2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

Imagine arms wrapped around you in love. Imagine a place for you at the table. Imagine a word of forgiveness shared with you. Imagine the sense of joy when you witness the unthinkable happening. Imagine a world waiting to hear your voice. Imagine more.

The power of God at work in us is a measure not of our own strength but of God’s limitless ability. God is the source
of our encouragement and hope, always surpassing our expectations. In Ephesus, followers of Jesus faced social
rejection, opposition and even violence because Jesus’ message stood in direct opposition to the pagan goddess Artemis. Our own world distinctly parallels the times Paul references in his letter. He stresses God’s love, God’s forgiveness of sins and the unity of those who believe in Christ.

Through the Gathering, young people come together to experience that unity and understand their role in the community of the larger church. We recognize both the joy of community and the unique role of each participant as they return to their individual communities after this life-changing event. The apostle Paul sought to provide for the needs of the Ephesians with encouragement, hope and confidence in God’s faithfulness.

The needs of faithful young people today are much the same.

The ministry of the Gathering seeks to remind young people that God is already at work in them for the sake of the whole world. Often there are pressures and fears that limit their sense of worth and their ability to change the world. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit, God invites young people to imagine more, immeasurably more, for their own lives, the city of Minneapolis, the body of Christ and the life of the world.

Learn more and register at elca.org/gathering