As next year marks 30 years of planning for Synod-sponsored National Youth Gatherings, planners are announcing details about the first-ever LCMS Adult Gathering.
The 2007 Adult Gathering, open to LCMS members who are at least 25 years old, will be a companion event to the Youth Gathering. Both events will take place July 28-Aug. 1 in Orlando, Fla.
LCMS Youth Ministry is sponsor of the Youth Gathering and a co-sponsor of the Adult Gathering, along with LCMS Family Ministry.
The adult event is set for the new Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, near Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, site of the Youth Gathering.
At least 35,000 youth and their leaders are expected to participate in the Youth Gathering. The Adult Gathering is being planned for a maximum 2,000 participants. Registration for both events started Oct. 26.
“At this important milestone marking 30 years of the church’s care for its youth, the launch of a new program f
or adults who have experienced and supported the Gathering over its history is a natural and exciting program to present to the LCMS,” said Gretchen Jameson, associate director for LCMS Youth Ministry — Communications.
Jameson said daily programming for the Adult Gathering will include Bible study, workshops, music, and opportunities for recreation.
On Sunday, Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick will preach at the Adult Gathering’s morning worship service, with special guests including former Synod Youth Ministry staff members.
Among that afternoon’s activities will be “Sabbath-focused programming” sponsored by Wheat Ridge Ministries.
On Tuesday afternoon, a “World Expo” will offer adult participants local and global mission opportunities, connecting them with the Synod’s Ablaze! initiative.
Each evening, adults will attend mass events at the Youth Gathering.
“With just about 200,000 Gathering alumni in the LCMS, the Adult Gathering … becomes a great reunion for adults who recall the significance of the [Youth] Gathering in their personal history,” Jameson said.
“The Adult Gathering is a great opportunity to give thanks to God for His blessing on 30 years of Gathering planning,” said Rev. Terry Dittmer, director of LCMS Youth Ministry. “The focus of the Youth Gathering has always been on the clear proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Jameson said she encourages adults to register early, and that in addition to individual registrations, group registrations for up to 10 adults also will be accepted.
For details about the Adult Gathering and ideas for building interest in congregations, visit the Gathering Web site at http://www.lcmsgathering.com.
Individual registration for the Adult Gathering is $235 (not including food or lodging), the same as for the Youth Gathering. Registration forms, available for download at the Gathering Web site, may be mailed to the National Gathering office.
To ask specific questions about the Adult Gathering via e-mail, go to the Web site and click on “Contact Us.”
Posted Oct. 24, 2006
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