Meet Michael
-Michael Deisting Hi! My name is Michael, and when I’m not enjoying Chicago’s spectacular summers (I live in denial about the winters) or dreaming of where I might travel next, you can probably find me working alongside Donna and Molly...
Holy Ground
-Deaconess Kristen Baltrum There is nothing quite like watching the face of a teenager light up in wonder, especially when that face is lighting up because they have just walked into a stadium full of people, who like them have...
Meet Donna
-Donna Wiegel My name is Donna Wiegel, and I’ve been part of the Youth Gathering staff since 1997. Heidi Hagstrom, the former Gathering director, and I came on board together, when the Gathering moved from Minneapolis to become part of...
Heaven Meets Earth
-Rachel Kurtz I am thrilled to say I have gotten the opportunity to sing on the main stage at the last 5 ELCA Youth Gatherings (#oldlady). My favorite memory of any gathering happened in 2012 in New Orleans. I was...
We are family
-Amelia Dowling We all have our doubts, especially when it comes to our faith. It’s natural and any Christian you talk to will admit to doubting their own relationship with God. Our doubts help us grow in our faith and...
Meet Molly
-Molly Beck Dean Hi! My name is Molly and I serve as the Program Director for the ELCA Youth Gathering or Gathering Director for short. I began as director in January 2015 and accompanied former director, Heidi Hagstrom, and the...