The LCMS Youth Gathering was held July 19-23, 2025, in New Orleans, La. The theme of the Gathering was “Endure” based on Hebrews 12:1-3.
37 Kansas District congregations (including four congregations from the Kansas City, Mo. area and one congregation from Nebraska) registered for the Kansas District options. The overall numbers for the Kansas District were higher than three years ago!
Here are some Gathering highlights:
378 Gathering participants rode the seven charter buses, which left from Overland Park, Topeka, Kansas City, Mo., Salina, Hays and Wichita.
519 people participated in the Kansas District Event at the Bayou Barn in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19.
399 Kansas District registrants participated in the swamp tour.
423 people bought Kansas District shirts.
The Kansas District event at the Bayou Barn was very enjoyable! Participants ate a Cajun style buffet meal, held an alligator, listened and danced to music and played outside games. The youth and adult leaders appreciated interacting with Kansas District staff, including President Rev. Justin Panzer, Rev. Daniel Grams and DCE Miriam Wehling.
Special thanks to Debbie Dennett and Karen Thurnau, the Kansas District Coordinators, for their leadership and organization!
The 2028 LCMS Youth Gathering will be held July 3-7, 2028, in San Antonio, Texas.
2025 LCMS Youth Gathering Photos
Click on the plus + sign in the center of each photo to enlarge the image.
Find out more about the purpose and importance of the LCMS Youth Gathering by clicking the light green button below titled “Why the Gathering?” and watching a newly released video! You can also check the Gathering website for upcoming details by clicking the dark blue “LCMS Youth Gathering Website” button below.
The goals of the Kansas District Coordinators for the LCMS Youth Gathering are to prepare and empower adult leaders and youth as they come together in Christ to experience the LCMS at large. The District Gathering Coordinators also enable the District youth and adults to celebrate their oneness in Christ as a District through pre-gathering events and the District event at the LCMS Youth Gathering.