` 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering pre-registration informational meetings

ELCA Gathering Mission The ELCA Youth Gathering, a unique community by size and scope, exists to accompany young people in their faith journey, to claim their baptismal identity and articulate their faith in Jesus Christ.

ALL of the Gathering July 12-15, 2015 DAYLE - Definitely-Abled Youth Leadership Event MYLE - Multicultural Youth Leadership Event July 15-19, 2015 (Wed eve – Sun noon) ELCA Youth Gathering

Welcome to Detroit! Watch thisthis

The Gathering Design Proclaim Community Proclaim Justice Proclaim Story

Proclaim Community Act in a way that reflects God’s value for everybody, engaging one other’s story with respect and love.

Proclaim Justice Live boldly in the face of injustice, crisis and suffering

Proclaim Story Demonstrate the capacity to articulate their unique witness as part of God’s story.

Community Life Community Life happens wherever the community gathers

Mass Gatherings Music, speakers, dancing, inspiration!

What Adults to Bring? Chaperones vs. Adult Leaders How do you make that choice?

` Gathering Details

Participant Eligibility Youth Participants Must be in 8 th -12 th grade this Fall Youth graduating in 2015 can come! Adult Participants Must be at least 21 years old Adult:Youth Ratio Recommendation: 1 adult to 5 youth Requirement: 1 adult to 9 youth

Registration Registration Available Online ONLY Fees $325/person program fee (includes $150 non- refundable deposit per person) Goes up to $375/person after January 15, 2015 Individual participant form to gather specific info for primary leader to use (Gathering website under Resources tab)

Getting To Detroit - Options Fly into Detroit Good Earth Village Transportation program planned Will also register as a “congregation” Coordinate buses with your neighbors Drive Individually Costs vary depending on borrowing/renting vehicles Note: There will be NO “synod buses” this time.

Getting Around Detroit Airport Shuttle (arrival/departure) Nearby hotels may have a shuttle Gathering is working for other options Gathering shuttles The Gathering will provide one round-trip bus shuttle from hotels to the downtown venues each day. Caution - You will be WAITING If you drive to Detroit You will be able to use your vehicles throughout; parking will be available at the Cobo Center and hotels.

Housing Hotels are throughout the city and suburbs Budget for $150/room/night; plan for 2- 3 people in a room Synods will not be housed together, but efforts will be made to be close If you need to be housed with another church group, you MUST register together.

Food The Gathering Teams are working to connect with restaurants Food trucks being contracted Finding local groceries to support and utilize for some meals Cash & carry options at some hotels; some others may have continental?

Budgeting Your Group Registration Fee = $325 Travel = $250-$350 Housing = $300 (4 nights, double*) Food = $200 (5 $40/day) Total estimate = $1,075-$1,175/person Also: Offering & Spending Money *may be less

Detroit-themed Fundraising Car show / Test Drives Coney Hot Dog Contest Car Washes Congregational Dinners Shareholders / Envelope wall Paint by Numbers art show Other ideas?

Volunteer Opportunities General Volunteer Corps Servant Companions Community Life Volunteers More info about each is at

Gathering Timeline 2014 May 15th - volunteer applications open; financial assistance available; Gathering website goes live September 15th - soft opening for registration October 15th - official opening for registration December - Getting Ready group studies available

Gathering Timeline 2015 January 15th - early-bird registration closes; registration fee goes up to $375 February - housing is assigned to registered congregations March 15th - begin paying deposits with room lists May 15th – Full registration payment due; last day for additions/substitutions; registration officially closes

More Information ELCA Gathering website: ELCA Gathering Facebook Page: Southeastern Minnesota Synod Website Youth Ministry Network: GatheringLeaks.com Gathering Gear/signs:

More Synod Training Getting your Group Ready: Jan/Feb Using “Getting Ready” materials Tips on covenants and logistics Training your Adult Leaders Pre-Gathering Meeting for ALL adults: Late April? Detroit specifics Gathering logistics How to be an effective adult leader

Called to Detroit A few words from Heidi HagstromHeidi Hagstrom

` Questions?

Synod Gathering Coordinators Andrea and Ronald Myers