Bethlehem Lutheran youth travel to New Orleans conference

Seven members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of West Dundee recently traveled to New Orleans to join thousands of Lutheran youth at the six-day Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod National Youth Gathering 2016.

The group was made up of four members of Bethlehem's youth group and three adult chaperones.

When they left the airport in Chicago, none of them had much of an idea of what to expect, but in the end an awesome time was had by all.

On arrival, they were met by a pile of 25,000 identical backpacks. Each day started with a morning Bible study (following an early 5K race on one day). During the day, there were many sessions by inspirational presenters at various learning centers and interest centers. Every day there was also a mass event and worship at the Superdome, where thousands of young people were singing, dancing, clapping their hands and worshipping together.

It was very inspiring to see so many of our nation's youth coming together and praising the Lord.

They had some free time to go out into the city of New Orleans to do a little sightseeing and take in local events. Needless to say the food was outstanding and some had an opportunity to enjoy jambalaya.

Everyone had a wonderful time and they highly recommend attending the gathering if one has the opportunity. The 2019 gathering will be in Minneapolis.

For information and news about Bethlehem, visit www.bethlehemdundee.org.

For information about the Bethlehem youth group or the youth gathering, call the Bethlehem office at (847) 426-7311 or email bethchurchdun@aol.com.