2012 ELCA Youth Gathering website

ELCA Youth Gatherings occur every three years. The first Gathering took place in San Antonio, Texas, in 1988. However, the preceding church bodies that joined in 1987 to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America had Youth Gatherings that began in 1895. Youth Gatherings have been growing in numbers throughout the years, especially the last 30 years. Gatherings prior to 1988 occurred in Denver, Colorado; Banff/Alberta, Canada; Lafayette, Indiana; Houston, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; New York City, New York; Seattle, Washington; Missoula, Montana and Miami, Florida.

ELCA Youth Gatherings bring youth and adult leaders together around a theme that is integrated into all program components. These components including Bible study, service, worship, focused study areas, experiential learning, special events, dances and tours.

Planning for the 2012 Gathering began in the winter of 2010. There are 15 planning teams, comprised of people from across the country, who are responsible for the daily programming at the event. These people have a passion for the church’s ministry to rear youth in the faith; they willingly give their time and talents and we rejoice!

2012 ELCA Youth Gathering
New Orleans, Louisiana,
July 18–22, 2012

Interested youth should contact Terri MacFarlane
510-402-9161
As soon as possible as space is limited for the event.

About the Gathering Theme for 2012?

The theme, Citizens with the Saints, is drawn from the second lesson for Sunday, July 22, 2012 (Ephesians 2:14–20), paraphrased here:
"Jesus is our peace. In his life and death on the cross, Jesus broke down the dividing walls so that we are no longer strangers and outsiders, but we are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. The foundation of God’s house was built of apostles and prophets, and Jesus, the cornerstone, holds it all together."

The theme also blends the rich faith history, diverse cultures and arts of New Orleans with the communion of saints that is present whenever and wherever God’s people gather!