T H E 2 0 1 3 N A T I O N A L L C M S Y O U T H G A T H E R I N G

W W W . L C M S G A T H E R I N G . C O M

Contact UsFor questions pertaining to registration and housing, please send an email to nygregistration@lcms.org. N a t i o n a l L C M S Y o u t h G a t h e r i n g 1333 S. Kirkwood Road – St. Louis, MO 63122

T H E 2 0 1 3 N A T I O N A L L C M S Y O U T H G A T H E R I N G

JULY 1 – 5 , 2013 + SAN ANTONIO , TEXAS

W W W . L C M S G A T H E R I N G . C O M

Welcome + Why the National Youth Gathering?

Gathering Dates and Deadlines + Requirements

Adult to Youth Ratio + Online Registration

Registration Priority Window + Registration Forms

Cancellations + Substitutions

Why the National Youth Gathering?For over 30 years, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has demonstrated its care and affirma-tion of young people by providing National LCMS Youth Gatherings.

National LCMS Youth Gatherings provide opportuni-ties for youth and adults to boldly come together in the name of Jesus Christ to proclaim, celebrate, and witness their salvation through Him, rejoice in the fellowship of their Church, and be encouraged and nurtured in their lives as God’s people through Word and Sacrament.

National LCMS Youth Gatherings proclaim the Lord-ship of Jesus Christ and God’s saving grace to His people through Christ. In this setting, youth grow in their personal relationship with God and in the fellow-ship of Word and Sacrament in Christ’s Church.

The National LCMS Youth Gathering is a vehicle through which the Church cares for, af f irms, and reaches out to young people, both churched and unchurched.

National LCMS Youth Gatherings equip youth and adult leaders to recognize that youth ministry happens in a variety of settings in their congregation, community, and world.

Rev. Dr. Terry K. DittmerDirector of Youth MinistryRev. Mark KiesslingAssociate DirectorNational Youth Gathering ProgramJames Lohman, DCEAssociate Director –– LCMS Servant Events and Gathering ArrangementsKrista MillerAssociate DirectorGathering Registrar and OperationsMegan LoomisAssistant Gathering RegistrarAmy GrayProject CoordinatorRev. Steve CholakProject Coordinator/Office Manager

Let the Journey Begin!The National LCMS Youth Gathering is a unique and special experience. Lasting impacts are made as thousands of youth and adults gather together to profess their Christian faith and join in fellowship with one another. It is now time to begin preparing for this experience that will take place July 1–5, 2013. While the months leading up to the Gathering are filled with paperwork, details, and fundraisers, we pray that this time will also be filled with God’s love, grace, and provision as He works in the lives of youth, leaders, and congregations to take this next step in the plan He has already prepared.

+ LCMS Youth Ministry

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Payment Procedures

Housing Process + Group Travel

Hotel Price Comparison Key

Hotel Price Comparison Map

Gathering Website

Lutheran Church Extension Fund

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table of contents

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Phone : 314 -996 -1155 or 1 -800 -248 -1930 x 1155

Gathering Dates and DeadlinesSeptember 10, 2012 Begin data entry for online registration.

October 16 – October 30, 2012 Priority Window for Gathering Registration.

January 2013 Registration confirmation for groups accepted to the Gathering.

Early Spring 2013 Pr imary Adu l t Leaders rece ive Gather ing Hotel Information.

Early April 2013 Hotel deposit is due.

May 1, 2013Full payment due to qualify for express registration on-site at the Gathering. No payments will be accepted in the National Gathering Office after this date. Payments after May 1, 2013, must be made on-site at the Gathering.

July 1–5, 2013 The 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering

Registration InformationThe Gathering registration fee is $295 per participant. This fee covers all Gathering program and Office of National Mission Youth Ministry administrative costs; participant items like the Gathering Bible, backpack, and Post-Gathering resources; and secondary insurance for all participants.

Hotel, travel, and meal costs are not included in the registration fee.

In an effort to practice good environmental and financial stewardship, registration will take place online. There will be no paper registration for the Gathering; however, each group will be required to mail a Pastoral Affirmation Form, Registration Account Form (available to print after completing online registration), and the deposit payment.

The National Youth Gathering will work with groups to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability. In addition to online registration, individuals with a disability will be required to complete a Special Needs Form (available online), stating their disability and need. Once registered, the Gathering Special Needs Advisor will work with the individual and their group to coordinate services.

Everyone who attends the Gathering must register.

All paid participants will receive a youth or adult wristband for entrance into Gathering activities. Youth and adult wristbands are not transferable.LOST WRISTBANDS WILL NOT BE REPLACED!

Only registered participants will be allowed to take part in Gathering events. Non-registered individuals—including children, spouses, and other adults—will not be accommodated in Gathering hotels or events.

