Fourteen youth and three adults from Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills participated in "We Believe," the 11th triennial National LCMS Youth Gather-ing (NYG), July 17-21, in New Orleans. This is The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod's single largest event, bringing together young people between the ages of 14-20 to spend time in worship, learning and service. This year, 25,000 young people, chaperones, volunteers, guests, and staff participated.
The NYG benefited the economy of the city of New Orleans greatly, but was even more special because the attendees roll up their sleeves to participate in over 100 service projects, connecting directly with members of the community and its unique culture. Projects benefited local churches, schools, parks, cemeteries, summer camp programs, other service organizations, and individual homeowners. The servant events includes such things as cleaning, grounds mainte-nance, home repairs, paint-ing, and assisting at day camps and with neighborhood outreach programs.
In addition a portion of the special gathering offering collected by NYG participants will benefit New Orleans. The first $50,000 from the offering will be designated for local community support and renewal and the next $50,000 will fund a new national LCMS grant program to help youth groups reach unchurched youth. Any additional funds from the offering will benefit a local mission project and various youth and young adult ministry projects. In addition to financial contributions, NYG participants collected and contributed thousands of items that will be donated to local residents and organizations.
