FROM THE BISHOP

Our evening Gatherings for the ELCA Youth Event in New Orleans are tremendous. You might enjoy last nights session at http://www.elca.org/ELCA/Youth-Gathering/Multimedia/Gathering-TV.aspx. You have to go to the "video library" below the picture and pick the "Friday" option. I suggest you start at 2hr 14 minutes if you want to skip a bunch of opening music (and some other good stuff.) But from 2:14 on you'll hear from two amazing women and hear the most beautiful rendition of "Jesus Love Me" that you'll event hear.

 

 

Today, Saturday, was "Practicing Peace" day for 1/3 of the Gathering, including Oregon. I somehow got on a different rotation our Oregon folk, but it was a fun day. The New Orleans Convension Center (as well as the Super Dome) is sort of taken over by Lutherans for this event. Inside the convention center today were all sorts of Peace making activities and displays.

 

I carried water to help raise awareness and money for wells in Africa.

 

 

 

Some people gave blood or their hair for those in need.

 

 

 

We learned about wet land restoration.

 

 

 

Dealing with disabilities.

 

 

 

And some did prayer or art crafts. 

 

 

 

Another great day for us all!

 

Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke