“Footsteps” was the engaging theme of this year’s Puget Sound Youth Gathering held at Camp Arnold near Eatonville, Washington (March 6-8). 1 John 1:6-7 provided the inspiration — “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.”
The Puget Sound Youth Board, a network of professional church workers from the greater Seattle area, provided the leadership with Alanna Davis (DCE at Epiphany in Kenmore, Washington) serving as the gathering coordinator. Some 80 youth from a dozen Washington congregations came with their adult leaders to share the three-day event filled with fellowship, study, and recreation that concluded with worship on Sunday.
Both middle school and high school youth were encouraged to participate this year, with breakout groups planned for each. The keynote speaker was Amy Hubach, Associate Director and Site Coordinator of the DCE program at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. A former church worker in the NOW District, she provided scriptural insights based on the doctrine of the Trinity. Her familiarity with the unique circumstances of sharing the Gospel in the Pacific Northwest led to effective discussion and small group interaction.
The servant event portion of the weekend was led by Deaconess Ruth Ann Shimoi (King of Kings in Renton, Washington). It offered young people the opportunity to create greeting cards and tie “no-sew” fleece pillows — 110 in all! After the closing service on Sunday, the cards and pillows were sent home with participants to take to the shut-ins of their congregations.
The popular “Stump the Pastors” breakout was led by Pastors Brian Bowes (Our Savior in Okanogan, Washington) and Joel Schultheis (Good Shepherd in Tacoma, Washington). Jonathan Kopecky (DCE at Hope in Seattle) led an introduction to the Youth Leadership Initiative for adult counselors. Amy Schweim (St. Luke’s in Federal Way, Washington) led a breakout that highlighted the growing concern for mental health issues in congregations. Music and worship were led by Jan Novak (DCE at Lamb of God in Lake Stevens, Washington).
Comfort Dog Sharon from St. Luke’s made a special appearance — to the delight of attendees. She is part of the Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog Ministry.
Additional planning and leadership was provided by Suzy Hennig (DCE at King of Kings in Renton, Washington), Jonah Kaufmann (DCE at St. Luke’s in Federal Way), Mady Pinn (DCE at Trinity in Bellingham, Washington), and NOW Emeritus Pastor John Schmidt. LCEF and Thrivent Financial provided partial funding for this event. The Puget Sound Youth Board gratefully acknowledges these donations.
Because of scheduling difficulties next year, this annual event will be held at Cedar Springs Camp in Lake Stevens, Washington, the weekend of April 30-May 2. Congregations are encouraged to make plans now for youth and adults to attend. Watch for more info in September!
