Spokane, Washington - Sept. 28-30

In Spokane I attended the Region 1 (which includes the synods of Alaska, NW and SW Washington, E Washington & Idaho and Montana) Regional Youth Council meeting. This meeting brings together LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) youth leaders and adult advisors from the region to communicate what is happening within their synods, to learn what is happening at the church-wide level and to develop and support programs within the region for high school youth. I was impressed with the youth at this meeting. They hold leadership positions in their synod and at church-wide level. One young lady serves as a youth representative to the council of Bishops in this region and another young lady chaired the entire meeting and did an excellent job.

I met with a few of these individuals (see photo) to discuss the possibility of Luther Seminary and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA partnering with them to host events for high school youth in their region around the topics of discernment, vocation and professional ministry. We had a very productive discussion and I am thankful and excited about the possibilities.

I also was among the members of St. Luke’'s Lutheran Church in Spokane for Sunday morning worship and had opportunity to meet with some of the high school youth (see photo which includes their youth director Jerry) to talk about vocation and the variety of options available in professional ministry. One thing that really impressed me about this congregation was the value they place on the youth in their congregation. For example, a newly completed building project includes the most awesome youth room I have ever seen. It is lofted above the gymnasium and looks like the type of family room you would find in an elegant home. Thanks for providing such a space for your youth St. Luke’'s.