Join others for a day of connection and learning to nourish, inspire, and strengthen your ministry! This event is for church people of all kinds: those interested in connection, rostered ministers, council leaders, parish staff, and those engaged in any kind of ministry in a congregation.
Registration caps at 120 participants. REGISTER HERE
$40/person includes lunch, materials, and learning.
Workshops & Keynote
Holy Conversations and Church Vitality with Pastor Dara Clifford
It’s no secret: the world is changing, and the church is changing right along with it! In this workshop, Pastor Dara will offer some background information to support the trends church folks are noticing and feeling, and will share language and framework for possible pathways forward for congregations who are finding themselves in a new era of life together.
Evangelism and Holy Experiments with Lynette Stoneburner and Pr. Karoline Schwantes
New ideas for ministry can be hard to get off the ground. When Lynette Stoneburner began to envision an inclusive community park that was a space where everyone could play, regardless of age and ability - she wasn’t sure how it would all happen. Through prayers, supportive leadership, the vision of Emanuel in Seymour, and generosity from the wider community the dream for ministry became an impactful reality. Hear from two leaders in our synod who have experience and understanding of resources, including the synod mission table, that can help turn prayers for new ministry into a reality.
Transitions, Trends, and Leaders with Pastor Asher O’Callaghan
Transitions are a time when God invites us to let go of what has been for the sake of what could yet be. It is often a time when both anxiety and expectations are high. Clarity can often bring peace of mind during times of uncertainty as the Holy Spirit calls and sends leaders in the Church. This workshop will provide attendees with current trends in church transitions and a detailed overview of both the process and resources available for your congregation during times of transition. While this workshop will not provide space to advise leaders on specific calls or congregations in transition, it will share the best way to be in touch when support is most needed.
Cultivating Community Partnerships with Pastor Jim Honig, Pastor Matt Sauer, and Deni Kuchler
In this panel discussion, hear from three leaders who developed impactful ministries with the help of partnerships in their communities. Learn how the inception of a ministry idea turned into a reality through partnerships that were established across denomination lines and the public sector. If you're wondering about making a difference through feeding and housing ministries and more, please join the conversation.
Healthy Pastor/People Relationships: Why Pastors Stay with Pastor Libby Howe will share factors that make an impact for creating a sustaining, healthy relationship between pastor and people. This workshop would be great for council leaders, mutual ministry members, personnel committees and pastors alike.
Church Treasurers and Administrators Benefits Workshop, with Jennifer Prinz
As an ELCA ministry, Portico Benefit Services offers health, flexible spending, retirement, disability, and survivor plans to help rostered leaders and lay employees strengthen their well-being. As the benefits administrator for your organization, your pastors, deacons, and lay staff, rely on you to help them navigate their ELCA benefits. In this session, discover the resources available to help you effectively sponsor your employees in Portico Benefit Services. Join Regional Representative, Jennifer Prinz, as she leads this interactive session.
Smooth Sailing: Becoming a Resilient Leader in Turbulent Times, with Jennifer Prinz
Resilience is not perfection, but the ability to move forward in imperfect realities. Whether it's leading the church, dealing with difficult situations, or navigating the inevitable bumps and setbacks of life, it is possible to not just survive, but thrive. Discover how to cultivate your God-given strengths and develop healthy practices that will give you the stamina, confidence, and inner peace you need to be a resilient leader.
Keynote
Self-care and the Care of Others: Ministry and Trauma in the Wake of the COVID Pandemic
Synod Learning Day is fast approaching and we’re shifting gears! We realized one of our workshops was just too impactful to not make it a keynote. Join others for this day of learning in November complete with workshops and time learning from our speaker, Sally Hudson, BSN, MS, MSW, LCSW, who will share the presentation, Self-care and the Care of Others: Ministry and Trauma in the Wake of the COVID Pandemic. With over 38 years of experience in the health sciences, with 20 years as a mental health therapist, Sally will provide a basic understanding of trauma for Pastors and Lay Leaders, so they will better understand the effects of the COVID pandemic in the Church community; to recognize the signs of trauma; and to find ways to promote spiritual care and healing.
Schedule
8:00 - 8:30 | Registration
8:30 - 8:45 | Welcome + Devotion
8:45 - 9:45 | Keynote 1
9:45 - 10:45 | Workshop 1
10:45 - 11:00 | Break/Transition
11:00 - 12:00 | Keynote 2
12:00 - 12:45 | Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 | Workshop 2
1:45 - 2:00 | Break
2:00 - 3:15 | Cohort connections
3:30 | Closing and Sending
4:00 | Depart