What a wonderful success!
Grow Ministries invited participants from across the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand to be involved in sharing their voice on issues that our church is facing prior to the 2018 National Convention of Synod.
On April 12-15 2018, 27 participants descended into Adelaide and headed to Australian Lutheran College to attend NYF18. The weekend has been deemed as a huge success. NYF18 was supported by the team from Grow Ministries, staff of ALC and the LCA, Lutherans for Life and participants of the 2017 Grow Leadership Program.
Here is a small snapshot of the weekend….
HAS THIS WEEKEND INSPIRED YOU TO SUPPORT YOUR OWN CONGREGATION?
YES 79.17% | NO 0% | NOT SURE 20.83%
Some thoughts about congregational life….
“To respect different viewpoints and remember the essentials.” Tom
“To be more willing to engage with other congregational members abut theology and the history of the Church. NYF was also a good reminder about the importance of intergenerational discussion and relationships.” Chloe
“I’d come into the weekend feeling quite disappointed by my congregation’s support of young adults – now I’m really encouraged to help change that.” Lachlan
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE YOUTH FORUM?
“The feeling of not being alone as a Christian, there are many young people out there also a part of the Lutheran Church.” Meg
“The sense of community made by the participants and mentors.” Matthew
“Getting to know other Lutherans my age and learning about the Lutheran Church.” Zac
“Time talking about and learning about contentious issues that we probably don’t talk about enough. The relevance and applicability to everyday life also.” Chloe
“Hearing from Pastors who know their stuff.” Tom
Participants and Mentors (left to right)
VIC
Jacob Koehler, Megan Loffler, Stephanie Hughes, Hayley Simmons, Chloe Maroske, Maya Kraj-krajewski (mentor)
SA/NT
Eric Marschall, Josephine Matthias, Elsa Matthias (mentor), Matthew Konrad, Tom Krahling, Katrina Rohrlach (mentor), Daniel Kitson, Noah Hahn, Joel Grieger (mentor), Arianna Baldieri (NT), Bethany Pietsch
QLD
Ashleigh Schultz, Harry Altmann, Zac Roche, Jacinta Klinge
NSW
Lachlan Reichstein, Eva Reichstein, Mercedes Schwedes, Megan Parsell
NZ
Brittany Whitfield
WA
Erin Geurds-Cook, Benjamin Belke, Matt Schubert (mentor), Sarah Baumann, Manuela Scharlach (mentor), Oliver Swift (mentor), Tom Schubert
FURTHER REFLECTIONS…
“Thank you for the opportunity to meet young adults from all across Australia and beyond. People who are facing the same issues and are passionate about finding solutions is incredibly inspiring and encouraging. Thanks to this event and the people here I have faith that the future of our church is a bright one.”
“People who think the church/youth is dead or dying don’t know what they are talking about!” Eric
“I am inspired by the passions of the young people to see our church remain for generations to come.” Emma
“It’s amazingly inspiring to be with like-minded, passionate young people. NYF18 points to an exciting future for our church.” Hayley
“One of the best weekends ever! Awesome mentors, leaders and other participants that I will definitely keep in contact with.”
“I’m excited to see where God takes these young people and how they will continue to serve him. Good reminders about what it means to be a Lutheran.”
“Really encouraged me to make the changes I want to see both personally and in my community.”
NYF18 was made possible by the generous support of the 50.500 faith.freedom.future initiative for this synodical period to celebrate, to commemorate, and to focus on the church that God is building.
