WAPO, Amery, WI

I crossed the border into Packer country for my next camp visit to Lake Wapogasset (WAPO) in Amery, Wisconsin.

I arrived on a Wednesday and was able to introduce myself to the staff during their scheduled staff meetings, one late and one early. I led devotions for the service (non-counseling) staff at 10 PM that night. Thursday at 8 AM I met with the leadership and counseling staff, a wonderful group of young adults.

Throughout my time at the camp I had numerous conversations with individuals inquiring about seminary study. In talking with these young adults, it is fascinating to hear the many and various vocations they feel called to as they discern where the Spirit is leading. They are such gifted and talented individuals and can use those talents in such a variety of ways to the glory of God. They will be a blessing to whomever, wherever and however they serve.

Besides meeting with staff members regarding seminary study I had a chance to participate in other camp activities as well (see photos). For example, one afternoon I helped supervise the Slip and Slide, a big hit with the campers. I was able to watch the staff "talent" show and the annual passion play, enacted by the staff.

My visit concluded, as do most camping weeks for staff, with worship lead by director Loren Teig and supper. Loren decided that this day's service would take place mostly in the lake; not a bad choice for an almost 100-degree day (see photos). Each portion of the liturgy somehow incorporated the water or the surroundings of the lakeshore. I was asked to preside at and serve communion; always a joy. My time at WAPO could not have ended more perfectly.



My thanks to Loren, the leadership, service and counseling staff for welcoming me. God's blessings on your continued ministry there and wherever the Spirit leads you next.

YG week two

The second week of the ELCA Youth Gathering has begun and there are Lutheran youth and adults everywhere in downtown San Antonio.

My day today was spent in the Interaction Center--a large open space in the Henry B. Gonzalez convention center where Gathering participants can learn about ministries of the ELCA and do so in an interactive way. The seminaries have an interactive display where participants can take photos of themselves as future leaders in the church. So my colleagues from the other seven seminaries (see photo, left) and I spent the day taking pictures of groups and individuals in our display. Take a look at the photos below for a glimpse of the future leaders of the church:

LYO--Lutheran Youth Organization

Greetings again from San Antonio!

The festivities of the ELCA Youth Gathering continue and we'll be here until July 16th. As you may know the Gathering takes place over a two-week period, with two identical events back to back. Last week, July 5-9, was the first & this week, July 12-16, is the second. During the days in between the LYO--Lutheran Youth Oranization has its convention.

The LYO (www.elca.org/lyo) is comprised of elected youth from each of the 65 synods of the ELCA. They are the voice of the youth for our church. During their convention over these past few days they have been busy conducting business, participating in workshops, and having fun. Each day concludes with a mini-concert and snacks before heading off for devotions and a good night's sleep.

The ELCA colleges and seminaries have been invited to be around in the snack area as resourses for youth interested in study at our institutions. For myself and my colleagues at the other seven seminaries this has been a great time for educating the youth about where the seminaries are located and what they have to offer.

Greetings from the ELCA Youth Gathering!

I can't believe another ELCA Youth Gathering is in full swing. They occur every three years in the heat of the summer. This year the event is being held in San Antonio, Texas and it is HOT!!! The theme is Cruzando - Journey with Jesus (www.elca.org/gathering). The event draws over 40,000 youth and adults over a two week period of time. AMAZING!

Ron Olson, director of admissions at Luther, myself and our colleagues from the other seven seminaries are here participating in a variety of things, all of which involve reaching out to those who are attending the Gathering and letting them know about their seminaries and what they have to offer.



One of the main things we participate in is the Interactive Center, a HUGE (think football fields of space) open area of the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio (see photo). Here, participants learn all kinds of things about the ELCA and do so in an interactive fashion. There is nothing like the energy of a teenager.



The Seminaries of the ELCA have a display and it's a hit. Participants get to see themselves in all kinds of possible leadership positions in the church. The most interactive being a pastor and youth director (see photos). It has been fun watching everyone try on these roles, and who knows what the Holy Spirit has in mind--pretend today, reality tomorrow.

If you have never attended a Gathering you are missing a powerful event. Imagine thousands of youth and adults gathered in Jesus' name to worship, learn, serve and live in fellowship as brothers and sisters in faith. You truly get to witness the kingdom of God on earth and the Church at its best.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, June 28-30

My travels to various Bible camps continue as the summer progresses. By now staff training is complete and camps are running full steam ahead, which makes meeting with counselors a bit more tricky, but in some ways a lot more fun.

My latest stops were two camps operated by Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Green Lake Bible Camp and Shores of St. Andrew (both near Willmar, MN).

While camp is in progress, my visits usually begin by introducing myself to the staff either over a meal or during a daily staff meeting. During that time I let them know that I will be around as a resource for the next couple of days, and if anyone is thinking about seminary study, come and talk to me. I also let them know that the church needs good leaders, and they should give serious consideration to leadership in the church, especially if someone has said to them "You know, I think you have the talents, skills, abilities to be a youth minister/pastor/church musician/etc." At this statement I usually see a few heads nodding. After that, since the counselors are busy doing their summer jobs, I hang out with them while they work. This is the fun part. (See photo of me dressed to play “bonkers” with some of the Green Lake staff--a "must game" each week of camp).

During a lull in a game, around the supper table, on the waterfront, on the basketball court, in the craft cabin, or during a counselor’s one-hour break--that's when most of my conversations with prospective students take place. I also ask the permanent staff who they think might be considering seminary or perhaps should be, and I seek those individuals out for conversation.

During this visit I had two inquiries about the Master of Divinity degree and inquiries concerning the dual degree in social work and the children, youth and family degree. The program director at one of the camps will be taking a few classes at Luther this fall, and of the four leaders and one parent I met who brought youth to camp that week, four were Luther graduates and one just finished his first year.

My thanks to the entire staffs at both camps for welcoming me into their midst, especially during this busy time. It was a delight to be with you.