Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Pre-Gathering Participant Personal Reflections

Sarah Woolley
     Hello fellow church members, I’m Sarah Woolley, a senior at Voyager Academy High School. This summer I am planning to attend the National Youth Gathering in Detroit where Lutheran youth from across the country will join with the community of Detroit to complete an array of service projects.  There, I am sure to experience and learn many new things. I will connect and worship with about 35,000 other youth and make lifelong friends and memories. Through music and worship, we will uplift our spirits and bring out the best in one another and I know that I will come to know God in a deeper and more meaningful way. I am looking forward to sharing my time and gifts with those in Detroit and hope to enrich their lives as much as they will enrich mine.  I intend to make the most of this amazing opportunity, so thank you for supporting me as I take this next step in my journey of faith.

Erin Timmins
     I'm Erin Timmins, and I'm currently in the eighth grade at McDougle Middle School. I'm ecstatic to be attending the National Youth Gathering this summer! It's going to be so inspirational and I can't wait to spend time with other Lutheran youths from around the country; the memories we make will be priceless. This opportunity would not be possible without you, it's great to have your support! I can't wait for this trip, it's going to be extraordinary!

Ryan Pusak
     Greetings fellow Lutherans. My name is Ryan Pusak and I am currently a 9th grader attending Southern School of Energy and Sustainability. As you may know, the youth group is going to Detroit this summer for the National Youth Gathering. Except for that week, I will be spending my summer working at Camp Ottari, a Boy Scout camp in VA, meeting people from all over the country. With your support, I will get to meet people from all across not only the country, but the whole world! I cannot even begin to imagine how inspirational this experience will be...sharing Lutheran fellowship with over 30,000 youth! These memories will last me a lifetime. Thank you for making this opportunity possible. I can't wait for summer!

Greta Timmins
      I'm Greta Timmins, and I'm currently an eighth grader at McDougle Middle School, which is in Chapel Hill. I'm thrilled to be attending the National Youth Gathering in Detroit this summer! I'm excited to get to be part of what will be a great experience, and I'm really looking forward to getting to spend time with other Lutherans my age, and hear some amazing speakers. Of course, we can't go without help, and it's great to know we have the congregation behind us. This will be great!

William Timmins
      On the eve of our trip to Detroit, I am forced to consider our purpose here and why it is so important to our journey of faith to do this.  Well this past week at camp I learned about both believing in God and following God, and that is just what this trip is.  Not only showing, but magnifying our faith as well.  Not only can doing acts of love and compassion serve God, but they can help everyone, which is great.  So, in conclusion, I am really looking forward to going on this trip to Detroit and I am very thankful for this opportunity, which you have given me.

Chris Stoen
     Generally speaking it would make more sense to hear from the kids that will be attending the 2015 National Youth Gathering in Detroit, MI ... But "big kids" need a chance to share, too!
     I was never in a position when I was growing up to be able to attend an annual gathering, however there is a special place in my heart for it.  Back in the early 1970's, my mom (from NC) met my dad (from WI) in Houston, TX.  Needless to say, they hit it off pretty well and over the next couple of years, a relationship evolved into marriage and the rest is history.
     This event brings together young people (and old) from many parts of the country to do God's work and to hear his message. I can't wait to be a part of such a wonderful event in a city that I spent 13-years of my childhood.

     Please pray for a support our group as we embark on this wonderful journey together.  Thank you.

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