The Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering (CLAY) that would normally be a nationwide gathering in person just announced that they will now do an online event taking place next year.

The mix of Anglican and Lutheran youth coming together across Canada started in 2010. Before that, Lutheran youth gatherings have had a history of coming together since 1966. 

Due to the pandemic, the in-person CLAY event for 2020 has been postponed to an online event happening in August, 2021. Registration for youth opens in January, 2021.

The announcement was made over YouTube on August 17 by Archbishop Linda Nicholls and National Bishop Susan Johnson, sharing their regrets to cancelling the 2020 gathering. 

Archbishop Nicholls says, "We both were looking forward to being with you in Calgary for CLAY 2020."

The team that put together this national event had been planning it for years. When COVID-19 hit, it changed those plans drastically, twice.

"When this summers CLAY 2020 was initially postponed, it was with every intention of holding an in-person gathering in Calgary in 2021. However, there have been a number of overwhelming complications in trying to make that a reality. So the difficult decision has been made to move CLAY 2021 to an online event," says Nicholls.

Normally, CLAY hosts a gathering every two years. Some of those locations included gatherings in Saskatchewan, B.C., and Nova Scotia. 

"Canadians continue to navigate through the impact of COVID-19, and for many this crisis has brought feelings of anxiety, apprehension, and fear," says Nicholls.

"We need to recognize and make room for these feelings. But also know that God will create a path for what needs to be adapted and restored."

Though the organizers hoped for a time with youth personally, they have made this decision with the health of Canadian youth in mind. 

"I know it's disappointing for many of you, it's disappointing for me. I've got to tell you that CLAY events are the ones that jack me up the most in terms of my spiritual life," says Bishop Susan Johnson.

While the online experience doesn't compare to being in-person, Johnson says, "I hope you'll join me, and other people from across our churches on August 22 as we do a preview looking forward to 2021."

This 45 minute online event happening in three days is called "Journey Interrupted" and will include worship, prayer, a drama performance, and message. 

The theme for the 2021 gathering is "En Route". It was chosen a few years ago already, even before the pandemic hit. Both the Bishop and Archbishop feel that this theme is fitting even now.

"It reminds us that God calls us to a journey in our baptisms and walks with us on our baptismal journey throughout our whole life," says Johnson.