Youth leaders, Mark Hustedt of Morning Star, Matthews; Deacon Beka Forst of Holy Comforter, Belmont; Pastor Melody Simpkins of Cross & Crown, Matthews; and Tyler Weller of Christ Providence, Charlotte; returned from the ELCA Youth Gathering with upbeat attitudes and enthusiasm. Joining together to prepare and travel proved to be a success.  While their meticulous preparation did not save them from travel snafus, it did lead to an experience each described in glowing terms. Pastor Melody initiated the group formation months before this year’s large youth event in New Orleans as a means of providing extra support for the young people and the leaders. They met several times as an extended group to study, fellowship, and prepare their hearts and minds for the adventure.

One of the great benefits, they all agreed, was feeling so supported by the other leaders. Mark called the resulting relationship between the leaders “a delightful and unexpected friendship.” Beka added that it can sometimes feel like youth leaders are alone on an island, trying to plan and implement plans with limited collaboration. In addition to having more hands on deck, the leaders simply had more fun with the extended group planning and outings. Apparently, adults like to have friends when they go to youth events too!

The young people embraced the opportunities offered in New Orleans and shined in many different settings. The leaders were all affirmed in witnessing the willing hearts for service that blossomed during the week. One of the Morning Star youth gave an unhoused person they encountered a tote bag they had earned/won earlier in the week; a group from Holy Comforter each gave part of their lunch to someone in need; Cross & Crown youth organized a system of note-taking and sharing from daily speaker sessions. Each group seemed to find ways to thrive and stretch during the week. The leaders described, with great joy, how their young people grew more confident speaking to others and in their desire to take leadership roles as the conference progressed. Youth felt empowered by service projects that made a difference in the community and comforted to be a part of a larger church community.

These leaders and their youth have embraced the gifts of collaborative ministry and will continue growing in their faith together in the coming months. They are planning a lock-in for December and will invite other Charlotte area youth groups to join in the fun. Morning Star and Holy Comforter will take their summer mission trip together in 2025. Pastor Melody, feeling energized by the impact of the last year on the faith of her youth group, said “They are the church today.” This depiction of the church is often overlooked as gloomy headlines point to dwindling numbers in the pews. These young people and their leaders tell a different story, a story of creativity, energy, devotion, faith, and joy. A timely reminder that the message of love that Jesus brought so long ago is still relevant and alive as long as we share it.

Dear ones of the North Carolina Synod, your Mission Support dollars are at work again lifting up the amazing youth of this synod! Thank you, again, for your gracious and faithful giving which allows for the kind of support to youth and youth ministries that is evidenced in this story.