Good Idea vs. Bad Idea (NYG 2010)

I've had several requests to post the video Tyler and I made highlighting the "Dos and Don'ts" while at the National Youth Gathering. So, by popular demand, here is Good Idea vs. Bad Idea (NYG 2010)...

Good Idea vs. Bad Idea (NYG 2010) from Andy Muich on Vimeo.

Blogging the NYG - Post #8

Here is a guest post from one of our Adult Leaders... Thanks, Don!

Well, we are on I-66 about 30 minutes from home…the 2010 NYG trip is almost over and as a parent, I wanted to convey a story that happened a little less than 24 hours ago. I was still checking us out of our hotel and it was time to begin our daily trek, this time it was to the Superdome for the closing ceremony. Andy, Adrienne, Kate and the kids began walking and I said that I would catch up to them. When I finally finished up at the front desk, I realized that the only way I was going to make it on time was to take a taxi (to be honest, I was not all that upset as my legs were sore and one of my feet had a blister on it from all of the walking that we had done around the city for the past 5 days). So I climb in the back of an orange taxi-van and the driver greeted me with a cheerful good morning, which I returned. He said that his business had not been good at all, but seeing 25,000 kids walking all over the city was heartwarming to him. For the next five minutes he told me that they had many, many conventions in New Orleans, with both adults and youth, but that the kids that he had observed over the last 5 days were by far the best behaved kids that he has ever seen! Wow, I said, that makes me proud to be an LCMS Lutheran. He then began to say how Martin Luther had started it all off (he got the number of theses wrong, but that’s alright) and made it possible for many churches to be started…"You should be proud"… he said. As we pulled up to the Superdome, I remembered what he had said about business this week and coupled that with the kind comments – and left him the largest tip that I had ever given for a $5 cab ride…when I gave him the $20 bill, told him to keep the change and thanked him for the conversation and the comments…he said, "Bless You!" – I have truly been blessed this week!!! – Don Kidwell

Blogging the NYG - Post #7

DAY FIVE RECAP

I can't believe it's our last day at the National Youth Gathering! This week was filled with so much and has gone by so fast. But, all good things must come to an end. And what an ending it was! In true NYG style the Closing Event was one big party... loud, crazy and full of energy and surprises. It was a great sending for our youth. Take what you've heard and experienced this week and share it with everyone you know! It's that easy. Tell the story... tell who Christ is and what he has done for us... We have the truth and that truth needs to be told. Jeff Meinz gave a fantastic message and challenged us to do something more with what we share. Instead of updating our Facebook status with something lame, trivial, or selfish... share what really matters. Share something that may have an eternal consequence. Share what you BELIEVE!

The Closing Event ended with an incredible noise thanks to 25,000 "Boom Whackers." It was awesome hearing the different sounds come together in perfect harmony and rocking the Superdome. It was an unforgettable experience!

Now we are heading home... 20 hours on a bus, but totally worth it to take back a week of memories, new friends, and faith-building experiences! Thanks National Youth Gathering... it's been great!

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Five...

Blogging the NYG - Post #6

DAY FOUR RECAP

If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking...

That is a line from the stirring worship song, "How He Loves" and was a line sung by 25,000 youth and adults during this evening's Mass Event... by far the highlight of Day Four. As I looked around tonight, I thought, "when else are these kids going to experience God's grace in such a way?" When else will they be surrounding by 25,000 other youth who believe and share the same faith? When else will they have the freedom and comfort to sing out, praising God at the top of their lungs? When else will they hear the Gospel message in a packed arena? That's what makes the Gathering so special...

The worship at this evening's Mass Event was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. And I'm sure our kids felt that as well. The Superdome was silent as they reenacted Christ's death and marched his crucified body through the aisles. But that silence was quickly replaced with a roar of cheering and clapping as the Risen Christ appeared after his resurrection. The evening culminated with a mass communion meal... 25,000 people sharing in Christ's very body and blood... what an amazing site to see! And what better way to personally experience God's grace? God's Spirit was truly moving in the hearts and minds of those gathered in the Superdome. That same Spirit that made itself known at Christ's baptism and at Pentecost was present and moving in us tonight!

