Bishop Knoche Announces Retirement

Bishop Jerry Knoche, of the De-Md Synod, has announced his retirement effective October 31, 2009. The Bishop cites health concerns as the reason for the early retirement. Bishop Knoche had three years left in his second term. The Bishop sent a letter in mid-July to all rostered leaders and asked that it be announced to the congregations.

An interim bishop will be appointed and a special synod assembly will be held January 15-16, 2010 specifically to elect a new bishop. Vice President of the Synod Council, Ms. Yolanda Tanner, has outlined what to expect in the next several months in her letter.

Opening Event

The Gathering opened with a bang at the Super Dome here in New Orleans. This is a picture of the stage and the floor, which happens to be filled with participants.

Every night there will be an evening event at the stadium and you can follow along with it via video streaming. Visit this ELCA web site to watch.

Welcome Lutherans

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this sign across the street from the Convention Center. It isn't often you see signs like this!

The Gathering has begun!

Greetings From New Orleans!

Several of us from Trinity are blessed to be here in New Orleans, attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering, which happens to be the largest conference held here since Katrina. For the past two days, I've been training to be a Community Life Volunteer. I serve at the Hampton Inn, Convention Center and serve as the liaison between the hotel and the participants. There are 742 participants in my hotel! The youth group from Trinity is staying at the Westin Hotel.

Many things will be going on in the next few days. One is that every group has been assigned to a servant project. So, for the first time in Gathering History, 12,000 people a day will go out into New Orleans and participate in service projects. You can read more about it here.

Another cool thing that will be happening each day is called the Final 15. Every night at 10:45pm, the gathering participants are asked to stop what they are doing, wherever they are, to reflect on the day and on God's Word through the Final 15 devotions. Will you think of joining in with us? The kids will have the devotions in their Bibles, but you can find them at the website.


I am hoping to post frequently, so be sure to check in!