Meeting under the theme “Created to Be,” nearly 16,000 youth, adult leaders, and others from the ELCA will participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, La., July 16-20. The Gathering brings together high school age Lutherans from across the country and overseas for faith formation, worship, fellowship, and service.

Over three days, youth and young adults will join local leaders in New Orleans in Accompaniment projects that serve the needs of the city. The service projects include cleaning storm drains and building community gardens, learning how their voices can make a difference through advocacy, and engaging in anti-racism training. Partners in this work include Culture of Cleanliness, District B Neighborhood Associations, and ELCA Witness in Society, the church’s advocacy office.

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