Simul justus et pecator - Simultaneously saint and sinner.
Feasting
Posted On: July 22nd, 2006 at 9:18 pm
(Love my creative title? And my lack of pictures? Pictures come later when they're developed. Mmhmm.)
Okay, now...Where can I possibly start...
"The just shall live by faith" is what the good Reverend Padre Borghardt wrote when he signed my conference book. The just have certainly been assured and strengthened in their faith at the Feast Higher Things conference - What a gift to the Lutheran youth world!
I mean, come on...Rich, liturgical worship services multiple times a day, a wealth of information taught by qualified, interesting speakers, and more fun things to do then you have time for.
Thanks, HT!
I couldn't possibly tell you everything wonderful and exciting that happened there - You just don't want to read 25 pages of posts! But I will tell you the highlights that stick out in my mind, and things that need to be said from a youth to...well...whoever is reading this.
1. Worship - On several occasions, the worship brought me to tears. Not because it was sad, but because it had everything I needed to worship my God and recieve His gifts and Word to the best ability. It must be noted that we need this - Law and Gospel, Word and Sacrament, and traditional worship in support of the latter. We are never too dense to recieve what Christ freely gives us. No sermon is too complex to understand, no hymn too tough to sing. I loved the Higher Things worship because, quite simply, it has what my church lacks, such as chanting and a processional cross. And we can't forget the sermons. Wonderful.
2. Sectionals, catechesis, plenary - I'm not going to list the sectionals I attended, but I will mention that each one was worth it to every extent, and I'm sorry I couldn't go to them all. I have 12 counted pages of notes! No, it was not too much! I couldn't get enough of it. I was learning everywhere, and my mind thanks me.
3. Friends - Ah yes, the friends...How I loved to see them!! It's amazing the rush you get when you see a person for the first time who you've only known online and in text. You know who you all are. Thanks for putting up with my craziness. I sincerely hope to catch you all next year. Feel free to comment on things that happened which I didn't put on here.
4. Community - Living in the sticks (Yay, Antigo!)...You kind of forget there are other people out there like you. Lutheran people. Who love worship. Who will run to each sectional and sit down eagerly to soak in knowledge. Who are proud to wear the Feast shirts and walk in droves to each event while onlookers scratch their heads. We're a large church, and sometimes don't realize it! What is wonderful about Higher Things is the excellent support given mutually throughout. You're not alone! There are others who dare to be Lutheran, and are proud of it!!!!
THANK YOU to everyone who joined in helping me go. Pastor Ahonen and Pastor Lange: Thank you for helping me find you, with transportation! Pastors on the bus: Thanks for the support! Everyone in my path who I may have accidently knocked down while running everywhere: You rock. I loved meeting you all.
Now the day is winding down. I had a hot shower, and a not-a-bus-seat-bed. I have a backpack of stuff. I'm starting to unpack it, bit by bit. I see the worship book, the conference book, signatures, and in my head: So many memories! I treasure them all, and am grateful for the friendships, laughs, and experiences shared.
So I guess that almost sums up and barely does justice to describe what happened at THE FEAST. I'm looking forward to that not-a-bus-seat-bed, but most of all...To see you next year!
Thanks again, HT!
Comments:
Re: Feasting
Posted On: July 27th, 2006 at 8:27 pm by Ethan
I thought the Sweet-N-Low shots were worth a mention......
Or were those not there on purpose? :-P
Re: Feasting
Posted On: July 28th, 2006 at 1:30 am by John Bartucciotto
*heavy sigh*
I've only been to one conference in my life, and it was a BLAST. I do so miss it, but unfortunatly the synod to which I belonged became very legalistic, and banned dancing and a number of things on undoctrinal grounds, so we split and left.
Just reading about it brings tears of memories to my face
Re: Feasting
Posted On: July 29th, 2006 at 2:32 pm by Darth Nemoyer
Great post on The Feast. You gotta love the HT conferences.
:-P