May 2012 Issue
The NESynod 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering Network

Dear Gathering  Congregational Leaders:
We thank all of you for your leadership and patience in these final months of preparation for the Gathering. As a reminder here are some key things to remember:
  • Your balance must be paid in full and postmarked by May 26, 2012. They will not accept payments onsite in New Orleans.
    Payment is to be sent to:                  ELCA Youth Gathering                          PO Box #798291                                    St. Louis, MO 63179-8000
  • Don't forget to make arrangements for transportation between the airport and the hotel
  • Your Congregational Adult Leaders should meet to talk about the trip. Everyone needs to be on board about expectations and "what if" scenarios.
  • Continue meeting with your youth to plan for your time at the Gathering. Adult Leaders need to be aware of free time during the week and have some plans for that time. 
  • Congregation Registration Confirmation letters will include the arrival time (8:30am for all synods), assigned day, assigned hotel/property, address of assigned property, assigned ballroom (including which floor the ballroom is on...or which escalator to go up in the Convention center.)
  • A guidebook will  include a map with the hotels we are using, and a page that includes: what to bring, time to arrive, a list of synods with which day and property they are assigned to, and general information on the day of Practice Discipleship.
  • New England Synod's Day of Practice Discipleship will be Friday beginning at 8:30 am. in the Blain Kerne Ballroom at the Marriot Convention Center Property.
  • Remember that there is a lot of helpful advice and resources on the Synod's Gathering Page  

Rhema Soul Rhema Soul is the latest Artist Announced for the Gathering  
The ELCA Youth Gathering is excited to welcome to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome the fresh vibes of Rhema Soul!Like any group worth mentioning, Rhema Soul is innovative to the core. From worship to pop and hip hop, the South Florida trio has managed to create a path entirely their own. Ultimately, the heartbeat of Rhema Soul is ministry, communicating a message of love and hope, through the medium of music.

 

Showing Appreciation
One of the suggestions from the National Gathering Preparation Meetings is to bring small gifts for the Hotel Staff, Most of these folks lks work long hours at minimum pay and a simple gift can go a long way in thanking those who so rarely receive any form of gratitude.

There are 50 employes who will be serving us at the Hampton while we are there. It would be great if we could give something to all of them for their work. I would like to suggest that each congregation bring 6 small items representing their part of New England Synod (airplane legal size items such as syrup, pins, etc.) We would then combine them into 50 gift bags. Gift Bag

In addition I would appreciate it if someone would be willing to coordinate this effort. If you are interested please contact me at: troser@nesynod.org 

 
Lobster PinHint of the Month
Trinkets!: In the past Youth Groups have brought small souvenirs to be exchanged with other youth from across the country. In 2009 congregations from Maine were given small lobster pins from the Maine visitors bureau to hand out. Check with your local state folks to see what is available. Unfortunately we discovered here in New Hampshire that due to budget cuts there are no free items available
 
2012 Youth gathering Logo
Housing  

By now you should have received your assignments. Thanks to all who have been flexible in the midst of rooming changes.

One of the reasons for the changes at the Hampton Inn is that the hotel will be undergoing renovation while we are there (That was news to us...) We have been promised that none of the renovation will be occurring on the floors where we will be staying.  

Banners in the Superdome      
Historically, groups have hung banners in the dome that reflect their congregation's name and location, and sometimes their interpretation of the Gathering's theme. This practice is possible again. Because of renovations in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, banners must be created vertically rather than horizontally. The approved size is 2-feet-wide and 3-feet-long or smaller. Anything larger than that may be removed by Superdome staff. Banners can only be hung using plastic zip ties in designated locations. Gathering volunteers and ushers will identify display locations on the opening night, Wednesday, July 18.

Here to Help
Pastor Dave Dalzell is our Synod's Gathering Coach. Dave is responsible for our coaching team who will be leading the pre-gathering training (i.e.the Fall Summit) as well as lead our Synod Congregations in learning at the Gathering. Dave can be reached at: 603-538-4078 or email: mtnjku@gmail.com 

Pastor Tim Roser is our Synod's Gathering Coordinator. Tim is responsible for assisting congregations for registration and logistics. Tim can be reached at:603-662-2081 or 
Links: