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July 2012

Preparing for the Gathering

 

 

Preparing for the Gathering   

https://www.elca.org/~/media/Images/Youth%20Gathering/Site%20Images/ELCA_GuideBook.jpgGuidebook now available
The 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering Guidebook PDF is now available for download. You will find daily schedule information, Superdome activities, community life happenings, transportation schedules, safety guidelines and much, much more. The Final 15 is in the Guidebook starting on page 44. |
2012 ELCA Youth Gathering Guidebook.
 

The Practice Justice process
On the Practice Justice Day, we will put our faith into action in a city that has persevered through one of the biggest natural disasters in our world. Visit the Practice Justice page and watch the video to know what to expect. We will learn from the people of New Orleans about their struggles and their strength, we will discover places of amazing resilience and places of neglect, violence and pain. Now, six years after Katrina, New Orleans is slowly recovering, yet the need is still great. There are a number of project areas. Find out more about these.
 

Practice Discipleship Tour brochure
View the Practice Discipleship Tour brochure to learn more about how your day will unfold.
 

Streamlining the registration process
A short video, a little over five minutes, explains exactly how the registration process will work for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. Watch the video.
 

Download the map
A wonderful map has been put together that includes the Daily Schedule, Practice Peacemaking Zones and Champions Square (the area outside of the dome). The Champions Square map includes prices for food and beverages.
 

Preparing our mindset
Yes, you have raised, earned, collected and paid a lot to attend the Gathering and it is helpful for all leaders to remember we are a part of more than 33,000. Everything will not go our way. That moment might be the greatest learning moment. For example: We might not get the Practice Justice assignment we want, but we can be open to it as a potentially great opportunity. What we get out of anything depends upon what we put into it. One of the greatest challenges for Adult Leaders is helping youth to have attitudes of gratitude and seeing all that comes their way as opportunity. It’s definitely not easy, but it is helpful.

Here are some quick tips to remember.

  • Live in the moment
  • Be a non-anxious presence
  • Live with an attitude of gratitude
  • Act with respect (don’t joke, imitate or make fun of...)
  • Be open to each other and new people
  • See the best in each other
  • Help each other be the best
  • Don’t complain. Work toward a solution
  • Support each other through highs/lows
     

Interested in donating your hair?
The organization, Children with Hairloss, is based out of Michigan and serves people all across the country. Visit http://www.childrenwithhairloss.us/our-mission for more information.
 


Bulletin board

Director's blog
It is my prayer that all young people feel the communal embrace of Christ's church when they are together in the Superdome in a few weeks.

Read more »


Don't forget

Program your cellphones with these numbers

  • Gathering Info Line - 1-888-411-3522 (ELCA)
  • Mobility and Special Needs Transportation Requests - 1-866-521-7729
     

Discuss safety with your group
The ELCA Youth Gathering's Safety and Security Team has put together some wonderful tips and thoughts about safety throughout the Gathering.
 

Airport shuttle reservations
Don't forget that you must make your airport shuttle reservations ahead of time. Visit the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering airport shuttle to sign up your group.
 

Packing list
Wondering what to pack for yourself or what to tell participants in your group to pack? Check out this list of things that will be good to have. 


New Orleans welcomes the youth of the ELCA   

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau has set up a website just for us! Learn more about this wonderful city and how they are once again opening their welcoming arms to us.

On this website you will find lists of the top things to do, free things to do, discounts, and even something special from the Hard Rock Cafe! The site also provides information about getting around, places to eat and what’s new in New Orleans.
 

Connecting to the congregation

Live streaming
Live streaming of dome events returns for this year’s Gathering. Streams will begin at 6:30 p.m. CDT Wednesday, July 18, through Saturday, July 21. Sunday’s worship will begin at 9:30 a.m.


Blessing litany
A wonderful way for congregations to connect with the Gathering is to enact a formal sending in worship the Sunday before groups depart for the ELCA Youth Gathering. We have provided an outline that you may use. Congregational leaders may also adapt it for their particular context. We are providing a Word version and a PDF version.


Coming in August
A week from today those attending the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering will learn about a God of sacrificial love. They will be reminded of the claim that God in Christ makes on our lives in the world. When the Gathering is over, it really will have just begun. We will make available resources in August to help you encourage the faith discoveries that will have begun in New Orleans. Watch for more information in the August gNews. 
 
  


 

 

Follow us on any of these:

@elcagathering    

Banners, pens and other Gathering items now available at  OldLutheran.com.

 

$250,000 is the goal for the 100 Wells Challenge.
   

 

Filling in New Orleans' Future, One Blank At A Time. | Read more »

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800-638-3522, ext. 2100

Send your emails to gathering@elca.org.

ELCA Youth Gathering
8765 W. Higgins Rd. Chicago, IL 60631

 

 

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