This blog entry is a brainstorm (or perhaps simply a brain dump) of ideas, tasks and concerns prior to leaving for New Orleans.
- Communications -- The primary means for conveying information is at this blog site.
- Notifications -- The primary means for informing folks about new information is by email and Facebook email. The content of those emails should be recorded at this blog site.
- Meetings and Scheduling-- We'll need to have several in-person get-togethers as we prepare for the Gathering itself. While there will always be 'logistics' to take care of, we'll make sure there's lot of fun stuff at our get-togethers.
- The 'Logistics' -- The most important part of our logistics is our study of scriptures and the other lessons from the Gathering's preparation guides.
- Forms and Legal Stuff -- Another big part of our preparation are the forms required for our trip. There's one for Bethel (for anyone traveling as part of a Bethel activity), and two from the Gathering (one is for medical emergencies, the other is for photo/video release of your image for official ELCA Youth Gathering publications)
- The Costs -- We're in pretty good shape for the big bills (registration, hotel, bus costs), but there are quite a few details regarding food...
- Food/Meals -- We can save a lot of time and money by bringing ice chests of groceries for meals and snacks. In fact, there are at least a couple of occasions on the bus where we're expected to bring our own meals. More details about this during our planning...
- Planning -- We'll be away for less than a week, and that time will fly by like the blink of an eye. The better we plan for it, the deeper our experience will be. Please note the emphasis on we/our: everyone is expected to take ownership in the planning. Our Gathering experience breaks down into three distinct phases:
- Traveling to and Getting Settled in New Orleans -- this includes a stop at the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis on Tuesday, Wednesday's trip to the Mississippi Gulf and then dinner at Mulatte's in New Orleans.
- The Gathering Proper -- Three full days (Thu/Fri/Sat) of programs and events, bookended by Opening Worship on Wednesday evening and Closing Worship on Sunday morning
- Return Travel -- Immediately after the Closing Worship, we'll board our buses and head back to STL in a mostly straight shot.
Miscellaneous Items:
- Bethel Youth are to bring DVDs for our bus (shared with 3 other congregations).
- Bethel Youth are to think of at least one activity for the entire bus to do.
- Bethel Youth are to consider having one activity with the St. Mark's Youth Group.
- What cereals/sandwiches/drinks/snacks do people like?
- Who wants to do the shopping and/or meal preparation?
- And much, much more...
