More than 1,200 Brazilian and international youth gather for the CONGRENAJE
The 25th Congresso Nacional da Juventude Evangélica (CONGRENAJE), the national synod meeting of youth in the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB), brought together more than 1,200 participants in Domingos Martins, Espírito Santo, from 16 to 20 July.
The CONGRENAJE, which takes place every two years, had the theme “What is your essence?” and referred to Ephesians 5:2b: “Christ loved us and gave his life for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Worship and many of the event’s Bible studies subsequently took up passages related to fragrances and aromas, unfolding their biblical significance and implications for the lives of young people today.
Addressing the participants, the National Council of Evangelical Youth coordinator, Natan de Oliveira Schumann, emphasized the importance of the CONGRENAJE in bringing together youth from many regions. He also referred to the 200th anniversary of Lutheran presence in Brazil in 2024, highlighting the need to reflect on what is essential and lasting in these changing times.
We have to ask ourselves: What is essential, what does not change over time?
– Natan de Oliveira Schumann, IECLB National Council of Evangelical Youth coordinator
“The theme of our gathering and the anniversary of the IECLB relate well,” Schumann said. “Looking back at 50 years of CONGRENAJE and 200 years of Lutheran presence in Brazil, we have to ask ourselves: What is essential, what does not change over time?”
During the CONGRENAJE opening service, IELCB President Rev. Sílvia Beatrice Genz spoke about Martha, Mary and Lazarus, to highlight the importance of living the essence of Christ’s love in everyday life.
“Jesus brought the essence of love into our world,” Genz said. “During this gathering, you will ask yourselves what your essence is. Remember that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the keys to eternal life. May we hold on to Jesus and pour out the precious essence of God’s love.”
