A look inside a community group A Day in the Life of the LCMS Youth Gathering

Joining you today: Presenters: Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Onalaska, WI Rev. Mark Kiessling, Gathering Program Director Facilitator: Amy Gray, Gathering Project Coordinator Welcome

Webinar Agenda Introduction – Amy Gray Presentation on a day at the Gathering– Anne and Mark Q and A

Webinar Tips Please use chat box (lower left-hand corner) to post questions. Questions will be answered: 1.throughout presentation via chat 2.By Anne, Mark, or Amy at the end of the presentation

A look inside a community group A Day in the Life of the LCMS Youth Gathering

Shepherd of the Hills Anne’s Youth Gathering history Shepherd of the Hill’s group attending Fundraisers completed and/or planned Meetings completed and planned

Preparation Tips: God’s Word – Gathering Theme Prayer Congregational Support Plan, and plan to be flexible Nurture flexibility in the minds of your youth and adults The Gathering is a unique experience Stay connected to the Adult Leader Facebook Group “NYG Adult Leaders” Ministry “in the seams”

Preparation Tips: Webinars: Including: Theological Resources, Registration, Program Details Future: Housing, Eating in New Orleans, Workshop Schedule Plenty of time to register for the Gathering! March 4, 2016: Registration rate increases to $375 Early Spring:Housing Assignments May 4, 2016: Full Payment due to qualify for express registration June 1, 2016:Last day for substitutions

Shepherd of the Hills Anne’s Preparation Tools Role(s) of other adult leaders

Upcoming Pre-Gathering Communication: Next set of Gathering Bible Studies Housing Information Speaker Schedule/Gathering Guidebook District Event Info

Travel to the Gathering: Shepherd of the Hills’ Travel Plans Ideas: Departure prayer/Time with parents and congregation Get youth involved in leadership Plan to be flexible

Ground Transportation: Shepherd of the Hills’ Ground Transportation Plans Airport to Hotel Shuttle Service (link will be available on Gathering website) Regular Airport Shuttles Cabs Downtown Parking Gathering website will provide information Hotel and public lots Chartered Bus Parking Gathering office can be consulted for suburban hotels

Hotel Check—in: Anne’s Hotel Check-in Tips Others: We recommend you do not pay your hotel balance until you are on-site. Look for your Community Life Builder (CLB) or information in hotel lobby (Saturday) Become familiar with landmarks around your hotel

Gathering Schedule Friday, July 15 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. On-Site Registration Morial Convention Center Adult Leader Orientation Sessions We highly recommend one adult leader attends on-site orientation. Sessions last 30 minutes and take place in two meeting rooms near registration. A session starts every 15 minutes. FAQ: Does the Primary Adult Leader have to be present to register? No, any adult leader can register your group as long as they have the registration detail letter which you will print before coming to New Orleans. If not paid in full, bring along any necessary payment.

Gathering Schedule Shepherd of the Hills’ on-site registration and Saturday schedule plans Saturday, July 16 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. On-Site Registration Adult Leader Orientation Sessions District Events FAQ: What if we arrive after 6:00 p.m.? Late arrivers will be accommodated so you are able to attend the opening mass event. We will have a temporary check-in at the Superdome. An adult leader will need to officially register your group on Sunday morning. Details on the Superdome and Sunday location will be made available at a later date. p

Gathering Schedule Saturday, July 16 7:30 p.m.Superdome Doors Open 8:30 p.m. Mass Event Begins Mercedes – Benz Superdome Following Mass Event Night Life Hotels Other Locations Downtown Community Group Time Midnight End of Programming Day

Community Group Shepherd of the Hills’ Plans/Expectations At Dome Events through Bedtime Seating at Dome Events Community Group Time Food Adult Supervision Night Life Program – how to choose Adult Leader Check-in

Gathering Schedule Sunday, July 17 – Tuesday, July 19 Morning 5K Run/Walk (Sunday) Servant Event Deployment Morial Convention Center/Superdome Community Group Time/Breakfast Adult Leader Check-in Worship Rehearsal (Sun-Tue) 9:30/10:00 a.m. Bible Study Morial Convention Center and Selected Hotels

Gathering Schedule Sunday, July 17 – Tuesday, July 19 11:00 a.m.Experiential Learning Floors Open (until 6:00 p.m.) 12:00 p.m.Session 1 – Interest Centers/Concerts/Academy Details TBD:Specific schedule for Off-site Interest Centers On your own:Lunch (Convention Center and surrounding area) 2:00 p.m.Session 2 – Interest Centers/Concerts/Academy 4:00 p.m.Session 3 – Interest Centers/Concerts/Academy 5:15 p.m.Approximate Ending of Session 3 6:00 p.m.Experiential Learning Floors Close

Community Group Shepherd of the Hills’ Plans/Expectations 7:00 a.m. – Supper Community Group Time Meals Adult Supervision Check-ins during day How many sessions? Adult Leader Sessions

Adult Leader Support One another Gathering App HelpLine Adult Rest Area/Oasis Community Life Builders (CLBs) o At Information Booths Adult Leader Training/Workshops Adult Leader Trainings (Sun-Tue) General Topics (Sun-Tue) on Interest Center Schedule

Gathering Schedule Sunday, July 17 – Tuesday, July 19 7:30 p.m. Superdome Doors Open 8:30 p.m. Mass Event Begins Following Mass Event Mass Event Plus (Sunday and Monday) Night Life Community Group Time Midnight End of Programming Day

Community Group Gathering Schedule mirrored Sunday-Tuesday Things to remember as event progresses: Plan out the entire event, don’t leave decisions to Tuesday

Gathering Schedule Wednesday, July 20 8:30 a.m.Superdome Doors Open 9:30 a.m. Worship - Divine Service Begins Concluding Remarks following the Benediction and Closing Hymn 12:00 p.m. Conclusion of Youth Gathering Possible District Events 3:00 p.m.Earliest Flight Departures

Community Group Shepherd of the Hills’ Plans/Expectations Wednesday Logistics and Return Home Luggage Transportation Plans Community Group Time on return Report and thanks to congregation

Questions? Please use chat box on the left to post questions.

Future Webinars All webinars will be advertised on social media, Gathering Update s, and website Future webinars topics: Housing, Eating in New Orleans, Workshop Schedule, Final Reminders

Best information Source: Sign up for the Gathering Update Registration questions: x General Gathering Questions/Information: x

Thank you for supporting young people in your congregation and community!