High School Gathering 2026
Overview
Mighty Waters
We are so excited for the 2026 Michigan District High School Gathering!
The theme for the 2026 gathering, based on John 4:14, is MIGHTY WATERS: “But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Mackinac Island is the perfect location for this theme. Being surrounded by water on the island, we will be reminded of the peace that water can bring as well as the mighty power and strength of water. But the mighty water of the Straits of Mackinac pales in comparison to the power of water together with God’s Word, and the saving power that we receive through it.
We know this gathering is a commitment. Thank you for prioritizing this event in your ministry. Mission Point is under new ownership and costs are rising but, through many significant financial gifts and the hearts of gracious people, we are able to defray the cost of this year's gathering and offer this event for $599 per person. This includes 4 days and 3 nights at Mission Point, a round-trip ferry ride, 7 meals, servant events, a gathering t-shirt, and all the faith-filled and fun programming.
The committee, along with the support of the District Office staff, has been working hard to make this gathering a possibility.
Because of Him -
The Executive Committee of the High School Youth Gathering
Presenters
Rev. Gabe Kasper
Speaker
FLAME
Music
Sarah Salzberg
Speaker
Rev. Travis Hartjen
Speaker
Olson Tanner
Speaker
Bryan Osboune
Speaker
Rev. Bill Yonker
Speaker
Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson
Speaker
Emily Geiger
Speaker
Bob Lenz
Speaker
Swen & Dean
Music
Swenless
Music
Deb Ellinger
Speaker/Compassion Ministry
Schedule
Media Kit
Mighty Waters Logo – png file
Announcement Slide for Powerpoints/Screen Projection – Standard Size (4:3)
Announcement Slide for Powerpoints/Screen Projection – Wide Screen (16:9)
Parent/Youth Information Sheet - pdf file
Additional Information
Housing Information
Participants will be staying at Mission Point Resort or in nearby hotels. Youth will be housed together with their adult leaders. In most instances, four persons will share a room. In the event that a group does not have an even number of participants, they may be assigned to share a room with participants from another congregation in order to make use of the available bed space. Notification will be provided if this is to be the case.
Participants
A youth participant is any current (2025-2026) 8th - 12th grade student. All participants must register through an LCMS church.
Adult leaders must be age 21 or older and affiliated with an LCMS congregation.
There is no minimum or maximum for the size of a church’s group, though it is suggested that there be one adult leader for every six youth. If a group is to have both male and female youth participants, there must also be at least one male and one female adult leader who will remain with the group for the entire gathering.
Conference Sponsors
Registration Details
Congregation Enrollment is now closed!
You must register your congregation in order to receive your specialized congregation link.
Deadline is April 15, but we suggest you enroll your congregation ASAP!
Youth Leader How-To Guide - PDF file.
Cost will include 4 days and 3 nights lodging, Shepler's ferry service, Gathering T-shirt, 7 meals, Luggage transfer, Registration/Activities
Attendee Registration is STILL open!
Early Bird Individual Attendee Enrollment Cost: $599/person - deadline is March 31, 2026
Late Registration Individual Attendee Enrollment Cost: $649/person - April 1-30, 2026
If the congregation enrolls early, but individuals enroll after March 31, late fees will apply for those individuals who register after March 31.
Deadline for final congregation payments will be June 1, 2026.