Holy Trinity at the Gathering

Our final day was filled with worship — we shared Communion with 37,000 people! — and last-minute shopping, before heading for the airport.  The closing worship had some fantastic touches.  After a week spent talking about — and acting out — service and working for justice, the processional brought in worklights, traffic cones, and building materials.  The altar was four doors, brightly painted, set on sawhorses, with a green tarp for a parament.  A very nice touch.

Bishop Hanson preached, and did an excellent job of hammering home the thought that these young people can change the world, and that they can and must continue the work they’ve begun.  Oh, and he led a wave, which rippled from the front all the way to the back of the 3rd balcony and back — a very cool sight with 37,000 people!

When we arrived at the Atlanta airport, I had warned our group that, despite a 2-hour layover this time, we were going straight from our arrival to our departure gate, so that we would know immediately and completely where it was, and then, and only then, could they get something to eat.  So that’s what we did — and of course, the departure gate this time was right nextdoor.  Figures. 

We arrived at Holy Trinity at 2am, to find a marvelous “Welcome Home” sign on the front entryway.  Thanks to everyone for your prayers and for your support to make this happen.  For me, it was a fulfilling and transformational experience; I will leave it to the youth to tell you what it meant for them.  So be sure to ask them when you see them.

Oh, and watch for August’s Parish Visitor (newsletter) for more reflections to come…

Peace,

-Pastor Tim

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