Requirements: Youth ParticipantsThe Gathering is intended for high school youth ages 14–19. To register for the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering, youth participants must meet ONE of the two following eligibility requirements:

1. Must be 14 years old at the time of the Gathering. OR2. Entering his or her ninth grade year at the time of the Gathering.

Youth participants must also not have turned 21 by the time of the Gathering.

Young Adult Volunteers (YAV)Young adults who are 19–25 years old are encouraged to submit applications to serve the Gathering as members of the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Corps. The YAV application process will begin July 15, 2012. Details about the YAV Corps are available at www.lcmsgathering.com/yav.

Invite a FriendThe Gathering is a great event for youth to invite friends who are not members of their church, but are longing to learn more about God’s love for them. Be sure to include the friends and their parents in all pre-Gathering meetings and events. These meetings are ideal times to discuss Scripture, support faith development, and introduce congregational pastors, church workers, and members. Check out the Gathering’s website (www.lcmsgathering.com/resources) for resources on now to incorporate friends outside of the church.

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It is strongly recommended that: 1. All groups have at least two adults.2. Congregations secure criminal background checks for its Adult Leaders. www.protectmyministry.com3. The adult to youth ratio does not exceed one adult for every two youth for groups with more than six youth.

Congregations with only one youth attending the Gathering can be connected to other LCMS congregations by their District Coordinator. District Coordinators’ contact information can be found at the District Coordinators’ page on the Gathering website (www.lcmsgathering.com/districtcoordinators).

Online RegistrationRefer to the Registration page at www.lcmsgathering.com/registration to download the Youth Participant and Adult Leader Worksheets and give to potential attendees. Use the worksheet information to complete the online registration. Data can be entered into the registration program starting September 10, 2012.

Complete online registration instructions can be found at the Gathering website: www.lcmsgathering.com/registration.

All participants must register online.

Requirements: Adult Leaders Adult leaders are responsible to care, nurture, and support each youth throughout the Gathering. These leaders are expected to attend the Gathering activities and participate fully with their group. Congregational adult leaders can work together to find time to attend workshops especially for adults. They must be 21 at the time of registration and approved by their pastor to serve in this role. For more information on the role of the adult leader, see the website, www.lcmsgathering.com/adultleaders.

The Gathering strongly recommends that every congregation attending has a minimum of two adult leaders and that each Community Group includes at least two youth.

Primary Adult Leader (PAL)

Each congregation will designate one Primary Adult Leader (PAL). All communication between the Gathering office and the congregation will be handled through each group’s PAL. They will complete a unique online form.

Community GroupPreviously called Family Group, a Community Group is the core unit at the Gathering. It is the primary place for learning, growing, sharing, and fellowship before, during, and after the five-day on-site experience. Community Groups provide youth the opportunity to talk things through in a close setting and make new discoveries about life in Christ and life in the Church. Use the recommended youth-to-adult ratio to determine appropriate Community Group sizes. A smaller congregational group may only have one Community Group.

Adult to Youth RatioThe Youth Gathering promotes a ratio comparing youth to adults in order to provide sufficient space for youth to attend the event. The youth to adult ratio for the 2013 Gathering has been adjusted to allow congregations more flexibility in determining the number of Adult Leaders they select to attend the Gathering.

The Gathering values the involvement of parents and other significant adults in the faith life of young people and encourages their participation as Adult Leaders at the Gathering.

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After completing the online registration process, the Primary Adult Leader will:

• Follow the available instructions to print the appropriate forms (Pastoral Affirmation Form and Registration Account Form).• Acquire signatures where required.• Complete Special Needs Form, if necessary.• Mail forms and required deposit to the National Gathering Office.

All registration forms and deposits can be mailed on or after Oct. 16, 2012. Any forms that arrive at the National Gathering Office postmarked before Oct. 16, 2012, will be returned and registration will be delayed.

Congregations may begin entering registration information on Sept. 10, 2012. Forms may not be mailed to the National Gathering Office before the Priority Registration Window. 4

Gathering Registration Priority WindowPriority Registration for the Gathering opens Oct. 16, 2012.

Forms postmarked before Oct . 16, 2012, wi l l be returned and registration to the Gathering will be delayed.

The Priority Window for Registration closes Oct. 30, 2012.

Any forms postmarked between Oct. 16 and Oct. 30, 2012, will receive priority consideration for Gathering registration and housing.

When registration fills to capacity, remaining groups will be placed on a waiting list. Participants for the waiting list will be admitted to the Gathering on a space available basis.

After March 1, 2013, participants will continue to be admitted to the Gathering on a space available basis for the late registration fee of $345.

