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Sept. 22-29: Discuss the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering: "Jesus, Justice, Jazz," with Heidi Hagstrom, director. Join the discussion...

Reflection: A minga

Marc Kielburger, founder of “Free the Children,” talked about the concept of a minga, a word he learned in Ecuador which describes work that is done for the collective good. This work is always done without question. When minga is exclaimed, people stop what they are doing and respond to the call.
There isn’t a word for minga in English, and it made me wonder whether we honor a thing like minga in our society. We’re always talking about doing things for the common good, but is the common good always the right thing to do for the entire group? I think the youth of the gathering are willing to fight for the collective good, for minga and for justice.

Kirsten Petersen

Shaped by 'Jesus, Justice, Jazz'

Youth are told: 'In God's eyes, you count'

Thirty-six thousand Lutheran teenagers and youth leaders from across the country came together for five days of faith, service and fun during the ELCA Youth Gathering , July 22-26 in New Orleans. Under the theme “Jesus, Justice, Jazz,” participants spent three days doing Bible study, service projects and more.

A 100-foot cross was central to the “Jesus, Justice, Jazz ‘09” backdrop at the New Orleans Superdome during the ELCA National Youth Gathering, July 22-26.

On the “Jesus,” or learning day, youth attended workshops, experienced self-guided or Learning Center activities, and participated in informal learning and reflection sessions. During the learning experiences, youth focused on varied perceptions of church, spirituality and Bible study.

A “Justice” day, called “ServantLife,” provided service projects in and around New Orleans. Youth groups chose from areas of interest before the gathering: health and wellness, the environment, art and culture, housing, wealth and poverty, and literacy.

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