The Gathering as a Turning Point
– Don Romsa As someone involved in Lutheran Campus Ministry, I was asked, “Why a Youth Gathering?” My answer? I’ve seen firsthand that the Gathering builds community, deepens faith, inspires service, and even transforms lives. During my thirty years of working...
The Gathering Spark
– Zoe Clark Hi, I’m Zoe and I’m 19 years old. I had the opportunity to go to two Gatherings and I am so excited to share a little bit about how the Gathering changed young adult life. In New...
Hurricane Harvey: How You Can Help
The number one question heard after a major event like Hurricane Harvey: “How can I help?” As followers of Jesus, we are called love our neighbor and to serve those in need. First, thank you. On the Gulf Coast, your...
The Desire to Serve
– Michael Stadie When I have been at the ELCA Youth Gatherings, I like to look into the eyes of the participants. They usually tell me about their connection to Lutheran Disaster Response. I see excitement in their eyes, from...
Why Service Learning?
– Lisa Jeffreys Why the Gathering, and why service learning? Because Jesus! That’s the easy answer, right? But the answer really is because of Jesus. Nothing about organizing service learning experiences for the Youth Gathering is easy. Yet the church...
Memories of Transformation
– Jason Poole-Xiong Even after 20 years, I still remember my first ELCA Youth Gathering. The memories are some of the most formative and joyful of my entire life. I remember being nervous and scared to travel and to be...