2025 National Youth Gathering: Permission / Commitment Form

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING?

Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering (Gathering) provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity.

During the 5 days of the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across the synod. This event is organized by LCMS Youth Ministry in Saint Louis, MO.

This is not your typical Sunday morning worship (which is not necessarily good or bad) – it’s a different setting and style of worship and bible study.

Students who just finished 8th grade to students who just finished their senior year of high school are able to be a part of this event (current 7th – 11th graders). It is the single largest gathering of people in our denomination every time it comes around.

The theme for the 2025 Youth Gathering is “ENDURE.” Over 20,000 youth and adults will join together in these activities: Serving – Diving into God’s Word – Hundreds of different sessions to learn from with Themes geared towards youth and leaders – Creative and active play – Of course, some amazing Cajun cuisine – Inspiring nights where everyone comes together at the Superdome – and Worship and communion.

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

The LCMS Youth Gathering’s primary focus is for youth participants between the ages of 14 to 19. To register for the 2025 Gathering, youth participants must meet ONE of the two following eligibility requirements:

14 years old – OR - entering your freshman year in high school at the time of the Gathering;
Or will not have turned 21 by the time of the Gathering.

THE THEME:

The theme for the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering is “Endure” and is centered around Hebrews 12:1-3

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

COST: (TENTATIVE)

This figure is really on a sliding scale for a number of reasons…including but not limited to transportation to & from the Gathering, as well as transportation in Houston, food, etc.

The following are an estimate of cost that are likely to incur for each participant:

$425 - Gathering Registration
($125) - Down Payment
$300 - Final Registration Cost
Remaining Registration – hope to find funds to cover this.

$250 - Gathering Housing
(Estimated on $185/night +tax/night, 5 nights, 4 per room)
$300 - Travel to & from New Orleans
(Depends on Mode, & Number of People going, etc.)
THIS IS A COST IS LIKELY TO CHANGE
$210 - Food Cost (Min. $30 per day x7 – more/less depends upon the youth)

$75 - Group Special Event
$75 - District Event This is a suggestion – can be more or less, personal choice

Total $1,335.00 - ESTIMATED COST BETWEEN

*Please note that this is only a rough estimate, several factors can change the cost of the trip such as amount budgeted for food, spending money, number of participants, if we fly, and money for touristy stuff.

WE’RE PLANNING TO RAISE FUNDS
TO HELP ELIMINATE AS MUCH OF THE COST AS POSSIBLE.

For the Gathering in 2022 to Houston, our families paid only around $250 to attend the gathering after fundraising.

ARE THERE ANY REQUIRES FROM ST. JOHN CHURCH & YOUTH GROUP TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE 2025 GATHERING?

Yes – we ask that all youth who desire to attend the gathering, be actively involved in the Bible Studies leading up to the gathering that will focus on the theme “Endure”.

It is also desired that you have an active faith life in weekly worship, bible study and daily prayer.

To receive financial assistance, you must actively help in the fundraising efforts – this means not just showing up, but actually investing of your time and sweat by working.

OTHER QUESTIONS…

Please contact Pastor Yaw even if you are slightly interested in attending the 2025 National Youth Gathering – He will help answer any questions you may have.

PLEASE DON’T LET THE COST SCARE YOU AWAY –

WE ARE WILLING TO HELP ANY POSSIBLE –
TO ENABLE YOUTH ATTEND THIS WONDERUL EXPERIENCE

PLEASE SEE PASTOR YAW
IF COST IS A CONCERN FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

YOUTH SECTION
I, First Name* Last Name* desire to attend the 2025 National Youth Gathering July 19-23 in New Orleans, LA with St. John Lutheran Church Youth Group.

By signing this form, I am committing to share and participate in all the activities leading up to the National Youth Gathering, which include but are not limited to:

Weekly Sunday morning Worship & Youth Bible Study
Pre-gathering Bible Studies on the theme “ENDURE”
Participation in St. John Youth Group activities
Active participation in Fundraising efforts
Attend Gathering Meetings

PAYMENT EXPECTATION: I am aware that I must pay a $125 deposit that is non-refundable when handing in this form that will be used towards the registration of the gathering (and will only receive a refund, if someone takes my place).

I am also aware that I am responsible for the remainder of the cost of the gathering and will only receive funds toward discounting my trip if I help with the fundraising efforts; otherwise, I am left with the full amount of the cost.

PARENT SECTION
I, First Name* Last Name* , give my consent and blessing to my child (named above) to attend the 2025 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA July 19-23.

By signing this form, I am stating that I have read the above payment expectation asked of my child and will help them follow through with these commitments to the best of my ability as their parent.

I also aware that I am being asked to set an example for my child by committing to share and participate in all the activities leading up to the National Youth Gathering, which include but are not limited to:

Weekly Sunday morning Worship & Bible Study
Pre-gathering Bible Studies on the theme “ENDURE” (Parental Participation for pre-gathering may be limited)
Participation in St. John Youth Group activities
Active participation in Fundraising efforts (This is key to have a successful fundraising effort for all those involved)
Attend Gathering Meetings

I am aware that I must pay a $125 deposit that is non-refundable when handing in this form that will be used towards the registration of the gathering (and will only receive a refund If someone takes my child’s place).

I am also aware that I am responsible for the remainder of the cost of the gathering and will only receive funds toward discounting the trip if my child and I help with the fundraising efforts; otherwise, I am left with the full amount of the cost. Initial Here*

ADULT CHAPERONES: We may need some adult chaperones to assit with the trip. Chaperones will be asked to assist with fundraising, attend pre-gathering bible studies, and help attend necessary adult chaperone meetings prior to the gathering. Chaperones registration and travel expenses will be covered. However, spending money and meals will be on your own. If you would like to learn more or to sign up to chaperone, please check below.

I am interested learning more about being an adult chaperon if needed

Youth Signature*

Date

Parent Signature*

Date

Only check the box below if you are paying online, otherwise please submit a Check to the church office for $125; please memo the check NYG 25.

National Youth Gathering Down Payment

Cost of registration is $125, plus $5 service fee

$130.00 Quantity

Total

$0.00