Grand Canyon Synod Youth represent at the ELCA Youth Summit
“Beloved – No Matter What” the theme for the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit at the Carol Joy Holling Camp in Ashland, Nebraska. Three youth from across the Grand Canyon Synod traveled with Pr. Jacqui Pagel to Nebraska to meet up with 100 other youth, young adults, and leaders to practice better ways to communicate God’s love to all in and out of our churches.
We practiced W.H.E.A.T, sung songs, had campfire with s’mores, and took extra care to remind each other that we are BELOVED of God. W.H.E.A.T is a practice of asking intentional questions, so that the asker and the askee can spend high quality time getting to know each other. W.H.E.A.T stands for Where, Hobbies, Experiences, Acquaintances, and Travel. The students all agreed that this was a highlight in their church lives.
Churchwide’s Youth Ministry Peer Ministry Network sponsors this event annually to recognizes the leadership our young people already provide in our church. Please contact Pr. Jacqui if you are a youth or have a youth that would like to represent the Grand Canyon Synod at The Summit, November 2 – 5, 2023, in New Orleans, LA.
“I enjoyed the ELCA Youth Summit because I got to be vulnerable with other young people my age and form deep connections from early on in the experience.”
“This event (the ELCA Youth Summit) has really uplifted and reinforced my faith. It has allowed for me to meet lots of people my age who are passionate about their faith and acceptance of everyone. Acceptance of especially those who are of minority groups. This event has shown me how passionate and willing my generation is to make changes, so we can all know we are beloved of God.. I have met so many great people and hope to be able to share all of what I have learned and experienced with others.”
“Before the Summit I had no idea what to expect. Beginning the Summit, I immediately felt cared for and loved. We were taught that each one of us is beloved by God even if the world tells us otherwise. At the Summit I had a chance to rest form the day to day and take time to have deep conversations. Through the summit I made many new friends that I will miss dearly. I had the chance to connect and help many people my age that just needed a friend to talk.”