Ask the Pastor: Dying to Live
by the Rev. Walter Snyder
Religion Columnist
     "Dying to live" doesn't make much sense to rational humans. However, that's exactly what I
was involved with over the week of July 11--15. Some of the youth from Holy Cross joined with
about seven hundred young people and adult leaders from Lutheran Church---Missouri Synod
congregations around the central and western United States. We gathered on the campus of the
University of Wyoming in Laramie for ~Dying to Live: A Conference for Lutheran Youth~.
     The conference's name came from a book by Pastor Harold Senkbeil. The "dying" covered
several topics. Included were our dying world, in which sin and unbelief abound, Jesus Christ dying
for our sins, and our own dying to sin in Holy Gospel, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and Holy
Communion. Even as the youth learned more about their Savior and his forgiveness, they also
learned more about themselves and the new life they have in Christ. While eternal life in heaven was
shown as the ultimate, they also discovered more about the life God has in mind for them while they
are still alive on earth.
     Monday was our travel day. Tuesday, we headed into the mountains for hiking. I'd almost
forgotten the crisp, clear pleasure of thin air breathed at 10,000 feet above sea level! It was a
wonderful tonic after weeks of hot, humid weather in Missouri. That afternoon also began the
catechetical (teaching) sessions. Pastor Senkbeil was the only speaker on Tuesday, setting the stage
with the topic, "Dying to Live: The Power of Forgiveness." We followed his talk with a western
barbecue and tour of the Wyoming Territorial Prison Museum and Heritage Park and closed our day
with a beautifully chanted and sung Evening Prayer.
     Wednesday until 2:00 p.m. was full of catechetical sessions. Pastor Senkbeil spoke on "The
Incarnational Basis of Christian Life." Others picked up on three main threads, "Our Dying World,"
"Our Living Lord," and "Our Death/His Cross." Some youth went to the 2:00 p.m. sectionals, the
most popular of which was on angels. Others used free time for hiking, shopping, rock climbing, or
sleeping. The evening fun time involved a bull riding contest. As with Tuesday and Thursday, Vespers
(afternoon prayers) and Evening Prayer were prayed on Wednesday. Wednesday and Thursday also
had Matins (morning prayers). All were formal and included chanting, singing, choir, organ, and
other musical instruments. Each Matins and Vespers service also included a brief sermon.
     Thursday's catechesis involved "The Sacramental Focus of the Christian Life." After Dr.
Senkbeil's keynote, the sessions involved "Holy Baptism: Water of Life," "Holy Absolution: Word of
Life," and "Holy Supper: Feast of Life." At 2:00 p.m., free time began, as did a second round of
sectionals. I gave one at that time on dating, the dangers of promiscuous sex, and building healthy
relationships based upon Christ, love, trust, and respect. Our evening entertainment was the
Irish/Celtic singing group Colcannon. That night before Evening Prayer, we were offered individual
Confession and Absolution. More than 10 percent of the participants, many of whom had never
before experienced it, availed themselves of this opportunity.
     The conference ended on Friday afternoon. Before then, we had another talk from Pastor
Senkbeil, this on "The Liturgical Shape of the Christian Life." The sectionals then took us to "Divine
Service: Liturgical Life Together," "Private Prayer: Liturgical Life Alone," and "Vocation: Liturgical life
in the World." While the topics were all well-presented, I'd have to say that my highlight of the day
was hearing and seeing seven hundred Lutheran youth enthusiastically singing and praying the liturgy
of the Divine Service and communing with these brothers and sisters in Christ.
     This all tells you what we did. To have done it is something else. I am still awed by the
respect and desire these youth had for the traditional sacred things of the Church. Groups that were
out late horseback riding lamented missing Vespers. Kids learned that they are not only the Church's
future, but are also part of the Church's today. Most all the comments about the traditional liturgical
worship were not only positive, but according to our surveys, the worship may have been the single
favorite thing offered them. I'm dying to do it all again.
     To Ask the Pastor, please write Ask the Pastor, PO Box 12, Emma, MO, 65327 or send
email to askthepastor@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
     Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of
the book "What Do Lutherans Believe."