Registration Forms Youth Participant Worksheet: Use this worksheet to collect registration information and complete the registration process for each youth participant at www.lcmsgathering.com/Registration.

This form can be kept for personal records.

Adult Leader Worksheet: Use this worksheet to collect registration information and complete the registration process for each adult leader at www.lcmsgathering.com/registration.

This form can be kept for personal records.

Special Needs Form: This form is required for individuals with a disability that requires assistance from the Gathering and must be mailed with registration information. It can be found at www.lcmsgathering.com/registration.

Pastoral Affirmation Form: This form lists all participants’ names and must be signed by the pastor and mailed to the National Gathering Office. It will be available to print after completing the online registration.

Registration Account Form: This form contains important account information that MUST be mailed to the National Gathering Office. It will be available to print after completing the online registration. . .

Cancellations

A $100 charge per person will be retained for cancellations made on or before May 1, 2013. This fee goes into effect once the initial congregational group has been accepted into the Gathering. The remaining funds will be refunded to the congregation through the Primary Adult Leader.

No refunds will be issued as of May 2, 2013.

Because all supplies and materials needed for the Gathering are ordered based on the registration number up to this point, participants who cancel after May 1, 2013, will still be required to pay the full $295 registration fee.

All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to the National Gathering Office.

The congregational ID is found on the mail ing label of the Pre-Gathering DVD, mailed August 2012. Or contact the National Gathering Office at nygregistration@lcms.org.

SubstitutionsParticipant substitutions may be made with the National Gathering Office until June 1, 2013. Following June 1, 2013, substitutions will not be accepted. Substitutions will not be accepted on-site at the Gathering.

Substituted participants must complete the online registration form in order to be accepted. Both the name of the registered participant and the substitute must be clearly indicated or the substitution will not be accepted.

The congregational ID is found on the mail ing label of the Pre-Gathering DVD, mailed August 2012. Or contact the National Gathering Office at nygregistration@lcms.org..

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Payment Options

Express Registration: Congregations that pay their group’s registration fees in full before reaching San Antonio save time at the Youth Gathering.

An expedited express registration service will be available in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center for congregations that pay the full $295 fee per participant before May 1, 2013.

Hassle-free express registration is the best way to begin the Gathering experience. Arrive, register quickly and conveniently, and start enjoying the Gathering!

No payments will be accepted in the National Gathering Office that are postmarked after May 1, 2013. Payments after May 1, 2013, must be made on-site at the Gathering.

Select one of the following options only. Do not combine options when making payment:

1. Submit $100 deposit per person with each registration. Pay the balance anytime before May 1, 2013, or upon arrival at the Gathering. OR2. Submit payment in full for ALL participants at the time of registration.

Payment Procedures

LCEF AccountGathering payments can be easily submitted with a direct transfer from a Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) investment. For more information, call 1-800-843-5233, or visit www.lcef.org/nyg.. (Note: An authorized signature will be required for an organization’s LCEF investment.) Indicate this method of payment on the Primary Adult Leader’s online registration form.

Other Options – Check or Money OrderWhen making any payment (deposit, balances, or payment in full), be advised of the following:

• Checks must be drawn on the congregation or youth group bank account.• One check per congregation.• A cashier’s check or money order may be sent in lieu of a congregation or youth group check.• Make checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks payable to the LCMS Youth Gathering.• Congregational ID number must be included on check memo line.• Personal checks and cash are not accepted and will be returned.• A $50 fee will be assessed for any check returned with insufficient funds.

Note: We are tax exempt in the state of Texas.

Texas Tax Exempt Status Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are state tax exempt in Texas. Possession of this certificate will allow your group to be exempt from paying the 6% state taxes for your hotel bill for the Gathering. Individual congregations may obtain these forms via the web at www.cpa.state.tx.us/taxinfo/exempt/index.html.

Financial AssistanceLimited financial aid is available. Interested registrants should submit a letter of request to the National Gathering Office no later than Jan. 1, 2013. For an individual to receive financial assistance to offset registration fees, send a letter to the attention of the LCMS National Youth Gathering Financial Aid.

National LCMS Youth Gathering 1333 S. Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 nygregistration@lcms.org

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Step-by-Step Housing Preference Process

Determine what type and how many rooms are needed for your group.

• Double (four people per room-do not plan to put more than four in each room)

• King (two people per room-do not plan to put more than two in each room)

• Suite properties do not guarantee more than four persons per double room and two persons per king room.

Note: For liability reasons, it is not advisable to put one adult and one youth alone in one room or one bed. Do not put male and female participants in the same room, unless they are married.

• Review the list of Gathering Hotel Zones on page 8.

• Consider cost, type of hotel, and location.

• The Primary Adult Leader indicates the group’s first and second choice of desired zone on his or her registration form.

