The ELCA Youth Gathering is going back to New Orleans in 2012! This is an opportunity for the youth of your congregation to continue to be with the people and culture of this great city.
Things Adult Leaders Should Know
Housing Assignments
All congregation groups have been assigned rooms at the
Marriott or
Sheraton hotels. These buildings are directly across the street from each other. Additional information pertaining to your housing assignment can be found by
logging into your group’s account, and clicking “PRINT” under Confirmation / Housing Letter at the bottom of the information page
.Housing Issues
Some people didn’t receive sufficient rooms for their group. If that is the case for your congregation, you are encouraged to enter your information on the
synod housing issues page. If there isn’t another congregation in this synod that can help you find additional space, then contact the Gathering Office [gathering@elca.org]. Be sure to include your Congregational ID and indicate how many additional rooms / pillows you need. Do not contact your hotel directly until March 15
.Getting Ready Materials
Bringing your group together before the Gathering is essential to having a positive experience in New Orleans. These meetings are more than just fund-raisers or informational updates. They are an opportunity for youth and adults to learn about the theme of the Gathering, prepare for “The Three Days”, study Scripture, and pray together. There are all kinds of great resources available on the
Gathering web siteFinancial Assistance Extended
The Gathering has re-opened the application process for financial assistance.
Click here to apply on-line for financial assistance.
Transportation
Does your group has a few extra seats on a bus you’d like to “sell” to other groups? Or, does your group still need to arrange transportation? Go to the SE Iowa Transportation spreadsheet and indicate if you have extra space or need additional seats on a bus.
The THREE DAYS at the Gathering
The Gathering program is built around three core practices in which young people will be immersed before they come to New Orleans, while they are attending the Gathering, and again, in the communities of their congregations and synods when they return home. The Three Days include Practice Discipleship, Practice Peacemaking and Practice Justice.
Practice Discipleship
Discipleship is not an “activity” that we “do.” It is a life that we lead. Ultimately, it is about following Jesus. You began to practice discipleship the moment you received God’s baptismal promises. At the Gathering, every synod will come together in a local ballroom for the Practice Discipleship Day.
The Southeastern Iowa Synod will meet on Saturday, July 21, to practice being a disciple of Jesus Christ, and to learn to take your relationship with Jesus to a deeper level. The location of our synod day will be available by May 15. The day will include:
- Gathering in the morning to “Dwell in the Word.” This will be a worship with Eucharist with Bishop Burk preaching and presiding.
- Following worship, we will move into small groups for interactive learning around the seven faith practices.
- Then you will go into the city for an afternoon discipleship Lab, putting into practice what you have learned on the streets of New Orleans. You will be given resources for activities and discussion — a “faith scavenger hunt” of sorts — around the seven faith practices, and how they apply to your daily life.
Click on these links for information regarding the Practice Peacemaking and Practice Justice days.
Volunteer Opportunities for the Practice Discipleship Day
We’re using VolunteerSpot to help us organize 90 small group leaders and 40 Holy Communion Assistants for the Discipleship Day (our Synod Day) at the ELCA Youth Gathering this summer, Please click the link below to learn more. We have roles for adults and youth! CLICK HERE to sign up today or in the days ahead!
Gathering Information Session
Synod Coordinator, Erik Ullestad, shared a Spring 2012 Training PowerPoint on April 14, 2012. Please click the link below for his presentation.
Synod T-Shirt Orders
The Southeastern Iowa Synod has an “official” synod T-Shirt available for your congregation to purchase. You can place your order and purchase shirts by clicking here! Plan on wearing the synod shirt on Saturday, July 21 – when we meet all together for Practice Discipleship Day! We will also have the opportunity to sit together at the Dome Event Saturday night. We hope the whole synod will wear this shirt in NOLA!
Web Resources
www.elca.org/gathering
Synod Coordinator
Erik Ullestad serves as the Gathering Coordinator for the Southeastern Iowa Synod.
Erik Ullestad
E-mail: erik@whlc.org
Facebook: facebook.com/erikullestad
Skype: erikullestad
Twitter: twitter.com/erikullestad
Mobile: 515.720.8167