Here a few photo highlights from Day Four...

Blogging the NYG - Post #5

DAY THREE RECAP

Another full day at the National Youth Gathering. Today's theme was LIVE and was focused on how we can and should live out what we believe. We had the opportunity today to put our faith into action by participating in an off-site servant event. Our group was assigned to help clean up a therapeutic riding center just outside New Orleans. The center caters to physically and mentally handicap children, youth, and their families. Although the center was not greatly affected by flood waters, Hurricane Katrina's forceful wind and rain did some major damage. Much of what we cleared out and cleaned up was remnants from the terrible storm. It was a wonderful experience to be able to get out into the community and give some of our time (and sweat) to those in need. It was a blessing for us to be able to serve the people here and in doing so, share a message of love. We truly are created to do good works, and opportunities like these allow us to let our light, the love of Christ, shine for others to see.

The rest of our day was spent at the Convention Center. More sessions, more activities, more concerts, more fun! A highlight was hearing Bob Lenz speak on what he calls "The Dignity Revolution." Bob's message was one of unconditional love and acceptance no matter what a person looks like, no matter how popular (or unpopular) they are, and no matter what the world says... every person is a loved child of God.

This evening's Mass Event was filled with energy and was punctuated by a powerful message from Rev. Matt Popovits. The core of his message centered around the question, "What is God doing in your story?" We all have a story, written by God, and it's filled with characters and settings, and plots that have helped define our life and faith experience. His message challenged us to take a deep look at what things God is doing in our lives and how our lives will be different as a result of this Gathering. How will we take what we've heard and experienced here back home and put it into practice in our every day lives. I cannot wait to see what story God is writing in the lives of our youth. He is going to amazing things!

We ended the night with a side-splitting comedy show by the always hilarious Skit Guys. A great end to a great day!

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Three...

Blogging the NYG - Post #4

DAY TWO RECAP

Today was the first full day of the National Youth Gathering... and full it was! We started the day off with a large group (8,000) Bible study that introduced Sunday's theme... LISTEN. "We believe in the Word made flesh; therefore, we speak so others can LISTEN and hear His Word through us." The Bible study explored Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well in John 4. And as we heard their conversation unfold we had the chance to consider her life-changing encounter with Jesus we find ourselves asking, "God, are You saying something to me that I haven't been hearing?" Often times are our world around is noisy and full of distractions and it becomes hard to listen to what really matters... so we settle for something less. But, as seen in this story, lives are changed when people meet... and listen to... Jesus.

After the Bible study, our youth had the opportunity to attend a few "breakout" sessions. They chose sessions from 40 speakers speaking on a wide range of topics... from what it means to be a man in an MTV world to the reality of love in light of Twilight... from seeing Christ in Martial Arts to seeing God's role in and desire for our lives (a session lead by a favorite of our group, Rev. Bill Yonker).

The Mass Event this evening was a powerful one! As always, the music was full of energy and praise. Another favorite of our group, the Skit Guys, performed and were absolutely HILARIOUS! The Jesus Painter was there also, adding so much to our worship experience. We were blown away by illusionist Brock Gill who somehow managed to get President Kieschnick into a straight jacket... and also managed to get out of his own... while standing on broken glass. But, at least for me, the highlight of tonight's Mass Event was the main speaker, Kellie Stocker, who told the heart-wrenching story of her 18-year-old daughter's death. She spoke about the pain, the anger, the questioning God, but also about the hope and faith that pulled her through the tragedy. But her daughter's unexpected death also gives us the message that we need to live every moment of our lives for Jesus Christ... the one thing that truly matters in this world, and the world to come. Thank you Kellie for sharing your story and inspiring us to make the most of the time we have and honor the one who gives us that time.

Here are a few photo highlights from Day Two...

