Youth Gathering 2012
Welcome! The 2012 Youth Gathering will be a wonderful event to enrich the lives and faith of thousands of youth and youth leaders. In preparation for the event, please know that you are not alone! Over 700 youth traveled to New Orleans for the previous ELCA Youth Gathering (also held in New Orleans in 2009). You are one of many “saints” taking interest in the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering!
Some important nitty gritty information:
1) “What is the Youth Gathering?”
To put it succinctly, the Youth Gathering is an opportunity for our youth to affirm and celebrate their faith with over 37,000 others. The Gathering, held once every three years, offers an opportunity to learn, grow, worship, practice service, build friendship, and witness to the world who Christ is! The Gathering is an opportunity to be transformed into the likeness of Christ and to transform an entire city as well!
2) “Wait a second… it seems like we did this once before in 2009. Why are we going back to New Orleans again?”
New Orleans still has many needs since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the community in August of 2005. The Gathering in 2009 was an eye-opening experience for many. The near 37,000 youth and youth leaders learned about faith and compassionate justice in 2009, how faith lifted this whole community, and how a profound human connection was discovered in the wake of disaster. New Orleans loved the ELCA’s presence in 2009. The community is already looking forward to our return!
3) “What goes on at a Youth Gathering?”
Wonderful, faith-inspiring speakers will be sharing messages each night during the Gathering. You’ll be able to worship alongside 37,000 other Christians from across the country. Friendships will be renewed and newly made. The Gathering will focus on Scripture studies, workshops, service opportunities, and the Spirit’s work in the lives of the youth.
4) “What about some details?”
The Youth Gathering itself will be July 18-22, 2012. (You’ll be able to stay four nights in New Orleans starting the 18th, leaving the 22nd.) Eligible students are those who are entering into the 9th grade through those who have completed their 12th grade year of high school. The recommended youth to adult ratio is 5:1.
Registration opened on Sunday, October 9, 2011. As of April 2012, over 34,000 youth from around the country have registered!
The registration fee is $315 per person and includes five inspirational sessions in the Superdome, Community Life activities in Gathering hotels, interactive faith-informing, service learning experiences and community-based justice projects. Congregations should budget additional money for housing, transportation, and meals. A $150 nonrefundable deposit per person is due at the time of registration and the balance is due May 26, 2012.
Hotels will be assigned through the Gathering office. Some quick facts:
- The rates for hotel rooms range from $119 to $145 per night per room, before tax.
- Housing assignments will be posted to the congregational online account in February 2012.
- Congregations are responsible for making their own housing reservations at their assigned hotel.
- The ELCA Youth Gathering cannot provide support to congregations that book rooms at properties not assigned by the Gathering.
5) “How do we pay for all this?”
Fundraising is a key part to the Youth Gathering preparation. Let everyone participate in fundraising. Car washes, auctions, spaghetti dinners, etc. build community as well as helping to finance the this transformational trip to New Orleans. Get innovative!
6) “How can I get more information?”
The Youth Gathering Coordinator for the Northwestern Ohio Synod is Pastor Matt Wheeler. He can be reached by email (pastor@galionfirstlutheran.org) or by phone 419.468.3107.
Also, much of the information can be found online at www.elca.org/gathering. The Gathering office itself can be contacted through email to gathering@elca.org or by phone 800-638-3522, ext. 2100.
7) If our congregation is interested in attending the Gathering, should I contact anyone to let them know?
Yes! Please contact Pastor Matt Wheeler at 419.468.3107 to help the coordinator keep accurate information about congregations attending the Gathering. Thank you!!
Youth Gathering Links
2012 ELCA Youth Gathering Official Website
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau 2012 Youth Gathering Website