Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering!
Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, recorded an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA.
Posted June 2023:
Greetings from Pr. Jon Wendt!
This past month, I sent a letter to congregations to introduce myself. For those who may not have gotten it, let me introduce myself in this email. My name is Pastor Jon Wendt, and I am the SWMN Synod Champion for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. I have attended every tri-annual gathering since the early 90’s, and have watched people grow in their faith as they come together with thousands of other Christians during the week of the Gatherings. This life-changing event has been canceled the last couple of times, but I am excited that we are able to participate again.
As the Gathering Synod Champion (GSC), it is my role to walk with each of the congregations as they begin to register, fundraise, and prepare. I am here to answer any questions you may have. As we each begin this journey to New Orleans in the summer of 2024, I want to be a “help line” for you. You can always reach me through the gathering website www.elca.org/gathering, or my personal email [email protected].
The ELCA Gathering will take place July 16-20, 2024, in New Orleans, LA. During this time, we will have daily events for your group to participate in. From learning workshops to a day of service in the city of New Orleans, you and your youth will learn what “Created to Be” means. We will dive deeper into justice, mental health, and anti-racism, all while worshiping together every night in the Caesars Superdome. At the worship gatherings, youth will experience musicians, speakers, and exhibitors that will help them to encounter God in a whole new way.
The Gathering is for youth grades 8-12 (in the fall of 2023 school year). Registration will open on September 15, 2023, and continue until April 15, 2024. Of course, the earlier you register, the cheaper it will be. Cost starts at $375 and goes up from there. There is a $150 deposit for each participant due at time of registration, and the rest at a later date. And there are many different scholarships available for those who are financially strapped.
Alongside the Gathering, there are a couple of other events for individuals who meet the requirements. MYLE is an event open to youth of color or whose primary language is other than English. The tAble is for youth who live with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. And new this year, the Youth Adult Gathering, for those who are 18-35. This part of the 2024 Gathering is partnered with the ELCA Young Adult Ministries, and will coincide with the larger Gathering.
More information on all of these options can be found on the ELCA Gathering Website, www.elca.org/gathering. You can also get information from the Gathering Resources – gLearn and gNews.
This August, I will be offering a couple of Zoom Meetings with information. I am planning to hold a couple dates for leaders, and possibly a couple for adults and youth who are wondering about the gathering. Please share this information and the following dates with any parents, leaders, or people who are wondering.
I look forward to walking alongside all of you in this life-changing adventure. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
We’ll see you in New Orleans!
