Registration opens Oct. 17 for the 2019 LCMS Youth Gathering, set for July 11–15 in Minneapolis. Registration will take place exclusively online, with data entry beginning Sept. 5.
While there will be no paper registration for the Gathering, each group will be required to mail in a Pastoral Affirmation Form, Registration Account Form (available to print after completing online registration) and the deposit payment.
The registration fee of $365 per participant covers all Gathering program and administrative costs, participant items, post-Gathering resources and secondary insurance for all participants. The registration fee does not include meals and lodging.
Registrants may submit either the full amount or a non-refundable deposit of $150 per person to secure registration.
Registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct. 17. Any forms or payments postmarked before Oct. 17 will be returned, causing a delay in registration processing.
When registration capacity is reached, remaining groups will be placed on a waiting list and admitted as space becomes available.
The theme of the 2019 Gathering — “Real. Present. God.” — is based on Psalm 46:
“’Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our fortress” (Ps. 46:10–11).
The same theme is being used for the 2018–19 edition of “Chapel Talks for Lutheran Schools” as well as for National Lutheran Schools Week. Devotions, Bible studies and other resources for 2019 LCMS Servant Events will also follow this theme.
Held every three years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity.
For five days, participants spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service and fellowship.
Gathering Registrar and Operations Associate Director Krista Miller says:
“Everyone in the Gathering office is excited for online data entry to begin on Sept. 5 in preparation for mailing the required paperwork beginning Oct. 17. Many months of planning have already taken place … but this is when it all begins to get ‘real’! We look forward to celebrating ‘Real. Present. God.’ with you in Minneapolis.”
Over 400 people met in Minneapolis in July for the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference under the theme “A Very Present Help.” The event, hosted by LCMS Youth Ministry, focused on preparing for the 2019 Gathering.
Monthly webinars also will be available to help prepare congregations that are taking a group to the Gathering.
More information about registration for the Gathering — including a registration booklet, necessary forms, a registration timeline and a sign-up form for monthly Gathering emails — is available at lcmsgathering.com.
For additional ways to connect with LCMS Youth Ministry, visit lcms.org/youth.
Posted Aug. 30, 2018
