“Out of the Mud” serves as the overall theme for this year’s gathering. The Scriptural foundation is based on Isaiah 64:8
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”
The objective for this year’s gathering will help each participant know that:
- They are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139)
- God, our creator, has CHOSEN us for a purpose (1 Peter 2:9)
- Jesus teaches us how to go out and share what we believe (Matthew 5:13-16)
The weekend experience is designed to help youth cope with identity issues as relationships are such a big part of their life. God from the very beginning created mankind out of the ground and gave His breathe. God continues the creation process today by making each of us unique and special. We want youth to see God at work in their lives and by the power of the Spirit celebrate God’s ongoing handiwork.
The registration forms are enclosed. Please note that there is an adult (leader) registration form and a separate youth registration form. Registration is open to students in Grades 6-8. The adult/youth ratio is to have at least one adult for every seven youth. The adult registration form requests the names of the youth for which that adult will be responsible. The grouping of adult and youth is referred to as a Family Group. Please note that we encouraging congregations to consider involving one senior high youth per family group – a youth with leadership interests. (The senior high youth does not qualify as an adult chaperone.) The adult must be at least 21 years of age. Please be certain that all of the information is supplied and that the necessary signatures are included.
Where will the Gatherings be held? We have two different sites from which you may choose. Both gatherings will be held on November 14-16. One gathering will be at the Camp ASCCA (near Dadeville, AL – between Montgomery and Birmingham). Their website is: www.campascca.org The other gathering is being hosted at Tall TimbersBaptistConferenceCenter in Woodworth, LA (just south of Alexandria). Their website is www.talltimbersbcc.org. Please be certain to indicate on the registration form the gathering location you are attending.
Registration opens September 15, 2008. $50.00 per person is due with the registration forms. The balance may be paid at the Gathering. Please write your check out to: Southern District LC-MS. The total cost for early registration is $79.00. The registration increases to $89.00 after October 14, 2008. Registration closes one week prior to the gathering, with only substitutions being accepted the week prior to the gathering. The registration cost covers lodging, meals, and program – bring your own linens, pillow, towels, toiletries, etc., -- many choose to bring a sleeping bag. Gathering participants will want to bring some monies for purchase of soda/snacks as this is not included in the registration cost. For bookkeeping records, we request that a single check be provided when making the final payment at the Gathering.
Registration Confirmation:
A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you soon after we receive your registration. This letter will include a map and a list of things to bring to the gathering along with a schedule. The Gatherings start on Friday evening (around 8 p.m..) and conclude no later than 11 a.m. on Sunday. It should be noted that the registration limit is determined by available sleeping accommodations at the gathering sites. Therefore, registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis until the gathering limit is reached for that site.
Please share the news about the gathering with your youth. We have no minimums about ratio of youth to adult. If your congregation has only a couple of junior high/middle school youth, you may want to consider partnering with another congregation in your area/circuit. Each of the gatherings include bible study, worship, prayer, fellowship, discussion time, and music. Watch for updated information about the gatherings on the Southern District web at www.southernlcms.org We invite your prayers as youth and adults from throughout the District make plans to participate in this year’s Regional Junior High Gatherings.
Note: Registration forms may be duplicated locally or downloaded at the District web site. For further information on this year’s gatherings, please contact Gene Menzel at the District Office (504–324-2807 or 504-282-2632) or by e-mail at gwmenz@aol.com.
Remember to note your choice of Gathering site on the registration form! Registration forms with a $50 deposit per person are to be mailed to:
Southern District – LCMS
Tammany Trace Drive, Suite 5
Mandeville, LA 70471-7793