Thanks to all who could attend last night.   Here are some highlights of what we discussed (and some we didn't, but will be very helpful).  (NOTE:  We did not record the session, but this email has a lot of helpful information.)

ELCA Youth Gathering Handbook (and other Gathering merchandise and publicity materials)

• The Gathering handbook is an ESSENTIAL for all adult leaders bringing youth the Gathering. 
  • The handbook is available as a FREE download
  • Or you can print the Gathering handbook for a small cost
• To download the handbook and publicity materials, click here:
  • https://elca.org/Resources/ELCA-Youth-Gathering
• To purchase a print copy of the handbook or other items, click here:
  • https://oldlutheran.com/collections/yg22-boundless

Registration

• Opens September 22, 2021!!!
• Early bird pricing ends November 21, 2021!
  • To get Early Bird pricing, complete payment of $150 deposit for all participants - youth and adults
• In the event of the Gathering is cancelled, you have three options for the money have already submitted to the Gathering:
  • Receive a full refund
  • Donate all or some of your funds to the Gathering 
  • Request that the Gathering hold your funds
• Primary Adult Leader
  • Has your congregation designated someone to serve in this role for your congregation?
  • This person is responsible for:
    • registering your participants
    • submitting financial assistance applications
    • being the main point of contact between your congregation and the Gathering team
• If you have a small number wishing to attend the Gathering, consider partnering with another congregation to share costs in housing and (possibly) transportation
  • To make this happen, all registrations must be handled through ONE congregation (and their Primary Adult Leader)

Interest Level of participating in the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering

• I have created a form that will allow me to know some of the details regarding your participation in the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering
• This form asks:
  • the likelihood of you attending the Gathering
  • the mode of transportation you will most likely engage in
  • whether or not you are likely to connect with another congregation to attend the Gathering
• This link is here:  
  • https://se-reg.brtapp.com/2022ELCAYouthGatheringInterest

What about the impact of COVID-19 on the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering?

• The Gathering has posted a Covid updated and FAQ page:
  • https://elca.org/YouthGathering/COVID19

What about the Safety & Security of our Youth in Minneapolis?

• These concerns will be addressed in the upcoming webinar on Safety & Security on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 8pm ET / 7pm C
• Register for this webinar here

How can we motivate our folks to attend the Gathering in the midst of all of the challenges of this past year?  Here are some ideas...

• Gather safely (if possible) and watch the ELCA Youth Gathering's KICKOFF CELEBRATION.
  • Alternative:  share the link and watch online
• During Sunday services, or via your congregation's social media outlets (or whatever other creative means), have past Gathering attendees share a response to one or more of the following questions:
  • How has God blessed me through my Gathering experience?
  • How has God used the Gathering to bless others around me?

How can I raise funds to help our congregation attend in the midst of COVID restrictions?

• This Gathering document is FANTASTIC!!!
• Not only does it cover fundraising ideas, but helps you to get to the heart of the Gathering's purpose:  Faith Formation for all youth of the ELCA.
• CLICK HERE to download this document

For all other questions...

• Navigate the ELCA Youth Gathering website
  • https://www.elca.org/gathering?
• Or, reach out to Pr. Michael Jannett, Southeastern Synod Gathering Coordinator - mjannett@elca-ses.org

Peace,

  Pr. Michael Jannett, your Gathering Synod Coordinator