ELCA News Blog
July 8, 2006
Miller tells young Lutherans, 'God knows your needs'
by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
Donald Miller, author of the book "Blue Like Jazz," told more than 15,000 high-school-age Lutherans that the "average American sees about 3,000 commercials every day." And, "it seems to me impossible for that not to affect our understanding of God." Miller, Portland, Ore., was a speaker July 6 at the 2006 Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The Gathering is bringing together about 40,000 young Lutherans and adults from across the United States and around the world in two back-to-back events -- July 5-9 and July 12-16 -- at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
"Jesus said people are full of formulas," said Miller, "peddling techniques to get God to do what we want God to do. Jesus said, don't fall for this garbage, do not buy into this," he said. Instead, "Jesus offers a different paradigm" of God as a "father, who will (lead) you into maturity." Miller, who spoke to the young Lutherans on stage at the Alamodome, told participants that "God knows better than you what you need."
Other highlights of the ELCA Youth Gathering's stage production included Pamela Genghini Hernandez, an accredited representative with Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. She shared some of her experiences in representing children and individuals in immigration court proceedings. Musical performances featured The Katinas, a family singing group, and Krystal Meyers, a 17-year- old rock vocalist.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog