WELCOME TO A SPECIAL ISSUE OF 5PF! LIVE ... FROM THE ELCA YOUTH GATHERING IN NEW ORLEANS!

Since the Gathering is such a big deal, we only have a couple of actual "petal" entries this week, but never fear - you still get the same value you've come to expect! This is also the final issue of our first year of publication - thanks for everyone who has been reading! The 5PF executive team has determined that we will continue publishing again for another year, so VOLUME TWO ISSUE ONE of 5PF will arrive in the usual fashion on August 2nd via email. If you haven't subscribed yet, click the box at the bottom. If you need to UN-subscribe, please send a request to our circulation department at delaney@vasynod.org.

Last issue's random debate question picked up on the July 4 holiday and asked what the best flavor is for a Rocket Pop. Red was the favorite with almost half of the votes! White and blue came in 2nd and 3rd with 31% and 22%.

For this issue, we realize that not *everyone* is in New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering, but we can't help bringing it up! Don't worry, it's a big easy question.

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM DEBATE:

LIVE FROM NEW ORLEANS!

The 5PF editorial staff is joining the group of 16,000+ youth and adults at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this week. Our theme, "Created to Be" comes from Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." The five theme words for the five days of the event are "Created to be brave, authentic, free, disruptive disciples."

The 5PF Reporting staff traveled to New Orleans in the Synod's trusty "WHT ALBM" van (normally operated by Dave Delaney) so that we could transport some supplies and also be available to visit congregations at their Accompaniment Day work sites. To our surprise, we did not encounter other travelers to the Gathering on the road, but we did receive a few admiring glances from other vehicles in response to our window-paint art!

The event began on Tuesday evening with the first Mass Gathering in the Smoothie King arena. Each evening there is a gathering of all participants for music, speakers, and worship. It is very, very, very energetic.

On Wednesday, Virginia Synod congregations participated in their "Accompaniment Day." Some groups engaged in learning about the people and story of New Orleans, and others went out to various spots in the city to do hands-on service. Bishop Phyllis and Nat also got involved!

On Thursday, congregational groups scoured the city for bits of trivia and history for our "Synod Day" activity, then in the afternoon, we met up with youth from all of the synods of Region 9 (North Carolina, South Carolina, Southeastern, Florida-Bahamas, and Caribbean). Bishop Phyllis was the preacher!

On Friday, Virginia Synod congregations will visit the Interactive Learning center that fills the New Orleans Convention facility. In there, participants will have the chance to engage many organizations that serve the church and also have a lot of fun with things like giant ping-pong. Adults may also enjoy the restoration and relaxation spaces that Gathering staff have set up.

On Saturday morning, the event concludes with closing worship in the Smoothie King arena, and all 16,000+ of us will return to our homes refreshed and renewed in faith.

Incidentally, the 5PF staff will not be in those relaxation rooms for foot massages or anything else! We will be continuing our extensive coverage of this year's ELCA Youth Gathering and publish an even more in-depth report in the next issue of 5PF!

To provide feedback ... ask questions ... obtain more info on any of this ... contact Dave Delaney, Virginia Synod Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries: delaney@vasynod.org