On the Road Again

We're leaving New Orleans now after a great week of faith and fellowship for a 25 hour bus ride. Woo

Practice Peacemaking

Today was the day where we went to the Convention Center where we saw different examples of ways to Practice Peacemaking in our communities.

Although, tonight, one of the speakers at the Superdome, Shane Claiborne, really struck all of us. He talked about how a radical call to follow Jesus sometimes means breaking bad laws in order to fight for freedom. He also said that we don't earn our salvation through good deeds, we demonstrate it through them. Many of us left with the impression that our feelings about Christianity had been summarized in half an hour

Lutherans Everywhere!

Crowds and waiting in line seem to be the name of the game today.  But our Salem Youth always seem to find their way to the front row..so resourceful!  We are waiting in an auditorium for a worship service to kick off practicr peace making!

Opening Day

After a day of tourism, we headed the Superdome for the opening worship. The national bishop spoke, as well several other speakers. The think that struck me the most, though, was how almost half of the four thousand people on the floor of the dome started the gathering by dancing and running together, as just one big glob of Lutherans. This is going to be an amazing week

Unexpected Compliment

Today, after some rest, we decided to walk around the french quarter, near our hotel. We listened to some street musicians, we checked out some stores, and we scouted out some food. On our way back, this guy, wearing medical scrubs, stopped us and started asking us questions. "Hey, are you guys Lutherans?" "Let me tell you something, last time you were here, I was working at a restaurant, and we got really busy; and you Lutherans, stepped up and started pulling drinks and busing tables. You guys come not to be served  but to serve. You guys are welcome here any time." Then he said "You guys are going to be our best citizens." Then we thanked him, and walked away, with big shoes to fill.

We're Here!

We got into New Orleans around 1:30 this afternoon, and we arrived at our hotel at 3:00. We've been chilling out after our long bus ride, and we're excited to explore later this evening. One thing that we noticed as we were coming into the city is that there are signs on the light posts, all down Canal Street, where our hotel is, welcoming the Youth Gathering. We're going out for dinner tonight, we'll tour the city tomorrow, and then attend the opening worship tomorrow evening. We're all really glad to be here.

Ready to go!!!!!

The Salem Crew is all packed on the bus.  We are on way to New Orleans...after a 24 hour bus ride!