Several Trinity youth and two chaperones attended the "2006 ELCA Youth Gathering" in San Antonio, Texas in July 2006. The joy, awe and inspiration of this experience is apparent in their words and in the photographs they brought back.
Date of convention: July 12-16, 2006
Theme: Cruzando: Journey with Jesus
Why this convention?--"This Gathering is about young people risking being a certain way in the word together. It is about following Jesus' lead and crossing boundaries that keep us alienated from each other and from God. It is about our need for each other and for God. It is about the dynamic of faith which is life lived in the tension of God's ways colliding with the ways of the world."
Focus of convention: border issues and how, as Christians, we're supposed to help. The issues were geared toward getting youth back on track. The reason third world countries (especially Latin America) was focused on was because of the dire situation that is being vastly ignored by the U.S. and by Christians. An excellent point made during the conference was the issue of homosexuality is mentioned 5 times in the bible; poverty is mentioned over 3,000 times. Clearly, we are being told to get out into the world and make a difference.
Our shirts: Our shirts were designed by a member in our congregation. The symbol reminds us to put all our trust in God.
Attendants: Adults: Dave Schulz,
Dolores Lynch
Adult/youth: Jessica Cook
Youth: Miriama Abu, Abenego Fayah, Bonner Golo, Weedor Golo, Zaza Golo, Danny Schulz, and Mali Schulz
Quotes:
Danny--In our San Antonio youth adventure, I liked all the wonderful speakers the most. The "Christians are like wildebeests" was the greatest one. The message was that Christians, like wildebeests, always know where they are going and follow God.
Mali--I loved going to the seminars. I especially liked learning about Christian symbolism in the movies. 2) They had great music everyday. The house band was so amazing that I got their CD.
Zaza--The greatest way to spend your summer: in another place with new people, games, and friends. No one can deny they had the best time of their life. 2) The music was great. I loved the ones at the dome and the one at the fiesta, which was a blast.
Abenego--The best fun I have ever had in my life! I wish it were every year and any age. It was also my first experience out of Arizona. 2)I was so excited to meet the Lost and Found band.
Bonner--I really loved the speaker and our Bible Study teacher, Pastor Steve Bond. He gave a great and easy explanation of the bible. This was truly a life time experience. 2)I really loved the singers and the songs. There were singers from almost all forms of music, from classic to hip hop. It was great, fun, and unbelievable.
Weedor--I really enjoyed the youth trip conference. It was a wonderful experience. I loved its serene environment, which made me focused. I would love to go back once again.
Mariama--I liked the preaching and the singing. Hanging on the zip line and doing the group activities were very good. The Hotel Life was awesome. I liked the way Steve Bond made people laugh. He preached well.
Jessica--What makes this convention unforgettable was that there is always something exciting to do. The people that host it really know their audience. During the convention the day begins at 8:00 am with hotel activities before going to the dome for an hour and a half Bible study session. The afternoons are spent doing community service, arts and crafts, sports, speaking to Christian nonprofits and other businesses, flying from the ceiling, developing teamwork through problem solving games, going to concerts, and learning about special topics (ex: Christian themes in popular Hollywood movies, Mary in Scripture and Prayer, "Pray, Move, Breathe"). Then it’s back to the Alamodome for evening worship. Afterward there are more activities at hotels. These go until 12:00 p.m. and range from concerts and dance halls to prayer rooms and labyrinths. And it all starts over the next day!
Trinity sign at 7th Ave and Hatcher.
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