Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. On the week of July 24-28, 2022, the Gathering will take place in Minneapolis, MN. 

Many congregations are just now getting ready to attend the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering, so you aren’t behind! We’ve put together a list of 10 things you should know as you prepare to get your group together. For more information, go to elca.org/gathering.

Pastor Shari Bernau, with Living Water Lutheran in Scottsdale, is also happy to answer questions from those who are attending the Gathering from the Grand Canyon Synod: pastorshari@lwlcaz.org.

When you’re ready to register your group, you’ll need to head over to the Gathering’s website and enter your five-digit congregation ID. If you don’t know it, contact your synod office or email the Gathering’s office (gathering@elca.org).

The Gathering has provided this experience for Lutheran Youth since 1979; and strives to affirm and challenge youth in their faith; provide an experience of new perspectives; and help youth ponder their vocation, bond with their congregational group and learn about the ELCA.  

The theme for this Gathering is “Boundless” and is inspired by the words of St. Paul in the book of Ephesians, “I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” (Ephesians 3:14-21 CEV) 

Once you’re in, you’ll be able to start registering your participants and filling out the congregational details section. Register and pay the $150 deposit for each participant before Nov. 21 to stay within the early-bird rate of $350 per person. Starting on Nov. 22, registration costs rise to $390 per person. Learn More and Register.

Please know that after much prayer and conversation, Gathering leadership have decided to require full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative test result (likely 72 hours before arrival) to attend the 2022 Gathering, MYLE and the tAble. As of now, leadership have not decided on any additional safety measures. They commit to continued transparency in the decision-making process and will release information as it becomes available regarding additional safety measures or adjustments to key dates.

Early Bird Registration — $350
Sept. 22, 2021 through Nov. 21, 2021

Regular Registration — $390
Nov. 22, 2021 through Feb. 21, 2022

Late Registration — $440
Feb. 22, 2022 through May 22, 2022