Gathering registration is still open and still $315
Gathering registration fees were set to increase by $50 in January. But because our hotel blocks are larger, we still have ample space for participants. So the registration fees won't increase until AFTER the 2012 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, (February 12)! The Gathering staff will be there to answer your questions, help with registration issues, and help you find your hotel if you'd like to do a site visit.
Bulletin board
Director's blog -- God's economy of grace (blogs.elca.org/youthgathering)
When young people step off the bus, plane or van in New Orleans next summer, I want them to step into a community of the beloved that operates according to God’s economy of grace. I want them, and me, to experience a community wherein the rules of merit are broken, a moment in time when God is completely in charge for a while.
In our culture we base almost everything on "achievement, performance, accomplishment, payment, exchange value, or worthiness of some sort.: In God's economy of grace we are released from the “internalized merit-badge system” that holds many of us hostage. Within that system, and “without grace, almost everything human declines and devolves into smallness, hurt, and blame.” Many of us try so hard to earn the merit badge -- consciously or unconsciously -- that we sacrifice the freedom and peace we are promised in Christ. | Read more »
Next adult training webinar
Topic: "Faith Conversations"
Leader: Dennis “Tiger” McLuen
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Time: 2:00 p.m. (Central time)
Description: Sharing your faith story is an essential part of your role as a leader -- yet, this is usually a tough area for many people in the church. This session will introduce the basic ideas and skills necessary for having a natural, relational conversation about faith and life. We will admit our fears and find a way to speak about faith and life in real conversations with students.
This session will be presented in an online seminar. There will be the presentation of material as well as opportunities to ask questions and interact.
This webinar will be facilitated by Dawn Trautman. Space is limited to 500 participants. Please register early!
Connecting to the congregation
Online giving opportunities will be available soon
Remember the 2009 Gathering? ELCA young people and their congregations were instrumental in helping purchase supplies for the community through their online donations! The same opportunity exists for 2012. The Practice Justice Team has been identifying current needs, so we're working on updating the site. Watch for it to launch very soon! Links will be posted on the Gathering website as well as on Facebook.
Looking for additional things to do while in New Orleans?
The New Orleans Convention and Visitor's Bureau has created a microsite especially for you! It's located on the Gathering website, bottom right, with links to everything New Orleans -- museums, food, attractions, etc. -- to help you make the most of your time in the Big Easy! Just hit the button that says "New Orleans Welcomes" and begin your journey.