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By Karen Matthias-Long
“This is theeee BEST event I have ever attended. Everyone was having a great time – children,
youth and even old timers like me.”
“There were opportunities for learning and sharing and seeing old friends from
other churches.”
“I really enjoyed the LIFT! Let’s do it again!”
"It was one of the first times I'd been to a synod function, and it was a great
day! The guest speaker was awesome and the planning team thought of everything
from terrific topics and discussion leaders to childcare to events for the middle-aged
youth (especially the games)."
These are just a few of the comments about LIFT (Lutherans in
Faith Together),
the synod-wide celebration that took place on Saturday, June 9, on the Muhlenberg
College campus.
The event was very ably coordinated by Ruth and Ken Miller and Judy and Herb
Gifford. "Many, many people had a hand in planning and carrying out the
event," noted Herb. "No one had control over the weather, but our prayers
for good weather were answered beyond what we might have hoped. The day was perfect.
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky."
“The purpose of LIFT was to bring Lutherans in northeastern Pennsylvania together
on one day, in one location, to celebrate their Lutheran faith," Herb continued. "People
throughout the synod, as well as the planners and leaders, had great expectations.
I think that everyone was surprised at how most of those expectations were not
only met, but exceeded."
In fact, the evaluations were so overwhelmingly positive that people had a hard
time saying how it could be made better. One person suggested that "the
next time you have popsicles for a snack, have napkins."
Something for Everyone
As promised, there was something at LIFT for everyone – and more!
For some, the day began with a walk for world hunger, where $1,257.00 was raised.
Most participants began their day in the Muhlenberg Field House. That site was
alive with robust singing led by Bread for the Journey.
At the morning gathering, Bart Campolo shared with the crowd that "God loves
us – not because of what we do, not by what we achieve, and not by who
we are – but, because God is love. That’s what he does.”
Participants welcomed Pastor Robin McCullough-Bade, who serves on the synod staff
in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. She came to express her thanks to those
in our synod who have supported and continue to support the people in that region – either
through dollars or people power – as the region recovers from 2005's devastating
hurricanes.
Choices, Choices
After the opening gathering, folks had some tough choices to make. There were
special programs for children and youth. There were workshops, games, and concerts
for people of all ages. Ministry displays were available in the field house.
For 25 cents, children and adults could ask Bishop David Strobel theological
questions. One of his favorite questions came from Goliath: "Do dogs go
to heaven?" Another came from a 9-year-old boy, who stood in front of the
booth and asked the bishop, "What color is my underwear?" Over $145
was collected at his stand for the World Hunger Appeal.
Several famous personalities – Martin Luther, Katie Luther, Davey and Goliath,
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, two deaconesses, J. S. Bach, Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
and even the LBW – walked the grounds and conversed with participants.
A local band, SWiM, gave a concert in the Red Door Café.
People's comments that there were too many choices can be a compliment, too,
Ruth Miller noted. "I'm glad that people were interested in so many different
things." Her suggestion for next time? “Perhaps they will try a different
option, like going to the chapel concerts instead of attending a workshop or
playing outdoor games instead of talking with the strolling personalities. Or
maybe you can do a little bit of everything. Now that people know what a LIFT
event can be like, maybe it will be easier to make choices next time.”
Lutherans in Fellowship Together
“Of all the great activities at LIFT, I was especially pleased with the lunch
hour," Judy Gifford remarked. "It was exciting to see people get their
bag lunch and head for the out-of-doors, joining others on the lovely Muhlenberg
College lawn. Good fellowship is shared around a meal and that was certainly
the case. ’Lutherans in Faith Together’ were ‘Lutherans in
Fellowship Together,’ whether inside the Field House, the tent, on the
lawn, or anywhere else on the campus.”
Participants gathered at the end of the day for more singing and a closing celebration.
The offering taken at that closing celebration, in the amount of $618.86, was
earmarked for the World Hunger Appeal.
At the closing, Pastor Edith Roberts (St. Peter, Bethlehem) was presented with
the Muhlenberg Medal from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
Storyteller Tracy Radosevic was on hand to tell the story of Pentecost and the
commissioning of the disciples, a fitting conclusion to the daylong celebration.
"The people came with enthusiasm and departed with joy," said Herb Gifford. "And
almost to a person they asked, “When will LIFT happen again?”
Perhaps this comment from a participant sums up the overall feeling about LIFT: “One
thing I would change: more Lutherans at this GREAT event!!”
(Be sure to check out all the
great pictures from LIFT on this website.
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