Sixteen high schoolers and five leaders from Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, traveled to Houston this summer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America National Youth Gathering.

They joined more than 30,000 other young people and leaders from around the country at the event held in the NRG Stadium.

Worship was led by the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Bishop of the ELCA.

The contemporary Christian group, 10th Avenue North, performed in concert.

The Union Lutheran delegation devoted a day to service by repainting the exterior of a woman’s house and helping with minor repairs.

The local contingent met with other participants from the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod for worship and activities.

They also toured the Johnson Space Center, a zoo and a museum.

Cathy Shaffer, assistant to the pastor, reports Union Lutheran kids were fundraising for three years for this trip.

They sponsored an Italian dinner, a basket social, clothing drive, and soup and sandwich sales.

They also sold stock to anyone who wanted to contribute and “take stock” in sending them to Houston.

“It was an incredible experience to see 30,000 high school youth living out their faith,” Shaffer said.

The youth report the Gathering was a life-changing experience which helped them grow in their faith, one they will treasure forever.

Fundraising plans are already underway for the next ELCA National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis in 2021.