The youth of the ELCSL have been busy meeting and celebrating in recent weeks, and I have joined them for some of their gatherings. As usual, youthful energy and enthusiasm overflowed.
Youth meeting at River #2. I believe the young man in the hammock has the best seat in the house.
Late in October, the northwestern Lutheran Youth Organization met for their biennial convention in the scenic setting of River #2. Youth from the churches in the Freetown area gathered for this event. I led the Saturday afternoon bible study on the theme for the weekend, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind… and your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22:37-39) Pastor Levi-John gave the keynote address and spent the weekend with the youth as pastoral advisor. The youth worshiped at Lord of the White Sands Lutheran Church with Pastor Yasim Turay on Sunday morning.
During my bible study, I assigned small groups the discussion questions: How do you know someone is a Christian? (What does a Christian look like?)
At the end of October the youth of St. Mark’s held their annual thanksgiving weekend. They organized a bible quiz competition on Saturday afternoon with teams from other churches, and I served as quiz master as I have on numerous previous occasions. This year’s quiz was based on the gospel of Mark. A musical competition followed later that evening. On Sunday, the youth led worship at St. Mark’s, complete with musical contributions from other churches and the naming of a “career of the year.” Accountants bested the medical field in this competition, winning the designation by collecting the most money from supporters with the very familiar envelope system (familiar anyway to anyone who has ever lived here).
Samuel Davies preached at the St. Mark's youth thanksgiving. He is the president of the LYO there. He gave a very fine sermon for Reformation Sunday, calling on people to stand for truth in the face of corruption today.
For the past week, youth choirs from Freetown, Njala, and Bo have been learning the Krio liturgy, in preparation for the ELCSL General Assembly which starts tomorrow. Representatives from all 23 congregations of the ELCSL will be meeting in Bo through Sunday, and I will be leading the bible study for three days on the theme “Let us rise up and build!” (Nehemiah 2:18) As the Assembly meets, I am particularly looking forward to hearing the church members join voices in singing for the first time the newly composed music for Lutheran worship in Krio.
I love the theme for your bible study! Hearing worship in Krio will be a treat.
How I wish I could be there to hear this new liturgy setting. Please let the youth and all my brothers and sisters there know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you gather. I look forward to hearing all about it soon. Peace & blessings+ Pastor Deb
Congratulations on the success of the Krio Lutheran Service. I understand many were impressed. many Blessings on your good work!