My name is Grace Welch, from Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensboro, when attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

This past February, I had the honor of attending my 9th Lutheran Youth Organization Assembly, also known as LYO. As a synod, North Carolina hosts this yearly weekend gathering for all middle and high school youth as a time for worship, fun, and faith sharing, all planned and led by the high school youth on the LYO Board. As a participant for several years, I have had the privilege to partake in all that LYO has to offer; from being a youth participant and the LYO Board’s Youth President ’17-’18, to serving as a Y.A.R.P. (Young Adult Readiness/Resource Person) for several years. I have seen the ins and outs that this weekend has to offer. This year, I was honored to represent as one of the co-presidents of ELCA Region 9’s Lutheran Student Movement, an organization for all college-age students, recruiting high school seniors who are looking for a campus ministry during their college careers.

For this year’s theme, the LYO Board chose to center it around the five Olympic Rings. Each ring represented its own theme—Growth, Generosity, Humility, Honesty, and Forgiveness—and encouraged youth participants to learn what it means to live out their faith journeys as they, “Live Like Jesus, [to] Ball Like Jesus.” Each year, the youth board finds ways to incorporate the theme into large group activities, small group discussions, and Candle Power Time, a time for evening reflection when youth are with their home congregations. This year’s theme stuck with me after the board broke down each ring’s meaning into acts of service and words of prayer.

They made a point to remind the youth that some rings will be stronger than others, but to keep all five rings active in their faith journeys. My biggest takeaway was my time as a co-leader for a middle school group and the discussions we held for each ring. I was humbled by the youths’ responses to how they can live out the five rings in their daily lives and exercise their faith to step out of their comfort zones. Their responses and excitement to be living examples of Christ reminded me that you’re never too old to try something new or to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to being an active member in and for the church as a whole.

Thank you to the widespread pastors, deacons, youth directors, and adult leaders who guide, support, and pour out endless love to the youth participants year after year. Thank you to the LYO Board Advisor, Pastor James Demmel, and NC Synod Staff, Pastor Cassie Overcash and Deacon Andrew Moore, who provide year-long support to the LYO Board. Thank you to the Young Adult Ministry Leader, Mark Hustedt, who led the young adult participants in devotion and leadership this year. Thank you to Bishop Tim Smith for all the years of participation, dedication, and prayers that you have provided us over your years of service. And lastly, thank you to the 2024- 2025 LYO Board for your hard work, leadership, devotion, and excitement that went into this weekend’s theme.

Thank you for being living examples of the church today and reminding us all how to “Live Like Jesus, Ball Like Jesus.”

Peace and blessings are yours, Beloveds!