The Web site for the 2007 National LCMS Youth Gathering, at www.lcmsgathering.com, goes live July 1, as planners unveil the logo for the event set for July 28-Aug. 1 in New Orleans.
“Over the next two years, the Web site rolls out in four waves, each with more features and content for users,” said Gretchen Jameson, associate director for LCMS District and Congregational Services — Youth Ministry, which sponsors the Gathering every three years.
“In addition to important details about the event, the site provides adult-leader resources, youth polls, downloads, and a Gathering store,” Jameson said.
She added that later, groups from congregations will be able to create their own Web pages through the Gathering site, “to connect the Gathering to parents and others in their congregations.”
Jameson described the Gathering
“A distinctive cross is featured as a part of the mark, illustrating that God in Christ has chosen His people,” said Jameson, who added that the cross will be used “in a variety of ways to mark the Gathering.
“Simplifying the mark to key only on the 1 Peter theme, CHOSEN, is the primary way to communicate the fundamental purpose of this immense event,” Jameson said.
Paul Berkbigler, an art professor at Concordia University Nebraska (at Seward), designed the 2007 logo “mark.”
The Gathering will be the third one held in New Orleans — and the tenth that LCMS Youth Ministry has sponsored since 1980.
“New Orleans is an excellent city for the Gathering,” said Rev. Terry Dittmer, director of LCMS Youth Ministry. “Working with the city, the Gathering is already realizing significant financial savings that will help keep registration costs manageable for participants. It is simply a matter of good and prudent stewardship.”
“A focus on servanting, outreach, and discipleship defines the CHOSEN program,” Jameson said.
She added that although daily large-scale dome events are being planned, “participants will experience other elements of the program in groups of 10,000-12,000, in tracks based on sub-themes of “CHOSEN in Christ,” “CHOSEN with Others,” and “CHOSEN to the World.”
Jameson said that planners are “working to slow down and refine this Gathering’s program. We are intent on providing youth and their adult leaders with more time for dialogue and growth in faith, which often happens best for teens in smaller numbers.”
Registration for the 2007 Youth Gathering opens in fall 2006.
For more information, contact LCMS Youth Ministry at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1155.
Posted June 22, 2005