Blogging the NYG - Post #3

DAY ONE RECAP

The 2010 National Youth Gathering officially kicked off last night with the Opening Celebration at the Superdome. That stadium truly was the home of the "saints" as 25,000 youth and adults gathered to sing and praise God. What an amazing event! The worship music was powerful and filled with energy. The "Sand Painter" was phenomenal. The speaker was inspirational and his message was one filled with hope and promise. The evening seemed to center on the question: "Why has God brought you to this place?" And in our family group time we dove deeper into that thought. What reasons does God have for bringing you here this week. Is it something more than just time spent with friends or a fun vacation? What amazing thing is God's Spirit working in you? I can't wait to see those amazing things this week. I can't wait to see the power of God working in the youth gathered here. I can't wait. God is awesome and I think we all felt that last night! - Andy

Here a few photo highlights from Day One...

Blogging the NYG - Post #2

An update from the road...

After a looooong night of driving we find ourselves traveling this morning through Alabama. After a brief stop for breakfast, chocolate milk, and plastic toy instruments, we set off again towards New Orleans. En route, the boys dominated the girls in a game of 'Battle of the Sexes' and earned much-deserved bragging rights (at least for the time being). We should be arriving in NOLA sometime after lunch. It's gonna be a great day and everyone seems excited for tonight's opening Mass Event at the Superdome. I can't wait to see what's in store. The first night of the NYG is always filled with excitement, awe and inspiration. I'm sure we won't be disappointed this year! More to come... - Andy

Blogging the NYG - Post #1

Well, we're on our way! We just left Good Shepherd and are traveling with the group from Our Savior's Way (Ashburn) to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. Everyone made it on the bus... I checked... twice. Only 19 hours to go! Luckily our charter bus comes equipped with free WiFi (which is why I'm able to post this). Look for more updates to come. - Andy

OK so less than an hour in and we are already bored. Camille votes that someone start a movie but she's been told that that is a dumb question so she went into the bathroom and cried. Not really, kind of an inside joke. Wow we already have inside jokes for this trip. That's how you know its going to be good. P.S. If you press the stop button over our head, does the bus come to a screeching halt? Woah, inside joke number two. P.P.S. I can't type. - Laketa aka Leta

Now for all you folks at home anxiously sitting at your computers wondering how we are going to nourish ourselves on this tiresome journey- I will ease you of your anxiety. First: Nutter butters, oreo cakesters, cinnamon poptarts, strawberry poptarts, smores poptarts (who really likes poptarts anyway?) lots of gum, oatmeal butterscotch cookies, gummy bears, sour gummy worms (God's poor creatures) nutri-grain bars, one apple (to share :/) oats bars (?) and lots of other food products of nutritional value. I hope you can sleep tonight now that you know that your beloved is well fed. Have a great night! - Camizzle aka Camille.

New Orleans here we come!!!!

National Youth Gathering Interest Meeting

It’s coming... the 2010 National Youth Gathering is rapidly approaching. Every three years, the Youth Ministry department of the LCMS hosts The National Youth Gathering, a week-long gathering of 25,000+ youth from across the country. The next NYG will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The dates for this coming National Youth Gathering are July 17-22, 2010. During this week, these you will have experiences like no other through worship, Bible Study, games, concerts, comedy shows, service projects, and so much more. All high school youth who have completed their freshman year (by the Gathering date) to those who have completed their senior year (by the Gathering date) are eligible to attend the National Youth Gathering. We are also looking for a limited number of adults to serve as leaders on this trip. Adult leaders must be 23 years of age by the Gathering date. So if you are interested in participating in the 2010 National Youth Gathering, either as a youth or an adult leader, please let us know ASAP. You may sign up on the sheets located in the youth room, fellowship hallway, or contact Andy Muich (DCE) at 703-439-2758 or andy.muich@gmail.com. Signing up is for interest purposes only, it is not a final commitment. We will be hosting a very important informational meeting on Sunday, August 30 from 7:00-8:30 PM at Good Shepherd. During this meeting we will introduce you to the National Youth Gathering Experience (what it is, what to expect, etc.) and answer questions about cost, travel arrangements, fundraising, and pre-gathering events and expectations. This meeting is for interested youth AND your parents. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this very important meeting.