Community Life happens anywhere participants from the ELCA Youth Gathering come together. This could be in a hotel, on a bus, in a restaurant, in the convention center or even in the French Quarter or Jackson Square. There are nine specific hotels that have been designated as sites for Community Life activities. Champions Square will also host an event each afternoon prior to the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. God’s word reminds us that where two or three are gathered in Christ’s name, Christ is present. Fellowship with our sisters and brothers is at the heart of Community Life. Each hotel will have a Community Life team. Their role is one of hospitality and help. They will be a resource for you in passing along Gathering information, assisting with problem solving and communicating concerns and questions to the hotel staff.
Concerts 9 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. nightly
Marriott New Orleans (F): Grand Ballroom
Wednesday • Peter Eide
Thursday • Rachel Kurtz
Friday • AGAPE*
Saturday • Lost & Found
Rock out with your favorite bands every night. These huge concert environments will fill your ears with heart-pumping bass, music you can dance to, worship-filled lyrics, and lots of room to spin off your energy. Our large concert stages will be your chance to experience the artists you love for a full show.
Dances 9 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. nightly
Hyatt Regency (A): Celestial
Royal Sonesta (E): Grand
Hilton Riverside (I): Grand Salon
Sheraton New Orleans (G): Grand
JW Marriott (D): Ile de France
Intercontinental (B): La Salle
Marriott Convention Center (H): Blaine Kern
Our DJs play the best of today’s dance music and take requests. Nobody hugs the walls and everybody has a good time, but remember to leave room for the Holy Spirit. Various dances around the city offer different styles, types and sounds — something for everyone.
“Generations” Dance
9 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. nightly
Wednesday - ‘50s, Thursday - ‘60s, Friday - ‘70s, Saturday - ‘80s
Hilton Riverside (I): Napoleon
This dance venue features ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s music that will change every night. Era-specific clothing is encouraged and grabbing something from your parents’ closet may be a good idea! Come and learn something about each generation.
Christian Music Dance 9 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. nightly
Marriott New Orleans (F): Mardi Gras
Our DJ mixes the best of today’s radio favorites with the top contemporary Christian tunes in a venue that will make you praise the Lord with dancing. Join your friends at this popular event held each night at the Marriott New Orleans.
Fun Club and Karaoke 9 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. nightly
Hilton Riverside (I): Grand Salon Ballroom
Hyatt Regency (A): Storyville Ballroom
Sheraton New Orleans (G): Napoleon Ballroom
Feel the need to watch your friends battle in inflatable sumo suits? Maybe you’d rather play the Wii on the big screen? Fun Clubs have dozens of inflatable games including inflatable sumo wrestling, jousting and bungee cord runs through crazy obstacle courses. You can play video games or sing karaoke for your friends while they jump onto the Velcro wall. Come and enjoy the chaos!
Gathering Idol 9 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. nightly
Hilton Riverside (I): Versailles
Every night, contestants will compete to be the “Gathering Idol.” Youth have the chance to present their gift of music to our celebrity panel of judges and be crowned the “Gathering Idol” winner for the evening. Tangled Blue will play and host our version of the popular TV show.
New Orleans Lounge 9 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. nightly
Intercontinental (B): Pelican I & II
Royal Sonesta (E): Acadia
Hilton Riverside (I): Jefferson
Want to sit down, cool down or play around? Stop by the “New Orleans Lounges.” Enjoy an evening chilling in comfortable seating, or play a game while enjoying cool beverages.
Taize Evening Prayer Services 9 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.
Astor Crowne (C): St. Charles Ballroom
Come to a service of quiet meditation, reflection, scripture and prayers, spoken and sung. Help quiet your mind and soul, making a place where the Holy Spirit may dwell and God’s voice may be heard.
The Final 15 Wherever you find yourself and your group at 10:45 p.m. each evening.
Printed in the front of your Gathering Bible and the back of this Guidebook. The Final 15 is the Gathering community’s way of closing the day in God’s care with scripture and prayer. It is a time to quiet your mind and body, and intentionally listen for God’s voice. Parents and other congregational members can join the Gathering community online. We have heard of the Final 15 happening in restaurants, on streetcars, in city parks, at ballroom venues and in hotel hallways. Wherever you are, know God is with you.