First resources, logo for 2016 Youth Gathering available

Preliminary adult-leader planning resources and the just-unveiled logo for the 2016 LCMS Youth Gathering are the first items to appear on the website here for the July 16-20 Gathering in New Orleans.

The preliminary resources are under the site’s “Lead” tab. Other 2016 Gathering material planned for the site within the coming months includes its first theological resource — a primer and commentary on Philippians and the Gathering’s “In Christ Alone” theme drawn from that New Testament book.

The new logo (also known as the Gathering’s “identity mark”) depicts a mosaic-like fleur de lis, the stylized lily or iris that is a familiar symbol of New Orleans, with a distinctive cross in its center. The design — by Erica Schwan, Design Services manager for LCMS Communications — “reflects the Gathering’s Christocentric focus,” according to a news release from LCMS Youth Ministry, which organizes national LCMS Gatherings.

“The mosaic nature of the mark is inspired by the artwork seen throughout New Orleans and the theme of God’s redemptive work in our lives,” said Gathering Program Director Rev. Mark Kiessling. “As an artist arranges broken pieces of varying shapes and colors to create a mosaic image, so too, God takes us, a broken people, and places us together to form His beautiful bride, the church.”

Throughout the Gathering, “participants will study the Apostle Paul’s words to the people of Philippi that reflect on the key concepts of identity, humility and community,” according to the news release. “Using the book of Philippians, Gathering participants will hear and profess that it is in Christ alone that we stand.”

“Christ alone is our purpose for living, our motivation for serving and our joy in interacting with others,” Kiessling said. “Christ alone is our reason for gathering together in New Orleans in July 2016.”

The news release ends with the following description of an LCMS Youth Gathering:

“Held every three years since 1980, [it] 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. During the five days of the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across the Synod.”

LCMS Youth Ministry also is mailing to each Synod congregation this August a New Orleans-inspired 24-month calendar that highlights upcoming LCMS Youth Ministry events and Gathering deadlines.

To see a 30-second video introducing the 2016 Gathering logo and showing glimpses of Youth Gathering activities, click here.

Posted Aug. 5, 2014 / Updated Aug. 28, 2014