Planners announce date for National LCMS 2016 Youth Gathering

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicki Biggs
Director, Integrated Communications
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
www.lcms.org
314-996-1236
314-556-3829 (cell)

Planners announce date for National LCMS 2016 Youth Gathering
Location to be announced this summer

ST. LOUIS, April 11, 2013—Save the date! The 13th triennial Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) National Youth Gathering (Gathering) is set for July 16–20, 2016. The location for the event will be revealed at this summer’s Gathering in San Antonio.

While still preparing for this summer’s July 1–5, 2013, Gathering, planners are looking ahead with great anticipation to the 2016 event.

“The 2016 National Youth Gathering promises to strengthen our Lutheran youth through fostering in them a culture shaped by Lutheran values: devotion to the means of grace, vigorous service to the neighbor and a sturdy defense of the faith,” explained the Rev. Bart Day, executive director of the LCMS’ Office of National Mission.

In looking ahead to the 2016 event and beyond, Gathering planners will hold a Future Search Conference this fall, in which staff will evaluate the Gathering’s history as well as brainstorm for its future.

“There’s no doubt that Gatherings are a significant part of life in the LCMS, especially for teens, over the last 30 years,” said the Rev. Dr. Terry Dittmer, director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS. “Still, there are fair questions about what will make the best Gatherings in the future.

“We hear suggestions for regional events, shorter or longer events and concern about the expense of these events. We want to consider those questions and continue to provide a great resource for LCMS churches and young people,” Dittmer added. “We believe this convening will help us build a solid model for many Gatherings to come.”

The 2016 Gathering will be the 13th since the inception of the event in 1980. To learn more, visit www.lcmsgathering.com.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.

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