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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Nebraska Synod ELCA
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260911
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DTSTAMP:20260825T155411Z
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UID:17285-1789084800-1789343999@nebraskasynod.org
SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Gathering Expedition
DESCRIPTION:UNFORTUNATELY\, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. \nFinancial Assistance \nWhat is a Gathering Expedition?\nGathering Expeditions connect youth across the church through local events that build faith\, community\, and excitement for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis. \nAt Carol Joy Holling Conference & Retreat Center\, the Gathering Expedition is a weekend retreat where youth and their adult leaders step away from the noise to explore faith\, purpose\, and leadership together. It’s a space to pause\, listen\, and prepare for what God is doing next—right where they are and on the road to the “mountain top” experience of the Gathering. \nEvent Details\nDates: September 11–13\, 2026 \nLocation: Carol Joy Holling Conference & Retreat Center\n27416 Ranch Rd.\nAshland\, NE\, USA \nCost: $175 per youth\n[Link to Financial Aid] \nWhy a Gathering Expedition?\nA step on the journey toward the mountain top: The Expedition and the Gathering are two parts of one faith-filled journey. At the Expedition\, youth and adults pause to listen\, lead\, and grow together—discovering how God is at work in their daily lives. The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering then becomes the mountain top moment where those lessons and relationships come to life alongside thousands of others across the ELCA. \nTogether\, they create a rhythm of reflection and celebration that grounds young people in a faith that continues long after the events end. \nLeadership in Motion\nEach Gathering Expedition invites young people to discover their voice and practice leading alongside others. Through worship\, service\, camp activities\, and shared learning\, youth grow the skills and confidence to live their faith boldly in daily life. \nWhat Makes This Expedition Unique?\nGathering Expeditions blend a taste of the ELCA Youth Gathering with the best of what our camps have to offer: \n\nDynamic speakers who tell the truth about faith in all its complexity\nUplifting music that invites everyone into worship\nCamp experiences—from activities to campfire—to build deeper community\nRegional connections that help youth see the wider church around them\nAnd s’more! (Yes\, we mean actual s’mores—and more.)\n\nSpecial Guests & Features\nRev. Emily Harkins – Keynote Speaker\nFounding pastor and mission developer of The Dwelling in North Carolina\, Rev. Emily Harkins serves a congregation that centers neighbors experiencing homelessness and reveals the gospel in all its messy\, beautiful complexity. If you were at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans\, you saw her on the big stage. At the Expedition\, she’ll help youth wrestle honestly with faith\, call\, and community. \nFaith Fehlen – Worship Leader & Music\nMusician and worship leader Faith Fehlen\, part of the house band in New Orleans\, will lead music throughout the weekend—creating space for joy\, lament\, and deep praise. \nThe God Pod – Vocational Storytelling\nStudents from Augustana University will guide key conversations on vocational identity inside The God Pod\, a mobile recording studio where youth are invited to share about their own faith journey. It’s a chance to name how God is already at work in their stories. \nWhat to Expect: Weekend Flow\nFriday\, September 11 – Arrival & Welcome \nEvening check-in after dinner\nSmall group connection time\nAdult leader orientation\nLarge group gathering\nCampfire worship under the stars \nSaturday\, September 12 – Explore & Grow \nMorning worship\nSmall and large group gatherings\nTime with our keynote and special guests\nCamp activities and free time\nShared meals and community-building\nEvening worship and reflection \nSunday\, September 13 – Sending & Blessing \nFinal round of small groups\nClosing brunch worship\nSending back home—renewed and ready for what’s next \nWho Should Come?\n\nMiddle and high school youth preparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering\nAdult leaders who want to strengthen relationships with their youth and with the wider church\nCongregations who want a meaningful\, accessible step toward the Gathering that deepens faith and builds momentum\n\nWhether you’ve brought groups to multiple Gatherings or you’re considering your first one\, this Expedition offers a powerful on-ramp. \nBring your group. Share the journey. Prepare for the mountain top.
URL:https://nebraskasynod.org/event/gathering-expedition/
LOCATION:Carol Joy Holling Conference & Retreat Center\, 27416 Ranch Road\, Ashland\, NE\, 68003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Youth Ministry
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://nebraskasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/68f926530fb0e4c1f8851bf6_IMG_5740.avif
ORGANIZER;CN="Nebraska Synod ELCA":MAILTO:rare@nebraskasynod.org
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