Young Adults Gather at Camp Lutherland for Fellowship, Instruction, and Encouragement

Ontario—Sixteen young adults from Lutheran Church–Canada congregations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba gathered at Camp Lutherland at Pasqua Lake, Saskatchewan, August 5–9 for a retreat focused on vocation, fellowship, and life together in Christ.

Hosted by Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary and Camp Lutherland, the retreat brought together young adults from across LCC for several days of instruction, recreation, and Christian fellowship. Dr. James Kellerman of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary served as the main speaker, addressing the theme “Vocation in an Age of Burnout.” Rev. Albert Ho and Seminarian Joseph Behl also contributed presentations throughout the retreat.

For young adults who may be among the only members of their generation in their local congregation, the opportunity to gather with other Lutherans of the same age who share the same Saviour and confession was particularly meaningful.

The retreat also offered an opportunity to encourage young adults in their vocations and remind them that they are not simply the future of the Church—they are part of the Church now.

“The Lutheran Church is not only the church of their fathers and grandfathers, but it is their church, where they belong and where God has placed them now,” Rev. Albert Ho noted.

Participants enjoyed recreation and fellowship throughout the retreat, along with meals prepared by Camp Lutherland board member Daryl Mang. The gathering concluded with a visit to Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, where the group joined local brothers and sisters in Christ for Divine Service before returning home.

The retreat was organized with the recognition that Christian fellowship and encouragement are especially important as young adults navigate a world in which isolation and doubt can make it difficult to remain connected to the Church and her confession.

The theme of vocation provided a fitting framework for these conversations. Participants were encouraged to consider the places God has placed them and to see their daily lives—not simply future church work—as places where God is at work through them in service to their neighbours.

In bringing young adults together around God’s Word, Christian fellowship, and the life of the Church, the retreat offered a reminder that they have a place in the Church today. May God continue to strengthen them in their vocations and keep them steadfast in the faith they have received.

Thanks to Rev. Albert Ho for sharing this story using LCC’s Story Submission Form, so all of synod can enjoy! Share your story with us.

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