|
What is the ELCA Youth Gathering?
The Gathering, with its sister leadership events, is a major ministry of journeying and new life in community for high school-age youth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Every three years, the Spirit calls diverse and gifted young people and adults to this transforming way of being Church and living in God's amazing grace. The ministry and sister events of the Gathering include two youth leadership events (MYLE and DAYLE) preceding the Gathering, the Gathering, and the Lutheran Youth Organization Convention. Each offers unique youth ministry gifts, blessings, and resources for the church’s mission in the world.
Young people are renewed in baptism, strengthened for wise leadership, and empowered as public witnesses to the gospel in music and worship, in compelling stories and testimony, in Christ-like serving and seeking justice, and in biblical reflection and learning.
What’s the Gathering theme for 2009?
The theme, Jesus Justice Jazz, blends the rich faith history, diverse cultures, and arts of New Orleans. It will stretch our understandings of what it means to live in relationship and service with each other in the manner of Christ—for life!
The Gathering program will be different than Gatherings before. Planning teams and staff are working with local congregations and organizations, young people, and the city to pay attention to what makes The City of New Orleans unique, as well the changes it is going through as it continues to recover after Hurricane Katrina. The focus will be on service and justice as we live our shared reality as Christians: Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world. (Mission Statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
What are the dates for the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering and other events?
July 19-22, 2009 Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), New Orleans, LA
July 19-22, 2009 Definitely-Abled Youth Leadership Event (DAYLE), New Orleans, LA
July 22-26, 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering (1 week), New Orleans, LA
July 26-30, 2009 Triennial Convention of the Lutheran Youth Organization, Hattiesburg, MS
back to top
What is MYLE?
MYLE, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event, is a pre-Gathering youth leadership event designed for youth of color or whose primary language is other than English, and for members of their congregations who are also attending the Gathering. MYLE is a powerful time to celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity while lifting up a variety of leadership development experiences so that the ELCA may better meet its goal of being a fully multicultural and anti-racist church. MYLE will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown New Orleans.
What is DAYLE?
DAYLE is the Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event, a pre-Gathering leadership event designed for youth with disabilities (cognitive or physical) and their caregivers. DAYLE is a blessed time for developing and enhancing the leadership skills of youth with disabilities, recognizing that their participation in the leadership of the church can, does, and will make a difference! DAYLE will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown New Orleans.
Why do we need to provide ethnicity information as part of the Gathering registration process? We're not registering for MYLE.
The ethnicity field in the registration form for the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering provides critical descriptive information, a kind of map, of the racial/ethnic diversity of participants within this major ministry of the ELCA. Just like a congregation's annual report to the church, when joined with the reports of 10,470 other congregations, it helps us to see patterns, small and large. It helps us to detect and provide valuable evidence for signs of growth in participation of persons of many different ethnicities. It also helps us see clearly our challenges, as we continue to lean into the ELCA's 20 year old commitment to becoming a church of 10% persons of color and/or primary language other than English. That vision, that gracious calling, ours since Pentecost, is strengthened by the careful and confidential collection and use of this kind of data.
What is the Lutheran Youth Organization Convention?
The Eighth Triennial Convention of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) will be held in Hattiesburg, MS, July 26-29, 2009 after the Gathering. This convention is a gathering of the elected youth delegates from across all ELCA synods that will make decisions and elect new leaders for the LYO. Embraced by a network of adult advisors from across the ELCA, the LYO Convention is a time for community learning and sharing about issues of church and society that matter most to youth who are already leaders in the ELCA. The location for the LYO Convention is to be announced. There is no registration fee for youth delegates and their adult advisors. There will be a registration fee for Convention visitors.
back to top
Why New Orleans? Can New Orleans handle a large Gathering?
New Orleans has been host city to previous youth gatherings (1976 and 1997) and was in consideration for 2009 prior to Hurricane Katrina (2005). After many meetings and discussions with city and convention officials, consulting with congregational leaders, and careful consideration, we faced the question, “Why not New Orleans?” The question that followed was, “How can we not go to New Orleans?” The Morial Convention Center, Louisiana Superdome, and downtown areas have all been rebuilt and improved since 2005; the city is ready to go and has already been successfully hosting large conventions.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other denominations have been instrumental in the relief and community recovery work in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. It’s work that will need to continue for many years to come. The commitment to hold the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was made with these underlying convictions: that the wider church needs to listen and dwell with those who live in the Gulf Coast area; that there is much for us to learn about being servants in Jesus’ name and manner; that we have many powers and gifts to share as partners in the ongoing work, and; it is a city ready and eager to host us.
