As we kick of the Gathering Starter Pack we will be looking into the theme: In All Things. We want all our planning to start with God’s Word and how your time connected to the Gathering can point young people to Jesus.

Learn more on the LCMS Youth Gathering website lcmsgathering.com. Read the In All Things Thematic Development Paper and Talking Points at lcmsgathering.com/resources. Find the Colossians Devotions at YouthESource at youthesource.com/2021/04/27/devotions-and-studies-in-colossians.

Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger Bio: After serving as a parish pastor for nine years, Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger teaches Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. With four children between ages 9-15, youth ministry is far from theoretical. Together as a family they enjoy camping, hiking, road trips, German board games, and reading the Chronicles of Narnia. Much to his children’s chagrin, he refused to dye his hair with them during quarantine.

Shelly Schwalm Bio: Shelly Schwalm, MFA, is a Director of Christian Education (DCE) who serves as University Ministry Associate at Concordia University, St. Paul in St. Paul, MN for the past 7 years, walking with college students through their developing life and faith. She is an alum of CSP and has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. Shelly is part of the theological advisory team for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering and served on the Bible study team for the 2019 Gathering.