July 21-23 our NT-NL Synod, ELCA Conferencia Latina NT-NL ELCA held a youth gathering at Briarwood Leadership Center. This was in partnership with ELCA leaders as a replacement for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Experience (MYLE) that typically happens in coordination with the ELCA Youth Gathering. This event, named MYJ2, was a hybrid gathering with communities across the country connecting via zoom for education, worship, and most importantly, centering the experience and voices of our youth of color.
I am so deeply grateful for our leaders who ensured this experience happened for our youth. Particularly Lupita Escamilla (San Gabriel, Alvarado), the Rev. Moises Carasquillo (First Sagrada, Garland and Santa Maria, Irving), and Anna Thompson from Briarwood.
Particular thanks goes to the Rev. Rachel Ringlaben (Emanuel, Dallas) who was the lead on pulling the event together. This is a great example of pastors and leaders not waiting for “the synod” or Briarwood to do something but instead taking the lead and making an event happen together for the young people in our midst. An amazing example of being #EnMisionJuntos.
It was wonderful to spend time with these youth this week and to hear their stories and share in their learning. Once again #NTNL being a leader in prioritizing our youth and particularly those in our Conferencia Latina. #InMissionTogether