Kansas District Youth Gathering
November 20-22, 2026
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview
400 West Douglas Avenue
Wichita, KS 67202
The 2026 Kansas District Youth Gathering (KDYG) will be held November 20-22, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Wichita! This year’s theme is “AGAIN” based on Philippians 4:4.
Kansas District Youth Gathering Schedule
FRIDAY
7 p.m. Registration Opens and Room-O-Fun Opens
8:30 p.m. Session 1- What is Joy Anyway?
9:45 p.m. Family Group Time
10 p.m. Room-O-Fun and Adult Leader Meeting
Midnight Lights Out
SATURDAY
Breakfast on your own
9:30 a.m. Session 2- Finding Joy In Community
10:45 a.m. Group Picture
10:55 a.m. Family Group Time
11:00 a.m. Lunch on your own
12:30-3 p.m. Service Projects
4:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner on Your Own (Kickback provided by Drury)
7:30 p.m. Prayer Stations
8:15 p.m. Session 3- Count it All Joy
9:45 p.m. Family Group Time
12:00 a.m. Lights Out
SUNDAY
Breakfast on your own
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Wrap-up
11:00 a.m. Dismissal (approx.)
The Kansas District Youth Gathering (KDYG) is a Kansas District youth event that happens annually during the month of November. It is specifically designed for youth who are currently in grades 9-12 and aims to foster faith in Jesus Christ through time of worship, study of God’s Word, and fellowship with one another.
Featured speakers
Rebekah Freed is an author, speaker, and Christian educator. Having served in a variety of ministry settings in the
past, she now serves on the Student Life and Campus Ministry teams at her alma mater, Concordia University, Nebraska, where she has the honor each day of pointing college students to the love and hope of Jesus. Bekah holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and behavioral science and is a certified Director of Christian Education (DCE) in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. She also earned a master’s degree from Liberty University, where she studied discipleship in the context of crisis and trauma. Outside of work, Bekah enjoys spending time with friends and family, kayaking, reading, enjoying a warm cup of chai, and celebrating the everyday blessings of life—often with confetti!
Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen is the Asst. Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska. In this role he teaches in Christian Education Leadership and leads initiatives that help cultivate a Christ-centered campus community that is shaped by our Lutheran theology. Prior to serving at Concordia University Nebraska he served as pastor in congregations in Iowa and Nebraska and as an Editor of Bible and Curriculum Resources at Concordia Publishing House. He has a BSEd in Secondary Education from CUNE, an MDiv from CSL, an MSEd from Drake University, and an EdD from Lindenwood University. Every day he works to enhearten God’s people for the epic life of faith. Pete lives in Seward, Nebraska with his wonderful wife Deb and their five children.
Click here to see this year’s KDYG Brochure!
2025 Kansas District Youth Gathering Photos
Hover over the middle of each photo and click the plus + sign to enlarge the image.
The Spiritual Goals of the KDYG are to:
- Create an environment for the high school youth of Kansas to experience the grace of Jesus Christ and the greater body of believers through worship, Christian fellowship, Bible study, and service.
- Teach and challenge youth to apply the gathering themes, Biblical content, and testimonies heard at the gathering to their lives today.
- Assist congregations by equipping and encouraging adult leaders in the support of their youth.