“While many in the country already may have forgotten or want the nation to forget the tragedy and move on, some of us recognize that a great human tragedy is still unfolding,” (Heather L. Feltman, executive director for Lutheran Disaster Response and director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response)
“Open your Bible and read again about how God repeatedly chooses a special place to live, among the poor and oppressed. Open it and read the challenge to us, as to the prophets, to speak to those in power on behalf of those who are not heard. As Christians, we cannot stand to ignore the cries of people who have nothing. As Christians, we cannot remain silent when our voices could mean a world of difference to those in need.” (Andrew Genszler, director for domestic policy, ELCA Washington Office)
For more information about the City of New Orleans go to The New Orleans Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Web site and the page of New Orleans links on the Gathering Web site.
back to top
What goes into choosing a Gathering location?
A lot of research, discussions, and prayer! The process begins about 6 years before the actual Gathering. Factors that guide the decision include ample hotel and convention center space, proximity of hotels to a convention center, a covered arena for mass gatherings, public transportation, a major airport, the ability to work with city officials, negotiating reasonable hotel prices and room blocks, and availability of specific summer dates. About 4-5 cities in the U.S. can currently accommodate the needs of the ELCA Youth Gathering due to our size and programmatic needs. One of those cities is New Orleans, a city that calls us in a compelling way and has deepened our research, discussions, and prayer.
Is New Orleans safe?
Tourist areas in New Orleans are as safe as those in any large city. The safety and well-being of Gathering participants -- youth and adults -- is of primary concern at every Gathering. The police department and the City of New Orleans are dedicated to providing thorough safety, security, and emergency measures for participants. As was the practice of previous Gatherings, ELCA staff and volunteers will be present at all Gathering venues and hotels, community service sites, and can also be reached through a 24-hour, toll-free, information phone line. Adult leaders accompanying groups will be required to attend a special orientation at the beginning of the Gathering. Gathering participants in the past have rarely encountered safety or health problems, and we have no reason to expect anything different in 2009.
We have a shared responsibility in making the Gathering a safe and meaningful experience of God’s people gathered in a particular place and time. When preparing with your youth and parents, create covenants and guidelines that include safety concerns, such as:
- What to do in an emergency.
- Exchange cell phone numbers.
- Use the same common sense as you would when traveling in any city.
- Always walk or travel in a group of 3 or more.
- Let adult leaders know where you are going and who you are with.
- Be mindful of surroundings and what’s going on.
- Refrain from venturing into areas that are sparsely populated, particularly after dark.
- Adhere to curfews.
- Rely on the hotel concierge and front desk staff, restaurant managers, Gathering staff and volunteers for local recommendations or directions.
- Listen to your common sense and intuition.
- Follow Gathering guidelines and procedures that will include a detailed orientation to the city and suggestions related to touring the city as respectful guests and reflective disciples. An excellent resource for responsible travel is Welcome Forward: A Field Guide for Global Travelers.
back to top
How do we get to New Orleans?
A growing number of congregational groups are choosing to arrive by air. In New Orleans, you can fly into the Louis Armstrong International Airport, 10 miles from the downtown area. If you arrive in New Orleans by car, van or bus, the Transportation Team is working to arrange a system that will allow you to use and park your vehicle throughout the Gathering. More information will be available as planning details are finalized. Another popular option is for neighboring congregations or synods to share in the cost of chartering one or more buses with professional drivers. Go to the Transportation Web page for more information.
New Orleans is known for its wild French Quarter. We don’t want our kids around the French Quarter. What do we do?
The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are part of New Orleans’ character and life. It’s a place of celebration and also rich cultural history, restaurants, and music. It’s also probably not the best place to turn young people loose unsupervised in the evenings. The French Quarter isn’t the only area of interest and activity in New Orleans. The Gathering program will offer many options throughout the day and evening for activities, music, dancing, worship, service, learning, relaxing, and socializing in hotels and other venues where Gathering staff and trained volunteers will be present. It’s a full schedule!
As always, adult leaders set the tone and guidelines for where groups go and what they do in the city. It is critical that adult leaders initiate open and honest discussions with parents and youth about what you will be doing, what kind of witness your presence will be to the local community, and what you consider to be appropriate in the city and during your entire experience, including traveling to New Orleans and back. The Gathering gives adult leaders the opportunity to help young people process new experiences and the world through the lens of the gospel, a practice youth will take with them into the rest of their life.
back to top
Will we be doing service projects in New Orleans? (ServantLife experience FAQs)
The Gathering program will involve community experiences and volunteer service (see Theological Statement). As with other program activities, these experiences will be led and supervised by staff and volunteers in addition to the people representing local partner agencies such as Lutheran Disaster Response. Our goals include:
- Offering safe community service and learning experiences through which young people will hear the life
stories of local residents
- Moving deeper into community issues and needs
- Receiving and sharing the gospel
- Serving with compassion and imagination as God has done for us.
