We're Home!

From Pastor Jon

3:00 AM on Monday Morning, July 27 we pulled into CB/NB. The trip home went very well. Every plane was on time, every connection went well.

Our trip was a great success. Not only did we complete our mission in New Orleans to bring the presence of Jesus Christ as we gathered, but we grew together as a group. As one of the group leaders, I saw us mature as the week went on. I was especially excited to see how well our Intern, Katie Pals, fit in with both the youth and adults. I can't wait for you to meet her.

On Saturday Evening at the last Dome event, we had a special guest. Mayor Ray Nagin came and addressed the gathering. He talked about a time when Maya Angelou came to New Orleans and spoke about rainbows. She said something like, "The best time to see rainbows is the time between the day and the night, more at dusk." Mayor Nagin said, in the midst of the darkness our city has faced, he saw a rainbow in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. He saw it in the form of all the colored T-shirts the youth wore throughout the city. He also told our Presiding Bishop, Mark Hanson, that this Dome (the Superdome) represents a lot of pain since Katrina. But with all of us there, it was transformed into life and hope once again. He thanked us for all our service work.

Bishop Hanson, also read a letter from President Obama to be read to the gathering thanking us for our service.

The whole trip was a big step for the people of Gloria Dei. I can't wait to share our experiences and reflections in our Stockholder's meeting. A date and time will be coming soon.

Thanks for your generosity and prayers.

Jon