Service Learning

Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities. On your Service Learning day, you will be invited to enter into the diverse story of the Twin Cities, empower our partners to further their mission and be inspired to return home as agents of change in your own communities. As a faith community, the Gathering combines meaningful service, instruction and reflection with a faith lens of accompaniment. Want to learn more? Check out our blog post on Service Learning. Service Learning team leader, Jessica Noonan, will be sharing more at the Service Learning webinar on April 21, 2022. Register today!

NEW: The 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering will pilot an expanded approach to Service Learning by experimenting with smaller sites that have fewer Gathering participants, making it possible for this ministry to connect with more local partners than ever before.

Participation is voluntary and each group must meet the following criteria:

Group size of 20 or fewer youth and adult participants total
Groups will provide their own transportation
Primary adult leader for each group will participate in an online training in late spring 2022

To make this Service Learning approach as nimble as possible, the Gathering:

WILL make meaningful connections with non-profits and arrange all plans with the partner
WILL provide all supplies needed for the project
WILL credit the congregation’s balance $5 per participant
WILL provide a special Service Learning Impact location for those in the pilot project
will NOT provide a physical Servant Companion for those in the pilot project (a virtual Servant Companion will be provided and will connect via text and/or the Gathering app)
will NOT provide lunch for those in the pilot project

To view Frequently Asked Questions around the pilot project, please visit the FAQs tab of our website. If you'd like more information, contact your Gathering Synod Coordinator or plan to take part in an information meeting happening online in January 2022.