Everything we do will strive to:
- Look to Christ as our model of servanthood and love
- Engage in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)
- Work from an understanding of “accompaniment”
- Build relationships that are mutual and respectful
- Listen to the unique needs and stories of communities and individuals
- Develop understanding and awareness
- Focus on justice and healing
- Envision long-term relief and solutions as interdependent communities
- Create long-term partnerships beyond the immediate experience in New Orleans
- Understand service as more than physical labor or fixing things
- Inspire participants for lives of service and learning as part of their baptismal vocation, including bold engagement and witness in their local communities.
ELCA resources for learning more about the concept of accompaniment:
Will New Orleans still need assistance in their recovery in 2009?
Definitely, but not necessarily in the ways we imagine or are accustomed to. Rebuilding and recovery will stretch over decades and also involves:
- Emotional healing
- Concerns of faith and spirituality
- Economic redevelopment over many years
- Working with and being sensitive to cultural, racial/ethnic, demographic, and socioeconomic changes occurring
- Developing new relationships and identities as changing neighborhoods and communities
- Being remembered and honoring memories
- Creative imagination for what the future will be
- Working for justice
- Caring for thousands of people who are still displaced or will never return to New Orleans
- Rebuilding homes and reestablishing households
- Paying attention to unanticipated needs or concerns that arise over time
- Flood and disaster prevention and response work
- Supporting old and new businesses
back to top
What about other opportunities for service projects and volunteer work before and after the Gathering?
Service learning as part of your travel is a great idea. Be sure to do some research on the following Web sites if you are interested in service learning on your way to or from New Orleans:
Who is working on planning the Gathering, DAYLE, and MYLE?
The people, organizations, and networks working together to plan a spiritually rich, safe, and meaningful experience for youth include:
- ELCA Youth Gathering and Youth Ministry staff
- Gathering, MYLE, and DAYLE planning teams and volunteers selected from across the country
- Board of the Lutheran Youth Organization
- ELCA Youth Ministry Network
- Local congregational leaders in New Orleans
- Synod youth and family ministry staff
- ELCA churchwide staff representing a variety of programs and units
- New Orleans city officials
What age youth can attend the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering?
Young people entering high school by September 2009, those already in high school, and those who will graduate in 2009. (Yes, that includes youth going into the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades)
How many adult leaders can we bring for our group?
You must have at least one adult for every nine youth. Most groups find that having one adult for every five youth provides better supervision and support. If your group has a mix of genders, you must have both female and male adult leaders. Adult leaders must be 21 years of age at the time of the Gathering. The Gathering Web site has some suggestions for recruiting and selecting adult counselors.
Registration and fees
There is a unified on-line registration process for MYLE, DAYLE, and the Gathering. On-line registration instructions were included in the Gathering registration brochure mailed to all ELCA congregations in April 2008. Registration opened on September 15, 2008 and closed on December 31, 2008 for each of these events. Registration for the LYO Convention opens January 1, 2009 and closes April 15, 2009.
- Gathering registration fee: $295 per person (does not include housing or meals)
- MYLE and DAYLE registration fees: $125 per person (includes housing, meals and program)
The $125 per-person deposit is non-refundable. There is an additional $75 processing fee for registrations that have been paid-in-full and then canceled prior to May 25, 2009. No refunds are given for cancellations made after May 25, 2009, or for no-shows in New Orleans.
back to top
How do hotel housing assignments work?
All the Gathering hotels are within a three mile radius of the main venues, Louisiana Superdome, and the Convention Center. Rates range from $99 to $149 per room, per night. Rooms will accommodate anywhere from 3-6 people, depending on the hotel and room configuration finally booked by your Primary Leader.
The Gathering assigns hotels after registration; congregations must register and pay the registration down payment before hotel assignments are made by the Gathering. The Gathering office will email hotel assignments to the Primary Leader in January 2009, and then the Primary Leader can book the reservation directly with the hotel beginning in March. A reservation for your group at the assigned hotel does not exist until your congregation's Primary Leader calls the hotel and makes a reservation.
Can we open MIF accounts to put our money into?
Yes, the ELCA Mission Investment Fund will again be working with congregations interested in opening Youth Ministry MissionPlus investment accounts to save money for the Gathering, MYLE and DAYLE, pay registration fees, and provide access to funds during your time in New Orleans. Your funds will also help support a variety of ELCA mission and ministry efforts.
How can I volunteer for the Gathering?
To volunteer, you must be at least 19 years of age and out of high school for at least one year. All volunteers must complete an application process and a background check.
How do I contact someone about the Gathering, MYLE, DAYLE, or the LYO Convention?
back to top
|