Every three years, the youth of the ELCA come together for a week of faith, fellowship, and fun.

It’s not about how many young people are gathered in one place at one time; it’s about what happens when they are together that is significant and exciting. When 39,000 youth and adults of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather together every three years they are immersed in worship, music, Bible study, community service, learning, play, prayer, the witnessof faithful leaders from around the world, reflection, caring for others, and new friendships. time of change and growth because they gather in the presence of God's Spirit with others who journey with Jesus. The theme of the 2006 ELCA Youth Gathering, Cruzando: Journey with Jesus, was both challenging and inviting. In the community of the Gathering, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, youth experienced a strengthening of faith that gave them hope, courage, and a new spirit to steer through life rather than navigating around it or abandoning it altogether. They learned how to recognize Jesus in the tension of the border situations in their lives and in the world. They experienced the call to wake up to who they are in Christ; look around and see Christ in the eyes of those standing beside them; turn around and walk in a new direction; cross over and experience the new life that Jesus promises; and go with God into the world as witnesses to Jesus’ way of healing, compassion, and justice. If it sounds like a lot to experience, it is. The ELCA Youth Gathering is always an immersion in and of faith.

Taken from the ELCA Gathering page

Memorial Lutheran took 7 youth along to the ELCA Youth Gathering. But before they got to go to San Antonio, they had to do some fund raising. In order to have all expenses paid, $10,000 was needed. It took approximately 1 year in order to raise that money. It was raised through bake sales, rummage sales, serving at church dinners, carwashes, and silent auctions. But in the end, we raised more than enough money to fund our trip.