A presentation about the ELCA National Youth Gathering for students and families who are thinking about attending.

1. ELCA National Youth Gathering 2012

6. The First Gathering

7. Day FourThe Learning Center

9. Projects are a coordinated effort between the ELCA and NOLA-based organizations.

11. Day SevenClosing Worship We conclude our last day at the Gathering with corporate worship, led by the Presiding Bishop, before loading back onto the busses for the trip home!

12. Day EightComing Home Then, it’s 18 more hours to get back home!! We arrive around 7-8 in the morning at Speedway.

13. What the LocalsHad to Say… “For almost four years we have been working very hard to restour some of what we lost in the hurricane. [ELCA youth] are the reason our community has been saved” -- Kristi Cowen, Jumonville Plantation “The Recovery School District serves the most at-risk children in the country, at-risk because of poverty and post-traumatic stress. I can’t begin to thank you guys enough. School opened last Thursday and it looks beautiful. Teachers cried; students were amazed.” -- Principal, Recovery School District “The city of New Orleans is a better place for having had the privilege to host [the ELCA Youth Gathering]. “

14. What the LocalsHad to Say… “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet many of your wonderful teenagers and congregation members. In addition to all of your generosity and extensive community service work, you provided so much life, excitement and joy throughout our city! Passing City Park each morning on my way to work and seeing those beautiful, vibrant, orange T-shirts just gave me goose bumps! Please pass to all of your ELCA ‘angels’ our gratitude and appreciation!”

15. What the KidsHad to Say… For me it meant a realization of what really happened in New Orleans. It showed me that yes they still needed to recover physically but also mentally, and if you cannot recover mentally then all hope is lost. I also realized you need that in everyday life or everyday hope will also be lost. –Janelle Dunbar- New Orleans was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It made me realize how God has impacted lives all around me, myself included. I saw poor individuals be reborn through the body of Christ by having 36,000 youth improving their city. The speakers were amazing, and their stories touched me in a way that I didn’t know was possible. Every time I went into the Super Dome, I was amazed by the number of different people that were there from different places and cultures. Yet, they were same in the eyes of God.. The trip made me grow closer in walk with God, and improved my faith towards God- -Ashley Schwartzkopf--

17. April 2011– Callout Meeting

18. Summer 2011– FUNDRAISING!!!

19. August 2011– Registration Due

20. Fall 2011 thru Spring 2012– MORE FUNDRAISING!!

21. April 2012– Final Payments Due to Messiah

22. April 2012 thru July 2012– STILL MORE FUNDRAISING!!

24. Estimated Total Trip Cost: $1000

25. Covers travel (assumed air travel), food throughout, registration costs, lodging, and a little spending money.

26. Estimate prepared by ELCA staff

27. Our Goal Cost: $300

29. Tuck back a set amount per month as your budget allows; consider trading this against chores.

30. Use Birthdays

31. You could also apportion some (or all) or your students’ birthday or Christmas gift monies toward NOLA.

32. Fundraising

33. Getting involved in fundraising is the best way to help lower the cost of the trip while minimizing your family’s financial involvement

34. Scholarships/Financial Aid

36. Tuck back a set amount per month as your budget allows; consider trading this against chores.

37. Use Birthdays

38. You could also apportion some (or all) or your students’ birthday or Christmas gift monies toward NOLA.

39. Fundraising

40. Getting involved in fundraising is the best way to help lower the cost of the trip while minimizing your family’s financial involvement

41. Scholarships/Financial Aid

42. The ELCA offers some financial aid for students who qualify due to need. Apps open May 15.