The Big Picture

 

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

 

Thousands of books and articles have been written about Christian theology. Often these writings are done not just to explain what is Christian doctrine but often to refute the doctrine of someone with whom one disagrees. Some would say all this theological writing is about minutia, that it's the small stuff. Many would say it is really pretty irrelevant in a world that knows little about Jesus. Seemingly, a lot of people get lost in the small stuff and fail to appreciate the big picture. If you are looking at a painting, it's like getting caught up in the brush strokes in one small corner of the canvas and missing the big picture.

 

Read more about The Big Picture at National 2009. 

What Happens at NATIONAL ?

 

 

Discover practical skills and relevant theory for effective youth ministry.

 

Network with volunteer and professional youth workers through fellowship and community building.

 

Be challenged and equipped to develop youth ministry programs that focus youth to Christ in mission, program, and outreach.

 

  

Should I attend NATIONAL?

 

If you serve youth in the congregational or school setting as a pastor, DCE, teacher, lay volunteer, Mom, Dad, or friend – you want to attend the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference, sponsored by the DCS Youth Ministry Office of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

NATIONAL Conference Program

Spiritual Life

NATIONAL provides not only professional and skill development, but opportunities for spiritual nurture and fellowship that are rooted in the Word.

 

Daily Bible Study
Bring your Bible and dig into the Word with Pastor Matt Hoehner. See the BIG PICTURE of God’s Word and its application for your ministry to students.

Conference Chapel

Throughout the conference, the chapel is open for prayer and personal devotion. Engage in quiet contemplation, make use of devotional materials provided or simply spend time praying with other conference attendees at the Chapel.

 

Devotions

Daily devotions that are connected to the daily themes of the conference are provided to all conference attendees. Work through the devotions independently or with others. NATIONAL devotions will continue to be provided to participants in the months following the event so that you can continue to reflect on the themes and insights of the conference.

 

Worship

NATIONAL worship will take place Saturday evening. Word and Sacrament, liturgy, music, and preaching by Rev. Terry Dittmer, director of LCMS Youth Ministry, will prepare participants to return to their congregational settings with joy and gladness.

 

Community Life

 

Whether you come with a ministry partner or team, or travel to NATIONAL on your own, the community at NATIONAL will refresh and restore you. Laughter, play, fun, and interaction provide you with opportunities to learn from your fellow participants.

 

Gathering Gospel Gala

Don’t miss the Sunday morning Gathering Gospel Gala, complete with a gospel choir and Rev. Aubrey Watson of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in New Orleans! Breakfast, special Gathering giveaways, and program information will be shared and the morning will conclude with a special commissioning and sending.

 

Men’s and Women’s Network Ministry Breakfasts (Optional)

Saturday morning take part in the optional Men’s or Women’s NETWORK Ministry Breakfasts. These special events will provide renewal and fellowship with other men and women uniquely at work serving young people in the Lutheran congregation. With special guests and a nourishing program, NETWORK breakfasts will do more than satisfy your morning hunger!

 

City Walk

Join Gathering Registrar Krista Miller for a Friday morning walk around the city. Get a sneak peek at many of the hotels that are available to groups coming to the National Youth Gathering, and get your morning workout all at the same time!

 

Service Project

Help Camp Restore reach out to the people of New Orleans by bringing one of the following items to National:

New Pencils, Pens, Paper, Notebooks, 24-count Crayons, or New Socks (all sizes ages 0-18). Items can be dropped off in the Conference Chapel.

General Conference Schedule

  

THURSDAY, July 16, 2009

1:00-3:00p    Early Registration

2:30p           Early Workshop Session

                   Introduction to the 2010 LCMS National Youth

                   Gathering (This workshop will be repeated

                   throughout the event.)

4:00p           Workshops – Session 1

5:00-7:00p    Registration

7:00p           General Session I: LIVE

9:00p           Exhibitor Reception

 

FRIDAY, July 17, 2009

7:00a           City Walk with Krista

                   Chapel Open for Personal Reflection and Meditation (all day)

8:00a           Café Ditt-mond

9:30a           Morning Praise and Bible Study

11:00a          Workshops - Session II

                   Lunch on Own

2:00p           Workshops – Session III

3:30p           Workshops – Session IV

7:30p           General Session II: LISTEN

 

SATURDAY, July 18, 2009

8:00a           Men’s and Women’s Ministry Breakfasts (Optional)

                   Chapel Open for Personal Reflection and Meditation (all day)

9:30a           Morning Praise and Bible Study

11:30a         Workshops - Session V

                   Lunch on Own

2:00p           General Session III: LOOK

3:30p           Workshops – Session VI

4:45p           Doors Open

5:00p           Worship

6:30p           Free Night

 

SUNDAY, July 19, 2009

8:30a          Gathering Gospel Gala - Armstrong Ballroom

10:30a         Conclusion of Event