Dear Partners in Ministry,

Registration for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans is underway and excitement about the event is building! Many congregations have already begun signing up the youth and their adult chaperones who are planning to attend.

In this email you will find information about registration, important dates, and a transportation update.

If you have any questions about the Gathering, please feel free to contact the SCSW Youth Gathering Champion, Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong, at jasonx@scsw-elca.org or Marie Leafblad, Associate to the Bishop for Leadership Support at mariel@scsw-elca.org.

Priority registration for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering ends on November 1. Please note that you must submit the $150 per person deposit by November 1 in order to be in the priority registration group. If you have submitted your payment but are still listed as "Pending" please contact gathering@elca.org to confirm that your payment will go through in time.

After November 1, the registration costs increase by $50 per person, but, regular registration WILL CONTINUE, so if you aren't quite ready to sign your group up by November 1, please know that it's still possible. If you need assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong or Marie Leafblad at the contact information listed above.

If you're ready to sign up, click here to visit the congregational registration page.

Click here for a Registration Workbook to guide you through the process.

Group transportation will be offered through the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, for congregations who wish to travel with a larger group.

This Gathering we will be arranging for travel by plane to the Gathering in New Orleans.

Why air travel? First and foremost, based on the quotes we have received, air travel is the least expensive option. Flying will be around $100-$150 cheaper per person. In addition, from a logistical standpoint, flying is much easier and is definitely faster. Our hope is this will still provide an interesting travel experience for our youth, while also allowing them to arrive in New Orleans refreshed and ready to engage with the Gathering experience.

While we hope to have firmer information for you by the 1st or 2nd week of November, including cost, below are some details we are able to share now.

We will most likely be flying out of the Milwaukee airport (MKE). We will depart on Monday, July 15 and hope to be able to offer two return dates of either Saturday, July 20 or Sunday July 21. There will be at least one connection as there are no direct flights to New Orleans.

If your youth and adults are even possibly considering traveling with the SCSW group, traveling by plane to and from New Orleans, please email Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong, SCSW Youth Gathering Champion, by noon on November 3. Pastor Jason's email address is jasonx@scsw-elca.org. We just need to get a vague idea of how many are interested as we begin the booking process. A formal reservation form will open in mid-November to make your group’s arrangements.

Congregations who wish to travel with the SCSW will be asked to submit a deposit of $50 per person by January 12, 2024. This is based on the airline rules and allows us to secure your spot. After January 12, 2024 the deposit is non-refundable, even if you choose not to go or choose another form of transportation. We may have limited availability to add travelers after the January 12 deadline, but this will be done on a first come, first served basis.

Final payment for transportation will be due by April 30, 2024.

Payment for transportation through the synod travel group will be made to SCSW. Details about how to submit payments will be shared in a future communication.

Additional information about the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering can be found on the ELCA's Gathering page, including a detailed registration guide, a link to sign up for communication directly from the Gathering, information about New Orleans and more.

Once again, if you have any questions or hesitations, please contact the SCSW Youth Gathering Champion, Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong at jasonx@scsw-elca.org or simply reply to this email.

Blessings as you work with your youth and adults and build excitement for this life-changing event!