Note: Every effort is made to place a congregation in their preferred zone, however; the Gathering does not guarantee this placement. Registrations received during the Priority Window will be given first consideration.

• Primary Adult Leaders will be notified of their housing assignment in early Spring 2013. Additional information about Gathering housing will be provided at that time.

• Once assigned to a hotel, groups will be required to provide a one-night deposit for each room in the room block along with a rooming list indicating the names of the individuals in each room. Information about the deposit and rooming list will be included in your housing confirmation letter.

Reminder: Housing costs are not included in your registration fee.

Groups are responsible for paying their hotel bill upon checkout.

Note: All hotels rates are commissionable and include a rebate to defray administrative costs.

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Groups Traveling Together

If you are traveling to the Gathering with another group and wish to be housed in close proximity:

• Each congregation must complete its own registration and print the online forms.

• Each congregation must (separately) follow the recommended youth-to-adult ratio.

• Each congregation must request the SAME hotel zones in the SAME order.

• Each congregation must include its own (separate) payment - check or LCEF account.

• All forms from ALL congregations must be mailed to the National Gathering Office in the SAME envelope.

• One person must be identified as the contact person for the ENTIRE group. (Each group still has its own Primary Adult Leader).

If any form is incomplete or if there is a discrepancy in any group’s deposit , the registrat ion of a l l congregations in the group will be delayed.

Zone #1

$149/night (plus applicable taxes)

Want to beat the heat and cut down on your walking while at the Gathering? Then you will want to stay in one of the Gathering’s 4 Star luxury hotels which are all located on San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk just steps away from the convention center and the Alamodome. These hotels will also be the “hub” of many Gathering activities.

NOTE: If your group has participants who are wheelchair bound or have limited walking ability, you will want to consider this zone.

Zone #2

$130 – $139/night (plus applicable taxes)

This category of hotels will include properties such as Hilton and Sheraton. You may also have the opportunity to experience one of San Antonio’s many historic hotels, rich in history and culture. These hotels may be located within a walkable distance up to 1 mile from the convention center and Alamodome.

Zone #3

$125 – $129 (plus applicable taxes)

These hotels are moderate properties such as Wyndham. You wil l want to anticipate walking approximately 1 mile to the Gathering venues.

Zone #4

$110 – $124 (plus applicable taxes)

Hotels in Zone #4 will be value-dollar properties such as Best Western. Although it won’t be guaranteed, you may be shuttled (up to 30 minutes) to the convention center and/or Alamodome.

NOTE: All hotels have a pool!

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SAN ANTONIO HOTEL ZONES

Housing at the GatheringThe Gathering has contracted with hotels in San Antonio to ensure that there will be ample space for all Gathering participants. Special housing rates have been arranged for Gathering participants.

All Gathering participants will be assigned to official Gathering hotels. Congregations do not book their own housing; the Gathering assigns all participants to a hotel. Groups that attempt to book their own housing will not be accepted for the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering. There are no exceptions to this important policy.

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S A N A N T O N I O H O T E L Z O N E S

Gathering Website: www.lcmsgathering.com

The Gathering website is the place to find information about the Gathering. Visit the website often for the latest Gathering news. Here’s what you’ll find online:

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Gathering Update Emails – Sign up to receive Gathering updates via email .www.lcmsgathering.com/gatheringupdates

FAQs – Check here for answers to questions that the Gathering office gets asked most frequently.www.lcmsgathering.com/faqs

Adult Leaders – Get directed to current information regarding programming, resources, tips, and more.www.lcmsgathering.com/adultleaders

San Antonio – This page accessed from the Gathering homepage provides more information on the city of San Antonio itself including places to go, where to eat and shop, maps, and other helpful information. www.visitsanantonio.com/lcmsgathering

Gathering Resources – Find a comprehensive list of Gathering resources from fundraising tips to Community Life resources. www.lcmsgathering.com/resources

Downloads – Find identity mark (logo) resources and Gathering slide templates for congregational use as well as resources for Adult Leaders and Special Forms. www.lcmsgathering.com/downloads

Registration Information - www.lcmsgathering.com/registration

Districts Information – Get up-to-date information on LCMS Districts’ plans for the Gathering.www.lcmsgathering.com/districts

On the Road – Find resources and support for travel to San Antonio. www.lcmsgathering.com/ontheroad

Youth – This page will have information for youth on programming, bands, speakers, and more.www.lcmsgathering.com/youth

Young Adult Volunteers – Anyone aged 19-25 years old and interested in being a YAV should check here for Gathering information related to this particular group. www.lcmsgathering.com/yav

Don’t forget to join the Gathering’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lcmsyg

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lcmsnyg

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