And Peter proclaimed:
"This is what I will do in the last days, God says:
I will pour out my Spirit on everyone.
Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message;
your young people will see visions,
and your elders will dream dreams..."

 

With his Pentecost speech before thousands of curious city residents, St. Peter initiated a new era: one in which the Holy Spirit would enable people of all ages, languages and backgrounds to undertake God's work everywhere, starting with their city (in this case, Jerusalem) and spreading throughout the world.

You've heard the Pentecost story. But do you know that in about six weeks, the Holy Spirit will be leading thirty thousand youth from all over the country, plus their adult leaders and nearly every Lutheran bishop in the ELCA, into Detroit for five days of powerful work and witness?  It's the triennial ELCA Youth Gathering and they're coming here July 15-19. That's right, they are coming to our city!  And Jesus is asking us, "Who will go and help my young people, your sons and daughters, to have a vision that makes a difference in Detroit?"

The ELCA Youth Gathering's Service-Learning Project needs volunteers on three important days: Thurs, July 16; Fri, July 17 and Sat, July 18.

 

 

In a concentrated blitz of hands-on work, the gathered youth will be sent forth, throughout Detroit, doing service-and-learning projects. They will end each day by gathering at Ford Field for an amazing worship experience. We are invited!  They need adult volunteers.  Lots of them, over 300 of them: people who have skills in construction or landscaping, and people who are simply motivated to share the work in our common mission.

 

Why YOU should say Yes:

• This is a great opportunity for all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan to participate in this first ever Lutheran Youth Gathering in Detroit.
• It says a lot about us adults, when we help the youth do service projects.
• You won't want to miss an opportunity to participate in the worship experience at Ford Field.
• Lutherans and Episcopalians know how to work together in Michigan. Help us show the rest of the country's bishops!  When we come together to serve, we are living out Jesus's prayer that we all may be one.
•  

OK, how do I sign up?

Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old, in good health, and able to serve one, two or three of the days: July 16-18.  Half-day opportunities are also available, through Focus: HOPE's "Keep it 100" project.

The websites can get a little confusing, so please first contact Pastor Manisha Dostert, who will be very helpful: [email protected]

30,000 youth.  A whole lot of Holy Spirit.  Bring it on.

Click here to see videos and to download a flyer to share!

 

From your fellow disciples,

-Eric Travis, Missioner for Youth and Young Adults, EDOMI   

-Susan Anslow Williams, Dean of Oakland Deanery; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Troy   

-Manisha Dostert, Spirit of Grace Church, A Lutheran-Episcopal Community, West Bloomfield