunday of consistent worship at Peace. They had a cake made for me and when our presentation to the congregation was over, I was surprised by the youth group with a number of heartfelt letters from them.
I have spent the last four years with these kids. When I began, there was about 4-5 consistent members at inconsistent events. It was led by a wonderful parent who was just too busy to also take on the task of planning and coordinating events for a small youth group. She did phenomenal in the circumstances.
I prayed about the whole situation and felt compelled to take on a more prominent role with the youth. It may be the one true situation in my life where God spoke a clear and concise message to me. When I was asked if I was interested in leading high school Sunday School, I asked for the whole youth group instead. It started slow and I was not sure how to become that person God wanted me to be. I am still not sure I do the best job of it sometimes. Sometimes I wonder if I am not just hurting the kids more with my advice, or fully getting my point across in bible studies. And I certainly don't claim to have the impact on their lives that some have told me I have had, because at the end of the day, God put us all on the path that crossed in the cramped youth room at Peace. I was merely a tool in his belt. I was very clearly stressed and tired to those closest to me at times and questioned the role I was playing.
When I left today, we have grown from those original 4-5 (who all still attend or have graduated out of youth group), to more than 20 in four short years. At the last National Youth Gathering in 2010, we sent 4 kids and 2 adults. Two weeks ago, we sent 12 kids and 5 adults. We only have a congregation of about 130 members.
It physically pains me sometimes to worry about these kids and the path that they walk. I worry about their relationships, life decisions, their walk with God and if I am truly stressing enough that they are amazing for being who they are and that no one can tell them differently. Because it doesn't matter who you are but whose you are. And I just pray that they never lose sight of that fact. That God is the one true path in life and as long as they put their faith in Him, he will never lead them astray.
I leave these kids with great hope for their futures. I pray that the new youth leader is led by God in the most beneficial way. I expect incredible things from these youth and I know that they won't let me down.
I wanted to close this blog post with photos from over the years of my time leading the youth group and some of the activities we have all had the blessing to do together.
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| Splatter painting our "Undignified Love" Shirts |
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| Placing our handprints on a piece of fabric so that it can be hung in the youth room. |
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| Donald Duck. Disneyland. |
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| Speaking at the Youth Encounter Quake Zone in Phoenix. |
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| Waiting in line to get into the gathering that the Youth Encounter Quake Zone. |
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| Lunch with Swen and Dean at the Youth Encounter Quake Zone. |
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| Star Gazing at a congregation members house. |
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| Creating a poster displaying the poverty in the world during the 30 hour famine lock-in benefitting World Vision. |
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| Hiking on the San Francisco Peaks. |
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| Light painting the playground during a lock-in. |
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| Hiking Bear Mountain. Sedona. |
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| On the way out of the Grand Canyon after spending the night at Indian Gardens bunkhouse. |
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| Enjoying the flight to San Antonio for the 2013 National Youth Gathering. |
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| The crew from Peace Lutheran at the National Youth Gathering 2013. |
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| In front of the a German Catholic church, San Antonio. |
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Volunteer Hearts (Part 2)
Check out last week's post HERE, where Rachel answers why she was a YAV (Young Adult Volunteer) and how God worked on her heart during our week in San Antonio.
Check out more of what the LCMS National Youth Gathering is all about HERE.
This week's answers are brought to you by Hannah Hester, Team Durango.
What made you decide to apply to be a YAV?
I chose to apply to be a YAV because I had a great experience at the previous two national gatherings. I wanted to help bring the same enthusiasm that the Orange Nation did for me. They were all so welcoming and loved the Lord and wanted to share it with everyone.
What were you expecting being a YAV would be like?
I thought that being a YAV would be another great experience for meeting other believers and praising God.
What was the most overwhelming moment you experienced at the Gathering?
I think that being an usher the most overwhelming moments were when all the participants and youth leaders were all filing into the dome. They were all excited to be there. It was scary how fast all those seats filled up.
