This summer, youth groups around the country spent time in service to others. What did you do this summer, whether in a group or on your own, that improved the lives of others? How did it affect you? How did it affect others? What lasting changes do you think the experience made in your life?
Our high school youth traveled to the Eastern Shore of Va. in July. We painted three homes and worked with children of migrant farm workers. It was an unforgettable experience. We saw and experienced God's love in so many ways. It was our first mission trip at AP, but certainly there will be many more to follow!
Posted by: Corlyn Nedwick (Fort Salonga , NY, NY) 9/6/2004 9:06:16 PM
Congregation: Abiding Presence Lutheran
Why is it that we feel the need to tell people what we did for others? Didn't God say to do things secretivly and HE would give us reward? We shouldn't brag about how we help others.
Posted by: Carylon Robinson 9/24/2004 7:16:41 PM
Sure... But if we are actively serving God, we are not serving secretively. We serve others publically, as we have been comanded... To share our experiences with others in similar situations is not bragging. We can learn a lot about different ways to serve, from helping homeless find shelter, to feeding the hungary, to helping a "seeker" find truth, or piece of it. This is not a time to brag, it is a time to connect, which is precisely, if you want to get real technical, why we gather in worship as a community on a regular basis.
Posted by: Ryan Holden 9/29/2004 1:28:06 PM
Just a note: This page is really hard to read, esp. the orange lettering. thanks.
Posted by: LeAnne 10/5/2004 1:12:05 PM
I was wondering why is it that we have to convert people. I mean, when I help others, my intention is to literally help them and assist them in getting out of trouble. But if the only reason why you help someone is to convert them, then I think that the intention in this case is not pure. Anyways, I think that God will judge us according to our intentions, not according to how many people we converted. This is because everyone has their own path that they follow to reach God and by converting people, we are telling them that their path is wrong and that they will go hell. I think that this is the wrong attitude.
Posted by: anonymous (Mississauga, ON) 12/11/2004 8:15:10 PM
"Why is that we have to convert people?" If "we" do not, who will?! Remember when they brought the man to Jesus and he said, "your sins are forgiven" before "take up your bed and walk." There is no mention of the man getting up and walking before he was told "get up and walk." Thus, Jesus was saying that it is just as important for one to have spiritual healing as physical healing. What does it matter if one is poor if they end up in Hell? Instead we should focus on both, healing the body and mind, and presenting them with the spiritual physician.
Posted by: Clayton Orr 12/11/2004 8:37:32 PM
I feel it is important to have this discussion and to examine our actions and motives in service closely. I am however disturbed by the question "What does it matter if one is poor if they end up in Hell?" Clayton, although I don't doubt your concern for this person. I think it is dangerous territority to weigh physical needs against spiritual needs. I agree that we should care for body,mind, and spirit. However, the fact we are in a position to be caring for a person physically when they are in need puts us in a position of priveledge and power. How are we seeing Christ in others if our thoughts and actions don't work against poverty and other preventable sufferings of "the least of thees"?
Posted by: _*_ 12/21/2004 3:39:56 PM
A very wise person once shared this with me and it made such a difference in my life, I will pass it on... It is not our "job" to "convert" people.Our "job" according to the great commission that Jesus left us with, is to spread the word to all nations. Sharing the good news with others is a Christians primary purpose in life -- not "converting" them. It is God, through the Holy Spirit, that touches a person's heart. Not me. Not you. Not the best evangelical preacher in the world. God does it. Wow! doesn't it feel great to have that pressure taken off? We are not responsible for other people's souls! We are only responsible for our own actions, thoughts and deeds. And, if we share the Good News of Jesus (and part of that sharing is to reach out and care for others. "Lord, when did we see you hungry and thirsty..." etc.) The holy spirit will work through us to reach others. But we should never feel that "converting" is the reason for helping others. We love others because He first loved us!
Posted by: ? 12/30/2004 2:46:01 PM
Have any of you ever been in a relationship with a person who belongs to a more fundamental church (say Pentacostal/Assemblies of God)? If so, then you might know why I'm posting this message. Things are so difficult sometimes! We never seem to resolve much about our different Christian backgrounds. These are two VERY different denominations, and I just need advice from anyone who can offer it. God bless you all.
