The evening events on July 2 and 3, will have a “Mass Event Plus” time that will feature an act following the Mass Event. Congregational groups are invited to remain at the Alamodome for the performance but can also choose to return to their hotel or check out downtown San Antonio. There will be a Mass Event on Thursday, July 4, ending with fireworks in downtown San Antonio.
Worship
On the morning of the Fourth of July, we will gather for Divine Service during which we will remember our baptismal identity and receive God’s gifts for us in Word and Sacrament. We will be reminded of how Jesus’ love shown at the cross opened God’s Kingdom to all those called by the Holy Spirit into faith. LCMS Synodical President, Rev. Matthew Harrison, will serve as the preacher.
Night Life
Night Life events will be focused on bringing the community together for fun group activities, to hear selected speakers, and to also bring the evening to a close in prayer and praise. Most activities take place at Gathering hotels and will end by midnight each night. Please give your kids “permission” to get some rest and be ready for the next day of learning and new experiences. Please be sure to check the Gathering Guidebook and app for locations of Night Life activities.
Community Life Time
Thank you for your efforts to build community rooted in God’s word. We give thanks to you for every word of encouragement to your youth, your invitations to or leadership in worship and Bible study, and your extra phone calls and texts to youth on their days of joy and struggle. We know that the Gathering program and overall experience is most effective when youth have strong relationships with their families and home congregation. Thank you for your care for your participants! Community Life time is built into the Gathering program schedule to provide opportunities for further conversations about life and faith to God’s glory. Some of these conversations are going to take place over a meal, while walking to the facilities, or while waiting to get into an Interest Center. Dedicated time is provided in the late evenings following each Mass Event. In addition, Tuesday and Wednesday morning have a relaxed schedule to allow for Community Life time in which groups can be engaged in the Gathering Bible studies.