Where did you see God's love the most during your week at the Gathering?
At the Mass Events I felt that is where I saw God's love. All the Christians there to worship and praise God and learn to LiveLove(d).
What would you tell someone to convince them to apply to be a YAV in the future?
You get to meet such wonderful people. It is worth the experience to see the national youth gathering in a different light. It isn't work at all. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Check out more of what the LCMS National Youth Gathering is all about HERE.
This week's answers are brought to you by Hannah Hester, Team Durango.
What made you decide to apply to be a YAV?
I chose to apply to be a YAV because I had a great experience at the previous two national gatherings. I wanted to help bring the same enthusiasm that the Orange Nation did for me. They were all so welcoming and loved the Lord and wanted to share it with everyone.
What were you expecting being a YAV would be like?
I thought that being a YAV would be another great experience for meeting other believers and praising God.
What was the most overwhelming moment you experienced at the Gathering?
I think that being an usher the most overwhelming moments were when all the participants and youth leaders were all filing into the dome. They were all excited to be there. It was scary how fast all those seats filled up.
Where did you see God's love the most during your week at the Gathering?
At the Mass Events I felt that is where I saw God's love. All the Christians there to worship and praise God and learn to LiveLove(d).
What would you tell someone to convince them to apply to be a YAV in the future?
You get to meet such wonderful people. It is worth the experience to see the national youth gathering in a different light. It isn't work at all. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Monday, July 8, 2013
LCMS Nationl Youth Gathering
Every three years, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) throws a huge party! 25,000+ youth show up and bring down whatever town it's in and praise the one and only true God until their voices are hoarse from screaming, their feet are swollen from walking and their adult leaders are ready for a good long nap coma. They call it the LCMS National Youth Gathering.
This year, San Antonio played their part and they played it well. They were awesome, to say the least. The police were on top of their traffic control, the restaurants served us until they literally ran out of food some nights and the locals wanted to be a part of the energy. Cause honestly, you can't help feeling the vibe when 25,000 young people are wandering the streets with awesome respect, loud voices and God's love showing through their hearts.
I am going to avoid too many details of the trip and let some photos do the talking. But, I do want to say how proud I am of my youth group. Three years ago, the Gathering was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was too old to attend as a participant, but pretty much made the decision, that unless I was physically incapable of attending, I would never miss one of these celebrations ever again. And so, the door was opened for those a little too old to attend as a participant to volunteer as a Young Adult Volunteer, also known as a YAV. My first experience as a YAV was incredible. It was much more liberating to see the Gathering from the inside and have zero restraints on how I wanted to best experience everything that it could offer. I was a on a team of other young adults who did the ushering for the morning bible studies and the Mass Events at night; which are big parties with music, skits, testimonies and extra thrills thrown in that happen each night of the Gathering. We had so many people attend the Gathering that in New Orleans, we were housed in the Super Dome and last week in San Antonio, we were in the Alamodome!I was blessed enough in San Antonio to not only be able to volunteer again, but lead a team of volunteers and usher the Mass Events once again!
On top of these nightly hooplahs, they have on-site servant events, off-site servant events, basketball courts, indoor ziplines, concerts, speakers, university booths, photo booths, internet cafes, obstacle courses, drum circles, volleyball courts, blood drives and so much more to keep all these kids occupied in between nightly parties. And the party doesn't stop there, they have night life activities at certain hotels where participants can keep the party going even after the Mass Events.
To say that this isn't some of these kids best week of their lives is probably an understatement. These Gatherings are a huge reason why I am where I am in my spiritual walk. I probably never would have become a youth leader in the first place.
