FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Youth and Parents

Q:  When do we leave?

A:  We must be at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Charles by 5:30 AM on Tuesday 7/21.  The address is 1975 S Old Highway 94, St Charles, MO 63303.

Q:  When do we return?

A:  We are scheduled to return to Hope Lutheran Church in St. Charles on Monday 7/27 at 2:00 AM.  That's late night Sunday / early Monday morning

Q:  What paperwork do I need to fill out?

A:  See a list of all required forms:  click here 

Q:  What about the group covenant that we worked so hard on?

A:  For the "mandatory" covenant clauses from the ELCA Gathering committee, click here

     For the Bethel-added (or Bonus) Covenant, click here

Q:  What project did we get assigned to for our Service activity?

A:  For our ServantLife project, click here

Q:   What do I need to pack?

A:  See a list of all items we'll need for the trip:  click here (new entry coming soon)

Q:   How much money should each youth pack?

A:   About $100 for meals and souvenirs.

Q:   How many meals will that cover?

A:   Total of  7.  (Tue=1, Wed=0, Thu=1, Fri=2, Sat=2, Sun=1)  Other meals are already included as part of Gathering/Metro St Louis Coalition-Youth planning.  These 7 meals will be fast food stops during the bus trip, or 'open meal times' during the Gathering itself.

Q:  What about breakfasts?

A:  Breakfast is included as part of our hotel stay.  Worst case scenario is that there are long lines at the hotel breakfast.  For that contingency, Bethel will provide cereals, milk and bagels (Thanks to Pastor Rebecca for organizing that.  And thanks to Albert Webster for providing the lunch for the outbound bus trip.)

Q:  What about snacks?

A:  Bethel will also provide some snacks for hotel life, but each youth should feel free to bring their own (and plan to share with others)

Q:  Will the group eat all meals together?

A:  Based on different categories:

• While traveling:  can break out in small groups, but must return to the bus on time
• At the Gathering:  breakfasts -- in our hotel rooms, or at hotel breakfast area, but must meet as group prior to the day's first activity
• At the Gathering:  lunches -- on your own, but must observe the buddy rule
• At the Gathering:  dinners -- the group will dine together every night.  That will be one of the main reflection times each day (along with the "Final 15")

Q:  What should the youth have with them at all times?

A:  Here's a list:

• Emergency Contact Card -- to be provided by Bethel
• Water bottle -- probably to be provided by Bethel
• Energy bar or snack -- something that doesn't melt in the heat (i.e. NOT chocolate) that can help especially during the service event or long time between meals
• Cell phone (or buddy up with someone who has a cell phone)

Q:  What can our youth do in the last days before the Gathering?

A:  Another list:

• Think of a bus icebreaker activity
• Bring DVDs to share on the bus
• Read parts of the Gathering website.  Even with all of our youth events we didn't get to cover everything.  Something we really missed was preparation for the Servant Event.  It's not just us going to give of ourselves to "the needy."  We are needy also, and we get the chance to partner up with people in New Orleans to help reclaim God's Creation (especially since our Interest Area is The Environment).  Look at the special entry on ServantLife:  click here  (provide link)

Q:  What about worship opportunities?

A:  There are two opportunities for full Gathering worship -- at the Opening Worship (Wednesday evening) and Closing Worship (Sunday morning).  There will also be daily worship, also with Communion, at 7:30 am and 9:30 am daily.  We won't be able to that on our ServantLife Day (Thursday).

Q:  What about community life?

A:  There are many activities planned for us, including dances themed by decade, "Generation Idol" based on the "American Idol" format, and much more.  The official Gathering site says it best:  click here

Q:  Can we bring iPods or portable games (Nintendo Gameboy, Sony PSP, etc.)?

A:  Yes, but everyone is responsible for their own property.  And... on the bus you will not be allowed to wired to your device for the entire trip.

Q:  What if my question is not addressed here?

A:  Please comment to this post, and someone will include the question and a response in this FAQ entry.