You're invited to join us! Napa Valley Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Jefferson and Elm, just a few blocks south of the historic downtown Napa district. We are a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a denomination of 4.5 million members and 10,000 congregations across the country, in communion with Lutheran Churches around the world. Lutherans believe in one God, revealed to the world in Jesus Christ, and present in the lives of people and the Church through the Holy Spirit. We look to the Word of God and the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as means by which God continues to make God's love known for all the world. As an ELCA congregation, we welcome people of any race, culture, gender, or sexual orientation to participate fully in the life of the church, and to join us in worship, praise, and service to God!
In July 2012, Lutheran youth - 36,000 strong - will gather in New Orleans for a life-changing experience: they will reach out to the people of New Orleans, to listen, learn, and serve, for five days at the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering.
The Gathering theme, citizens with the saints, will invite youth to practice peacemaking, justice, and discipleship. They will learn to be present with the people of New Orleans; respect differences and diversity; learn from the people and culture of New Orleans; recognize and challenge unjust systems; and practice peace and reconciliation. Youth will also bring gifts of books for the New Orleans community.
Six youth, two adult counselors, and one adult Gathering volunteer from Napa Valley Lutheran Church will be attending this event, and need your help to earn funds for travel and service! We estimate that our trip (a total of seven days for nine people) will cost $16,000.
All proceeds from the Auction will go directly toward attendance at the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans; any proceeds in excess of expenses will be donated to the people of New Orleans - http://www.elca.org/ELCA/Youth-Gathering/Planning-for-the-Gathering/Gathering-Offerings.aspx
