“To God – whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20
It’s a Gathering year in the ELCA. What does that mean?
In less than one year – June 28 – July 2, 2027 – thousands upon thousands of ELCA teenagers (and young adults) will gather for our denomination’s triennial faith formation event – The Gathering. During this week ELCA youth will learn, worship, serve, and be in intentional community with one another. This Gathering will be in Minneapolis, fondly known as “Lutherland,” or the epicenter of Lutherans in the US!
The Gathering has been going on since 1988, continually shaping the faith experiences of high schoolers, their adult leaders, and the communities that they visit, serve, and learn from. The ELCA reports that The Gathering is one of our denomination’s top four most influential ministries. As someone who attended a Gathering as a youth – this event shapes faith, builds leaders, and influences the ministries of the future church.
I am excited to begin “gathering” our group from Reformation for next summer. If you have a student in your life who is entering 8th-12th grade, please be on the lookout for information early this fall. If the youth in your life are all grown – you have a role, too! Please pray for our youth and pay attention to the opportunities they will offer to support their trip this year. For many kids, this is a once in a lifetime experience. I can’t wait to accompany them as they “Imagine More” in Minneapolis next summer.
Pastor Eileen (she/her)