ELCA Youth Gathering

The ELCA Youth Gathering is a national convention held every three years in a different American city attended by high-school-age youth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The gathering is usually held in July. About 40,000 youth attended the most recent 2006 gathering. Beginning in 2000, the gathering was divided between two different weeks in order to accommodate the growing number of youth attending each time.

The 2009 Gathering will return to one week only, July 22-26, with a maximum capacity of 36,000 youth and adults. The 2009 Gathering will include a strong focus on Christian service in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Locations and themes of the ELCA Youth Gathering (1988–2009)

Year	Location	Theme
1988	San Antonio, TX	"Rejoice in the Lord Always"
1991	Dallas, TX	"Called to Freedom"
1994	Atlanta, GA	"2 Be Alive"
1997	New Orleans, LA	"River of Hope"
2000	St. Louis, MO	"Dancing at the Crossroads"
2003	Atlanta, GA	"Ubuntu" ("Do Life")
2006	San Antonio, TX	"Cruzando" ("Crossing")
2009	New Orleans, LA	"Jesus Justice Jazz"

2006 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Cruzando"

"Cruzando" is a Spanish word meaning "crossing." Many "crossings" were experienced by the youth at the gathering between each other and with local people and culture. Much of the gathering was experienced in both English and Spanish languages, including some of the songs, as well as a Sunday morning liturgy.

Activities

Multiple mass gatherings were held twice daily from Thursday to Saturday, with an opening gathering on Wednesday, and a closing service on Sunday. The morning gathering was a bible study, while the evening gathering was a predominantly a showcase of speakers and musicians. These involved all of the congregations attending the gathering, and showcased the speakers, famous Christian musicians as well as a house band, and worship services that were held throughout the gatherings. Community life was also present in the form of dances and partnering of congregations, as were other one time events such as an event called "La Fiesta de la Vida" that encompassed the entire old district of San Antonio, La Villita.

Wednesday

The opening mass gathering was a greeting and introduction to the gathering itself, and showcased Hawk Nelson and Superchick as musicians, as well as Tony Campolo as a star speaker. The community life activities started on this day. No bible study was held, as most congregations arrived after noon.

Thursday

The first full day, the bible study was accompanied by Agapé, noted Christian rapper. Thursday was also the day that certain congregations participated in service projects intended to better the community. Projects included construction, helping with a retirement center, and helping with small children. This was the day that the interaction center, based in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center was opened, involving group lectures, concerts, (including Lost & Found as well as further performances from Agapé) and interactive activities such as zip lines and inflatables. The evening mass gathering included speakers Don Miller and Pamela Genghini Hernandez, an immigrants rights activist who works to help unaccompanied immigrant children stay in the United States. Musicians included Krystal Meyers and The Katinas.

Friday and Saturday

Friday's bible study was accompanied by Kelly Glow, and Jim Wallis. Activities continued except for servant activities. The evening mass gathering included the famous Australian born band, Newsboys as well as Al-Raja Dancers from Palestine. Saturdays guests were Emmanuel Yeboah and Dr. Kristine Gebbie, noted AIDS researcher and advocate for AIDS awareness. The Evening Gathering was replaced with La Fiesta, were traditional Mexican bands played, and as texmex food was served.

unday

The last day, and the day of the worship service. For week one, Rev. Jay Gamelin was present for the service, as well as Rev. Margarita Martinez head of the Caribbean synod of the ELCA. However for week two the presiding ELCA bishop, Mark Hanson presided over the service. For both services, Ken Medema and Agapé performed.

External links

* [http://www.elca.org/gathering/ 2006 ELCA Youth Gathering - Where Transformation Happens]
* [http://www.elca.org/youth/gathering.html 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering]