‘Created to Be Authentic’: A Day of Unity and Discovery at the ELCA Youth Gathering

Scenes from a Street Car: Created to be Authentic

Wednesday, July 17 – Created to Be Authentic

Today, the spirit of authenticity radiated through the streets of New Orleans as colorful ELCA youth and their adult leaders energetically spread throughout the city. 

Regions 1 and 3 gathered for Synod Day, marked by an exhilarating scavenger hunt where participants explored the rich history and culture of the city while bonding through the GooseChase Hunt. Missions ranged from reflective moments at the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial to vibrant photo ops with city murals. Lagniappe Stations were sprinkled around the city, embodying the Cajun term for “a little something extra.” These bonus spots provided congregations a place of respite where they could even try on Mardi Gras costumes and take in great storytellers and New Orleans jazz. Bishop Eaton eagerly joined in on the GooseChase, too, bringing energy to the missions and sharing conversations with students over beignets about what it means to be a Bishop while experiencing New Orleans together.

A couple of youth participants from Faith Lutheran in Waconia, MN, shared, “The scavenger hunt was super cool and showed us something new. It encourages you to see things you wouldn’t do by yourself.” Local interviews were among the students’ favorite missions. One group learned about a powerful story of surviving Hurricane Katrina, while another heard about the 1984 World Fair. A group from Renton, WA, interviewed a local jeweler. David, a youth participant, shared, “Yesterday, we visited the first and only Voodoo Museum in the United States.. Today, during the GooseChase, we visited a jewelry store and were shown a voodoo stone that changes colors in different lighting. We’re very happy that one of the missions led us to this store!”

During Region 3’s worship with the six synods of Minnesota, Bishop Regina Hassanally of the Southeast Minnesota Synod inspired the crowd, saying, “The forces of fear do not dictate our actions; the promises of God do. You have been created to be brave and authentic.” This theme was woven into every part of the day, reminding everyone of their unique value and purpose. Pastor Sawyer Vanden Heuvel reflected that after such a long time of not being together in one space, it was enjoyable being with the three synods of North and South Dakota all in one place. “It felt like a big reunion. We were created to be together.” Unable to attend due to illness, Bishop Shelly Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod sent participants of the five synods of Region 1 this blessing: “May all of you remember how beloved and amazing you are and that God has created you to be.”

Director of Synod Day, Dannica Olsen shared, “Our hope for Synod Day this cycle was that congregations would have equal opportunity to explore the city, learn about its history and culture while having fun in this incredible place! Synod worship became region worship, and we’re thrilled with the change. The energy and excitement for larger gatherings have been so fun to experience, and GooseChase hunts got participants into the city and interacting with the richness of New Orleans.”

As evening fell, we gathered at the Smoothie King Center for the Mass Gathering, experiencing our first storm in New Orleans. The atmosphere was charged with energy as students filled the arena, excited to be back with our newest friends. Worship opened in prayer to the One who reminds us that we are whole and wHoly as we are.

Today’s theme, “Created to be Authentic,” was woven throughout the music and speakers’ messages. Andrew, a recent high school graduate, shared the story of Hagar, reminding us that “God sees you.” Rebekah, one of the emcees, spoke about LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the intersection of faith and identity, emphasizing that authenticity means embracing and being seen as our true selves.

Pastor Emily Harkins shared the poignant story of “The Mayor,” highlighting the importance of identity and being seen. “To be named is to be loved. And to be loved is to be seen,” she declared. “And to be seen is to know that the full you—the shiny you, the messy you, the confused you, the strong you, the awkward you, the everything you—is so deeply and wildly loved. Is so deeply and wildly enough.”

Speaker Jacqueline Bussy shared that we all know sometimes this world tells us we are worthless, less-than, and not enough. “The next time the haters hate, God wants you to remember you are a flipping miracle anyways.”

As we continue this journey, let’s remember the words of Pastor Emily: “See and love God’s people for who they are. See and love yourself for who God created you to be. Bent and beautiful.” 

My friends, go out and be authentically and beautifully you!