In mid-June, Synod congregations will receive by mail the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering poster, along with information about registration for the July 1-5 Gathering in San Antonio.
The front of the full-color 17-by-22-inch poster gives the Synod’s 12th national 
Gathering’s “LiveLoved” theme and the Bible passage (1 John 4:5) from which that theme is drawn; the Gathering’s Web, Twitter and Facebook addresses and a QR Code for the website.
The poster’s reverse side presents basic information about Gathering registration, age requirements, a first-time Gathering app for downloading and the youth-to-adult ratio for congregational groups.
“The arrival of the Gathering poster is always an exciting part of the Gathering process,” said the Rev. Dr. Terry Dittmer, director of Youth Ministry for the Synod. “Groups hang the poster in a prominent place and it serves as a 12-month reminder about a great event in summer 2013. The new poster is a lively bright and colorful look at the theme and the Gathering city. It’s a beauty.”
LCMS Youth Ministry has sponsored all 12 synodwide Youth Gatherings since the first one in 1980.
Groups of youth and adults from LCMS congregations may begin entering pre-registration information on the 2013 Gathering’s www.lcmsgathering.com website Sept. 10. Oct. 16-30 is the “priority window” for groups to submit their Gathering registrations.
In August, congregations also will receive more Gathering information by mail, including a free DVD featuring six college-age “correspondents” who will share insights about the city of San Antonio and what to expect at the Gathering.
District coordinators also are available to facilitate information sharing and to help adult leaders from districts they represent make plans for district activities, events and exhibits at the Gathering.
Representing all but two of the 35 LCMS districts, 40 of those coordinators met in St. Louis this spring to learn more about their roles for the Gathering. They also brainstormed about ways to provide special opportunities during the Gathering for groups from the same districts to interact.
“District coordinators are an important liaison between the Gathering, LCMS districts and congregations,” said the Rev. Mark Kiessling, associate director for LCMS Youth Ministry. “The support services they provide each district is vital for preparing the congregations attending the Gathering and experiencing the Gathering in a positive manner. We are blessed to have these dedicated leaders partnering with us in 2013.”
Kiessling also serves as program director for the Gathering.
Contact information for district coordinators is on the Web at www.lcmsgathering.com/districtcoordinators.
For more information about the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering, visit the Gathering website (www.lcmsgathering.com).
Posted June 1, 2012
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