Tens of thousands of teenagers will converge on New Orleans for the Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a triennial event for the high school-age members of the 4.7 million-member church, and to work alongside those who build, teach and live in the area still recovering nearly four years after Hurricane Katrina.
    As many as 26,725 teenagers are registered to attend the gathering July 22-26. They will be accompanied by 8,593 adult leaders, including 37 bishops, and another 1,700 volunteers.
    "Jesus Justice Jazz" is the gathering theme. Worship, Bible Study and Christian Community will bolster the participants as they work in about 150 community service projects across the area and engage the unique culture of the region.
    Leadership Event (MYLE) will be held July 19-22 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. About 30 young Lutherans with disabilities and their adult companions will attend DAYLE. MYLE will attract about 900 youth. A convention of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) will be held July 26-
29 in Hattiesburg, Miss.
    The three full days of the gathering will include time in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, an evening event at the Superdome, music and other evening activities in the hotels, and a "Final 15" to conclude each day with 15 minutes of small group devotions.
    ELCA Global Mission's international companion program is bringing about 50 young Lutherans to the gathering from as many as 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe and South America.

On the Web:
Gathering: http://www.ELCA.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry/Youth-Gathering.aspx

DAYLE: http://www.ELCA.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry/Youth-Gathering/Definitely-Abled-Youth-Leadership-Event.aspx

MYLE: http://www.ELCA.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry/Youth-Gathering/MYLE.aspx

LYO Convention: http://www.ELCA.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry/Lutheran-Youth-Organization/LYO-Convention.aspx