When we went to New Orleans, We had 4 kids, 2 adults and myself as a volunteer representing our church. Not bad for a congregation with roughly 140 members. However, in three short years, we sent 12 kids, 5 adults and 2 volunteers! Praise God! I was mostly absent from the youth during the week because I was busy with my duties as a volunteer, but when I met up with them after the Gathering conclusion, they asked me to lead the final bible study for the week. When that bible study turned into an absolutely moving testament of the growth of faith, I was floored. My prayer was that these kids would find some piece of God during the week. They were all in different places in their walks and I just wanted them to find a piece. They found a whole pie. Many are now talking about going to the Concordia University system for college. Some are already going to Christian universities this fall.
As I look forward to the move in less than a month, I can't help but thank God for the chance to celebrate with these kids one last time. They have taught me more about my faith than I have probably taught them as their youth leader.
For more photos, please visit www.bonessphoto.com
This year, San Antonio played their part and they played it well. They were awesome, to say the least. The police were on top of their traffic control, the restaurants served us until they literally ran out of food some nights and the locals wanted to be a part of the energy. Cause honestly, you can't help feeling the vibe when 25,000 young people are wandering the streets with awesome respect, loud voices and God's love showing through their hearts.
I am going to avoid too many details of the trip and let some photos do the talking. But, I do want to say how proud I am of my youth group. Three years ago, the Gathering was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was too old to attend as a participant, but pretty much made the decision, that unless I was physically incapable of attending, I would never miss one of these celebrations ever again. And so, the door was opened for those a little too old to attend as a participant to volunteer as a Young Adult Volunteer, also known as a YAV. My first experience as a YAV was incredible. It was much more liberating to see the Gathering from the inside and have zero restraints on how I wanted to best experience everything that it could offer. I was a on a team of other young adults who did the ushering for the morning bible studies and the Mass Events at night; which are big parties with music, skits, testimonies and extra thrills thrown in that happen each night of the Gathering. We had so many people attend the Gathering that in New Orleans, we were housed in the Super Dome and last week in San Antonio, we were in the Alamodome!I was blessed enough in San Antonio to not only be able to volunteer again, but lead a team of volunteers and usher the Mass Events once again!
On top of these nightly hooplahs, they have on-site servant events, off-site servant events, basketball courts, indoor ziplines, concerts, speakers, university booths, photo booths, internet cafes, obstacle courses, drum circles, volleyball courts, blood drives and so much more to keep all these kids occupied in between nightly parties. And the party doesn't stop there, they have night life activities at certain hotels where participants can keep the party going even after the Mass Events.
To say that this isn't some of these kids best week of their lives is probably an understatement. These Gatherings are a huge reason why I am where I am in my spiritual walk. I probably never would have become a youth leader in the first place.
When we went to New Orleans, We had 4 kids, 2 adults and myself as a volunteer representing our church. Not bad for a congregation with roughly 140 members. However, in three short years, we sent 12 kids, 5 adults and 2 volunteers! Praise God! I was mostly absent from the youth during the week because I was busy with my duties as a volunteer, but when I met up with them after the Gathering conclusion, they asked me to lead the final bible study for the week. When that bible study turned into an absolutely moving testament of the growth of faith, I was floored. My prayer was that these kids would find some piece of God during the week. They were all in different places in their walks and I just wanted them to find a piece. They found a whole pie. Many are now talking about going to the Concordia University system for college. Some are already going to Christian universities this fall.
As I look forward to the move in less than a month, I can't help but thank God for the chance to celebrate with these kids one last time. They have taught me more about my faith than I have probably taught them as their youth leader.
For more photos, please visit www.bonessphoto.com
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| My Youth Group, Pre Gathering. |
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| Some of my Team of YAVs at Charlie wants a Burger for dinner. |
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| Looking good in their Sunday best for a special Gathering workers Worship service. |
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| At Lulu's for 3 lb cinnamon rolls! |
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| Writing cards for terminally ill kids. |
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| A little drag never hurt anybody. |
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| All of Team Durango in our place of work. |
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| I can't even photograph all the people in the Alamodome at one time there were so many! |
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| 4th of July fireworks. |
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| Youth Group - Post Gathering. |