wfn.org | [LCMSNews] Gathering means big numbers

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	June 3, 2004 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 53

	Gathering tagged nation's 'largest
	single denominational youth event

	With 35,000 young people and adults from more than 20 countries
set to participate, the ninth triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering
July 24-28 in Orlando, Fla., will be "the largest single denominational
youth event in the United States," says Gretchen Jameson, the Gathering
communications manager.

	Jameson, also communications manager for the Gathering's
sponsor, LCMS Youth Ministry, cited other numbers indicating the sheer
size of the event.

	"This Gathering is Orlando's first convention to make use of the
entire Orange County Convention Center -- an area exceeding 2 million
square feet," she said.

	"But the Gathering will go well beyond the convention center,"
Jameson said, explaining that thousands of participants are expected to
take part in servant events at some 35 sites in the Orlando community.

	Servant events such as construction of a Habitat for Humanity
home also are planned for the convention center.

	"From the planning level into the streets of Orlando, serving
defines the Gathering," Jameson said.

	She said that more than 300 people are on committees and teams
to plan the Gathering, and that 3,000 volunteers "will work to put those
plans into action on-site."

	Jameson said the Gathering will include:

	* a 550,000-square-foot exhibit hall with hands-on activities,
sports fields, rides and 80 Synod-related exhibitors;

	* daily Bible study and mass events;

	* hundreds of speakers;

	* two 5K runs;

	* dozens of concert venues, including a main-stage performance
by Audio Adrenaline, a Christian group that won a Grammy this year;

	* a 200,000-square-foot teen center, complete with movie
screens, a coffee house, Internet cafe and giant sand-castle building;
and

	* worship, including a July 25 service with Synod President
Gerald Kieschnick preaching and music from a mass youth choir and
orchestra.

	Jameson indicated that pre-gathering materials have been sent to
all LCMS congregations with Gathering participants and that a CD with
Gathering music is available online.

	To order the CD or for more information about the 2004 National
LCMS Youth Gathering, go to www.nyg.lcms.org <http://www.nyg.lcms.org>
on the Web.

	***************************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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