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- Crazy Hat Spirit Day at the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE).
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- Worship at MYLE.
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- The tAble embraced the theme “Created to Be: wHoly You.”
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- The tAble is a space intentional about gathering youth who live with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities, gathered together so that they might grow as wise, faithful, and courageous witnesses.
The first day of the ELCA Youth Gathering’s pre-events kicked off with a dazzling start in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
Picture this: 684 enthusiastic youth and their caring adults checking in to the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), rocking some of the craziest, most whimsical hats you can imagine for Crazy Hat Spirit Day. The air was electric with excitement and creativity as participants let their imaginations run wild. The day was packed with games, laughter and a burst of color, making it impossible not to smile.
Meanwhile, at the tAble, 38 youth and their 40 loving caregivers checked in with a mix of excitement and nerves. Even in their exhaustion, participants were still smiling, embodying grace in action—in the smiles, the hugs, the shared stories, and the newfound friendships. This is what grace looks like, and it’s beautiful. Workshops provided a sacred space for participants and caregivers—both together and apart to connect deeply, sharing hopes and dreams, and cultivating a community of support and understanding. The chocolate chip cookie metaphor resonated deeply: we may all look different, but we are all uniquely delicious and perfectly made.
Read the full blog. To see more photos, visit the ELCA Youth Gathering Facebook page.
