The ELCA Youth Gathering showed Rex Jones (member of Calvary, Morganton and LYO Board Member) just how far God’s love can reach. After experiencing the 2024 Gathering in New Orleans, Rex came home with a bigger vision of what it means to serve his neighbors—and he’s looking forward to bringing that vision to the 2027 Gathering in Minnesota.

Here’s Rex’s story:
One thing we love to do in our youth is we love to help out our community. Whether it’s setting up homeless shelters or cleaning our parks, we love to be a part of it all. A couple of years ago, we went to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans for the very first time. Not only were we blown away by the experience of New Orleans itself, from its culture to the food, but we were amazed at just how far God’s love can truly show. While we were used to our normal small-town assistance, we were able to see workings and community service go citywide. That is why I cannot wait to be a part of the 2027 community life for our Minnesota Youth Gathering, where we can hopefully inspire and motivate youth groups like us to do more in their own communities. Thank you.

Watch the YouTube short here!(opens in new tab)

The North Carolina Synod leadership want every NC Synod youth who wants to attend the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering to have that opportunity. That’s why we’re raising $200,000 to cover registration for every NC Synod youth who wants to attend.

Your support will help remove financial barriers and give more young people the opportunity to experience the wider church, see God’s love at work in new ways, and bring that experience home to their own communities.

Give today.