From July 18 to 22, 2023, an inspired group of high school youths, young adults and their leaders from the Grand Canyon Synod will be journeying to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering. This significant event, which occurs once every three years, will host 16,000 participants from across the nation, engaging them in a week-long experience of deep faith formation and personal growth.

This year’s gathering is particularly special as it includes two crucial pre-events: the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, designed to empower youth of color and those with disabilities, respectively. Additionally, the introduction of the first-ever ELCA Young Adult Gathering will welcome individuals aged 18-35, expanding the impact of this spiritual assembly.

Our delegates hail from a diverse array of congregations, reflecting our synod’s broad and inclusive community spirit. These gatherings are more than events; they are a transformative experience where young individuals engage in learning, worship, Bible study, service, and fellowship, all crafted to inspire and challenge them to live out their faith every day.

As our youth prepare for this journey, we ask for prayers for their safety, growth, and inspiration as they represent our synod and engage with peers from across the country in this life-changing event.

Participating congregations:

• All Saints, Phoenix

• Faith/ La Fe, Phoenix

• First Evangelical/La Primavera, Mesa

• Holy Trinity, Chandler

• Living Water, Scottsdale

• Love of Christ, Mesa

• Mount of Olives, Phoenix

• New Promise, St. George

• Our Savior’s, Mesa

• Our Saviour’s, Tucson

• Resurrection, Oro Valley

• San Juan Bautista, Tucson

• Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff

• Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista

• St. John’s, Glendale

• Streams in the Desert, Tucson

• Tanque Verde, Tucson

• Trinity, Phoenix