Zion Lutheran Youths Attend
Florida Lutheran 2004 Youth Gathering

            On July 23 - July 27 fourteen youth and three counselors from Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pulaski attended the National Lutheran Youth Gathering in Orlando , Florida .  The theme of this year’s gathering was “Beyond Imagination.”  It was based on Ephesians 3:17-21 -  “And I pray you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen.”  Zion ’s youth and leaders were amongst nearly 35,000 youth and adults from twenty countries, gathering together to learn about God and His awesome love for them.  They gathered in His name to hear his Word, to worship, to learn, and to grow in their knowledge of God and His grace given to them through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Throughout their week in Florida, by various speakers, mass events, servant events, fellowship, concerts, recreational activities, and Bible studies it was reinforced to all that God’s love is without limits and without boundaries.  God’s love is for all and is incredible.  It inspires, it thrills, and it motivates individuals to love one another.  God’s love is certainly “Beyond Imagination!”  Each evening Zion ’s youth group was able to attend a mass event with a different theme each night.  The themes discussed throughout the week were power, love, truth, praise, and live.  These themed mass events were design to equip Lutheran youth to understand the working power of God in our lives, to show love to those around us as well as to realize that there in only one truth.  “Jesus IS the way, the truth, and the life.”  The youth learned that Christ is calling us to a new life with Him – a life of praise.  Finally, the last day’s theme was live.  The youth were sent to their homes all around the world inspired to live the life that God has planned for them and to serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness with conviction  that comes through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.          

            The youth that attended from Zion , Mt. Pulaski were Dustin Aylesworth,  Anthony Gerardot, Vance Knauer, Renae Krueger, Kari Martin, Thomas Maske, Niki Mittlesteadt, Andrew Neaville, Katie Oxby, Kaitlyn Przykopanski, Allison Stoll, Amber Turner, Christopher Vaughan, and Adam Wilham.  Sara McCormick was their counselor and Sally Maske and Ann McCormick were junior counselors.

Submitted by Sally Maske