Who Dey! Excitement filled our city as we anxiously awaited the big day. Buying Bengal swag and stocking up on super bowl snacks. My husband searched the boxes in the basement for a sweatshirt he purchased in 1988 along with a 6-pack of Hudy Special Edition Bengals beer (don’t worry, we did not drink it!). Everyone talked non-stop about our pride for the team and our love for Joey B. It has been a long, long road for Bengals fans. Even after so many disappointments, we were all in and had hope of a Super Bowl win.
On the same weekend as the big game, I attended the Extravaganza in Minneapolis. It is the annual ELCA youth and family ministry conference (https://www.elcaymnet.org/ext22 ). On the year of the summer Youth Gathering*, it is held in the city of the Gathering so leaders can preview the city. Sadly, two weeks before the conference, we found out the gathering was canceled due to concerns about COVID and the challenges of the past years.
As I settled into the conference, there was sadness and disappointment but also the resilience of long, suffering fans. This was the group that has never given up on their team. Tired from the past few years, you bet. But their love for Jesus and sharing that love with children and families has never wavered. Ready to learn, re-evaluate, build their community, pray, and praise.
We opened our hearts and minds to new and challenging ideas but also left space for recognizing the good that already surrounds us. How is the Holy Spirit working in our faith community during COVID and beyond? Presiding Bishop Eaton reminded us that the reason we invite anyone into “this Jesus movement is because we want them to experience the same boundless, infinite love poured into us by the Holy Spirit that we have experienced.” Can I get an Amen!?
Do you need to reach out and receive this love? Can you give it? We need our community more than ever. I have much to process from the past weekend, but it was evident that building relationships of support and unconditional acceptance is key to laying the foundation of a lifelong faith. Can we have the same enthusiasm for our Bengals in the Super Bowl as for caring for each other and spreading love in our walls and beyond? I have faith that we can embrace this challenge. We know there will be ups and downs but God is always with us.
We couldn’t control the outcome of the game last Sunday but with God’s help and guidance, we can be on team Jesus and be the community that wins in Christ’s love…and still love the Bengals!
God’s peace always,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation
*The Youth Gathering happens every 3 years for high school students. Crowds of 30,000-40,000 head to a city such as Minneapolis, Detroit, or Houston to serve in local communities, learn, and worship together. Since our trip was canceled this summer, we are focusing our energy on building relationships and serving in the Appalachian Community. Anyone 13+ is welcome to come. Email me for more information (