What a weekend in Merkel, TX. So grateful for all the youth and leaders who took the time to come together. Not all of our participants (we have over 325 registered) could attend. But it was an amazing turnout. An even also partially funded by out Mission Endowment Fund. This is what that fund is for, developing and encouraging missional leadership formation. Thank you MEF board for supporting this weekend. In addition, we traveled to Merkel (about 30 miles SW of Abilene) to honor our communities outside the Metroplex, to make travel easier for them, and to enjoy the amazing hospitality of our Methodist friends. We had participants from across NT-NL. From Littlefield to Shreveport, McGregor to Denton, Midland to Flower Mound. It was truly an amazing gathering that represented our geographic diversity.

Butman Methodist camp provided a great location for our time together. Team building was essential, particularly for our “Bishop’s Group” as we came together (in part) for the first time. We did low ropes challenge course work in 30 degree weather, then retreated indoors to do bible study and a climbing wall opportunity (I climbed the climbing wall! Still got it!). Scripture study. Worship. Fellowship defined our time. Some pretty intense games of spoons as well. So grateful for the over 100 participants who took time to be with us. To Janelle Miller (Calvary, Richland Hills) who coordinated the weekend we give deep thanks.

We are preparing. To join 30,000+ ELCA Youth in Houston this summer at #ELCAYG2018. To realize God’s grace, salvation freely given, our identity recieved in baptism, reveals our opportunity to serve and work for justice for our neighbor. To know…#ThisChangesEverything #NTNL#NTNLYouth #InMissionTogether