2010 National Gathering "We Believe!" set for New Orleans, LA
The theme for the 2007 National LCMS Youth Gathering is "We Believe", based on John 20:31, "But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (ESV)
About this theme, Rev. Terry Dittmer, Director for Youth Ministry notes, "Gathering participants always share how much it means to encounter other students who "believe like I do" as part of the National Gathering. "We Believe" is a wonderful, corporate expression of our faith in Jesus Christ, especially as we focus on the creed and our confession as we take that faith to the New Orleans community in Word, celebration, service, witness and fellowship."
Staff of the DCS Youth Ministry Office, the 2007 Gathering Executive Team, Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations and other "creative experts" from across the Church and the LCMS Southern District participated in developing the theme.
"We Believe", the 11th triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering will be held July 17?21, 2010 in New Orleans, La. 2010 marks the event's third visit to New Orleans. Previous New Orleans' Gatherings included "A Time for Joy" (1992) and "Higher Ground" (2001). The Gathering had planned to hold its 2007 event in New Orleans, but moved to Orlando in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"New Orleans is once more a vibrant city for meeting the mission of the National LCMS Youth Gathering," shares Gretchen Jameson, Associate Director for LCMS Youth Ministry - Communications.
Changes have been made to Gathering participant guidelines. For the first time in its history, 14-year old participants will be encouraged to attend. "Our goal is to provide opportunities for incoming freshman to experience the Gathering" shares Mark Kiessling, Gathering Program Director. "Planners will give special consideration when developing workshops and program content to meet the unique needs of these younger students."
To register for 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, youth participants must be at least 14 years old at the time of the Gathering; OR entering their freshman year in high school at the time of the Gathering; OR be a 2010 high school graduate; and may not have turned 21 by the time of the Gathering.
The 2010 Gathering will also allow congregations to bring more adult leaders with their groups. "We recognize that some congregations may have concerns about the Gathering in New Orleans," Kiessling states. "By increasing our adult-to-youth ratio, congregations can bring more adults and we hope to encourage groups to feel more confident in attending."
The Gathering Web site, www.lcmsgathering.com provides parents and adult leaders the opportunity to interact with New Orleans, the members of the LCMS Southern district and the information that "helped LCMS decide that New Orleans is the best home for the 2010 Gathering." Registration for We Believe, the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering will open in the fall of 2009. For more information, contact the DCS Youth Ministry Office at 800.248.1930 Ext. 1155.
