Local Lutheran youth attend National Conference

ALGOMA – Youth from Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma and Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville recently attended the 2025 National Youth Gathering of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group traveled from July 17-24, with official programming running from July 19-23.

This triennial event brought together over 25,000 participants — 20,000 youth and 5,000 adult leaders — from across the United States. The 2025 theme, “Endure,” emphasized Christ’s endurance for humanity, strengthening believers to face challenges and remain steadfast in their faith.

The group consisted of 12 youth: Brock Beyer, Zachary Beyer, Elise Jackson, Violet Jackson, Cayden Neuzil, Landon Schneider, Ryley Tweedy, Joslyn Uecker, Lauren Uecker, Brady Walker, Jade Wrenn, and Lilly Wrenn. Pastor Christopher Jackson, Mary Jackson, and Mason Neuzil served as adult leaders. The group joined Prince of Peace Lutheran Church-Sturgeon Bay as part of the combined delegation from Door and Kewaunee Counties.

Attendees participated in a variety of activities, including daily Bible studies, worship with communion among the 25,000 participants and breakout sessions focused on Christian living. Service opportunities and concerts by artists like FLAME and Rend Collective were also featured. Professional surfer and author Bethany Hamilton shared her story of resilience after a shark attack, underlining the event’s theme. LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison delivered a sermon encouraging youth to serve others.

The group also participated in a servant event at Second Harvest Food Bank, packing 2,500 meals for families in need at Second Harvest Food Bank. Youth also enjoyed an interactive center with exhibits from Lutheran organizations and colleges, comfort dogs and games such as 9-Square, basketball and pickleball.

“This is a pinnacle event for our youth,” said Pastor Christopher Jackson. “Being in small, rural parishes, it is significant for them to see the size and strength of the wider Church. They gain a greater sense of their Christian identity through this experience.”

Algoma High School student Cayden Neuzil echoed this sentiment.
“It was so amazing to worship God with so many other people,” he said.

Each youth participant contributed financially to the trip, supplemented by support from both congregations and proceeds from local fundraisers like the Saint John’s and Saint Peter’s Church Picnics. Since returning, the students have begun volunteering at Saint Peter’s Vacation Bible School.