Dear Partners in Mission:

This week over 200 youth and adults from the NT-NL Synod are preparing and departing for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This is the first time in 6 years this event has been able to be held. And it will be different. The vast majority of synods have seen a significant decline in the number of young people registering. As such the event will be about 60% the size of previous gatherings. Thanks to the hard work of our NT-NL youth leaders and the generosity of the Briarwood Legacy Foundation (which has provided over $110,000 in scholarship funding for our youth) we have not seen that dramatic decline in NT-NL. And as we did in 2018 there is a bishop’s group that I am the primary leader for to help ensure any youth that desire can attend. For that I am grateful and look forward to this week.

So now I ask for your prayers. For our youth and leaders as they engage new opportunities to grow in faith through learning and service. That we might be open to new experiences and new people. For safety in travel and good spirits. For patience and wisdom for group leaders. Most of all that the Holy Spirit might work the gift of faith in those participating so that they might return home energized to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their neighbors.

Thank you NT-NL for your support of our young people as we are #Juntosenmision.

Bishop Gronberg