Posted by: Lindsay (Indianapolis, IN) 2/20/2005 8:43:58 PM
Congregation: Faith Lutheran Church
Just a question, anyone know how to get on the executive board of the ELCA youth? I am feeling called that way in my faith as of currently, but I don't know what to do to get that far. Any advice would be great!
Posted by: Becca 3/7/2005 6:38:34 PM
Congregation: St.Paul's Lutheran Church
GOD ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mike (tinley park, il) 5/14/2005 5:49:42 PM
Congregation: zion lutheran church
I encourage everyone to become better educated in the ELCA churchwide organization by attending your local WordAlone gatherings. For more info., visit www.wordalone.org. God bless and keep you!
Posted by: Jeremy 6/21/2005 4:26:20 PM
Help of my study superior in Canada,Danish Swedish Germany or USA
Posted by: KAMARA-NEREE Clotaire 7/1/2005 6:48:56 AM
Congregation: St-Timothy parish
In response to Lindsay's comment from Indianapolis, IN I understand your struggle being in a relationship with someone who is pentacostal. I grew up in a pentacostal church and the mindset that they teach you is that there is one way to Christ and one way to live. The problem that a lot of Petacostal kids have is identifying with different denominations that are different. I remember befoe I switched to being a Lutheran I didn't think that other denominations were as "Christian" becasue I didn't see them acting on thier faith as much as my pentacostal friends. But one thing I have learned since switching is that the heart of a Christian is what matters, not how they express themselves. Talk with your friend and explain to him that you share all of the same beliefs, and that your love for Christ is within your heart and that is what really matters. I hope that is of help to you Lindsay.
Posted by: Rachael (St. Paul, MN) 7/20/2005 11:23:16 AM
Some people dont need to be converted. they will do it on their own "you can bring the horse to water, but you cant make him drink". And if you do make"him drink" you might by accident "drown" him. Let people be! If God judged people on how many they converted then how would a deaf person get to heaven? how would a mute person get to heaven? HOW would someone disabled, mentally ill or incapacitated, get to heaven? Here is my finally thought to everyone: If there was no wind, or bees or any creature, would not the flowers still grow?
Posted by: m 7/22/2005 2:30:34 PM
*Remember this... If you do not tell a person of God's grace when you are given a chance to, you may be that persons last chance. So don't expect someone else to do God's work, Do It Yourself.*
Posted by: *Julie* (Columbia, MD) 8/15/2005 8:57:42 PM
Congregation: New Hope Lutheran
I think we are all missing the point here. I don't think anyone of us should try to convert anyone else but, live as good examples of God's grace. You will reach more people doing this.
Posted by: Matt (Stevens Point, WI) 10/17/2005 10:03:44 PM
What happened to the original question of what service projects were done by youth & how that affected their life and others?
Posted by: sc (Greensburg, IN) 11/5/2005 6:31:42 PM
Congregation: St. Paul
Becca, In response to more information about the Execuative Board of ELCA youth. I suggest talking to your own pastor/youth director to start with. Then see if the synod you are in has a youth ministries coordinator. That person might have more information or be able to direct you. I also found some information about the Lutheran Youth Organization, I'm not sure if that is what you were thinking of or not, but they are accepting applications in January 2006 http://www.elca.org/lyo//index.html . Hopefully you have already found what you were looking for.
Posted by: Shannon (Slingerf, WI) 11/7/2005 1:15:54 PM
Congregation: St Luke
People from my church and I helped build a garden for the mental and autistic children. We spent the day with them and had fun being together. The children we so happy and had smiles on their faces. That made me so happy to see these children smile with joy.
Posted by: Jamie 11/13/2005 2:01:11 PM
Congregation: St Paul Lutheran
Two summers ago, my youth group went on a tour of the south performing our services of mime and celebration. We dress up as clowns and lead a worship service. We went to nine churches in 14 days, as far south as Atlanta, Georgia. We did other services along the way including helping out in a shelter/soup kitchen, and doing a fund raising service for a young girl who came to the USA from Vietnam for surgery. It was the most rewarding trip I've been on, and a group of the seniors plan on going back down to one of the churches this upcoming summer before college starts. Check out the King's Clown Troupe at www.poplutheran.org.
Posted by: Katie (Clifton Park, NY) 11/29/2005 11:50:26 AM
Congregation: Prince of Peace, CP
