Equipping Congregations Day 2016 Bethel Lutheran Church Keynote and Workshop Descriptions Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age Keynote Presenter: The Rev. Dwight Zscheile, Ph.D., associate professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and associate priest at St. Matthew s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, MN. Workshop Option 1 (9:30 10:20) The New Rules of Money Presenter: Geoff Bullock, Financial Educator, Lutheran Social Service of MN Financial Services Things have changed from even 10 years ago. Learn the new rules of today s economy -- the old guidelines that your parents learned sometimes now no longer apply. Make financial decisions about money management, debt, credit, savings, and consumer protection in a new light. Perfect for all ages. Death and Dying Presenter: Judie Dunlop, LSW, CHP-SW, Social Work Coordinator, Rice Hospice Workshop objectives will identify: Four Things That Matter Most by Ira Byok, MD, Dying with Dignity, and Experiential presentation The Game of Life and Death. Judie has been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 35 years, including in Long Term Care, Senior Housing, Senior Center Director, Program Coordinator for in-house pregnant teenagers and 18 years in Hospice Care. She is also a certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker with the National Association of Social Workers and currently the Bereavement Program Coordinator, Camp GK Bear Coordinator and Healing Hearts Facilitator for Rice Hospice. Church Administration Presenter: Jerome Deyle, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud Have you ever wondered if church data management could be easier? Do you know what it would take to make YOUR office more efficient? From online registrations with secure payment options to streamlining your accounting and membership records, today s church office staff are working in new ways. Meet with a computer consultant who has assisted churches of all sizes to go digital. You will hear what is needed in your office space, from hardware to software. My Neighbor is Muslim Presenters: Jodi Harpstead and Yusuf Abdi, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota In response to questions and concerns about refugees being resettled throughout Minnesota, LSS has heeded the call of the pastors for a resource to spread accurate information about foundations of the Muslim faith. In 2014, Minnesota resettled 2,232 refugees, the highest per capita in the country. Many of these new neighbors are Muslim. Because Minnesota has always had the reputation as a very welcoming state, we are sure to welcome more Muslim neighbors in the future. To learn more, take a look at our LSS refugee facts and figures resource.
Congregations and Healthy Boundaries Presenter: Rick Loseth, PACT for Families Collaborative, Willmar What are boundaries in a congregation? And why are they important? What can a congregation do to support the pastor, staff, and members of all ages to share their faith together? Time will be spent in conversation on how this can be accomplished and resources to help make it happen. Don t Bring a Box! Presenter: John Jahr, Director of Music and Worship Ministries, Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar Twenty-five (or so) outside the box ideas to enliven your worship life! Conflict and Leadership Presenters: Pastor Stephen Cook, Salem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud and Pastor Dan Belgum-Blad, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Dassel Conflict happens. It happens in families, communities and even in congregations. In this workshop, we will review key insights from family systems theory as resources in managing the only thing a leader can manage in a conflicted relationship their own responses and behaviors. Myth Buster - A Millennial Talking About Young Adults and the Church Presenter: Pastor Courtney Young, Lutheran Campus Ministry, St. Cloud State University Spoiled? Inclusive? Entitled? Connected? Lazy? Optimistic? What are Millennials really like? Bring all the things that you have heard about those born between 1982-2001 - the good and the bad and the outrageous. Together we will sift through what rings true and what is just hot air. As a Millennial, I will brainstorm with you what things churches can try to make church and Christianity more approachable to young adults inspired by my own relationship with the church. Lutherans Exercising Our Public Voice Presenter: Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota God gives us a pretty clear vision of what the world should look like. In that vision, everyone has enough, and where something is lacking, God s people step up not just to offer a Band-Aid, like feeding or clothing the poor, but to change the systems and structures that keep people poor by insisting upon justice. We are called to be advocates for that vision of justice and community, even with our political leaders. We can be like the advocates Moses, Esther and the prophets were in their day. With the Spirit of God working in and through us, we can call our leaders and our society back to justice and righteousness, and we can live the supersized version of righteousness and justice by loving God and loving others! Faith Practices for Everyday Life Presenter: Pastor Mari Thorkelson, Willmar This workshop will offer a starting point to consider ways one can incorporate simple prayer practices in everyday life. During our time together we will learn about a variety of different practices that can deepen our relationship with God. We will also practice a couple of meditation techniques together.
Workshop Option 2 (10:30 11:20) Constitution Hygiene Presenters: Pastor Dan Bowman, Rock Valle & Hawk Creek Lutheran Churches, Pastor Art Wiese, Trinity Lutheran Church, Benson, and Jacob Holck, Chair of Policies & Procedures Support Committee Admittedly, working on church constitutions is about as thrilling as brushing teeth, but that is exactly what we re going to talk about. We call it Constitutional Hygiene learning the best moves to brush (up) and remove the plaque outdated provisions in your constitution. Is yours up to date? It won t be after August when the Churchwide Assembly meets and approves new required provisions. It doesn t have to be difficult especially if you have a semi-updated constitution already. We will also look at different styles of organization churches have used to be organized for mission and different ways to incorporate these structures into the governing documents. Story of Adolescence Presenter: Pastor Kathleen Ulland-Klinkner, Augustana and East Sveadahl Lutheran Churches, St. James Who are young people today and what in our cultural narrative impacts how youth hear, interpret, and live out God's story? Learn about the gifts, energy, and passions youth have for their life of discipleship and how adults can effectively guide and direct their gifts and passions as they live out (and into) their unique stories. Depression and Mental Health Presenter: Dr. Rick Lee, Willmar Many people in our families and in our faith communities struggle with depression and we don t even know it! How can the church be the church and support those who deal with this condition? What are the symptoms, what are the resources, and how can people respond in ways that are helpful rather than harmful. Come and learn! Formed for the Ongoing Reformation Presenter: Bishop Jon Anderson, SW MN Synod As we approach the observance of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, God is calling us as individuals and communities of faith to participate in the ongoing reformation of God s Church for its mission in God s world. What gifts from our history might serve our lives as communities of disciples in our time? In Luther s time the printing press changed faith formation. What new tools or concepts reform or transform faith formation in our time? Insurance Uncovered Presenter: John Anthony, Peterson-Anthony Insurance Agency, Trimont and Fairmont The church has always been regarded as a safe haven - a spiritual sanctuary where people can come to worship God free from worries about violence or unethical behavior by those involved in church ministry. But times have changed and church leaders can no longer assume that "it won't happen in my church." Churches need to ensure the safety and security of their facility, staff, and worshipers. We will look at what a church can do and provide practical information on preparing for and responding to the challenges of making a church a safer place.
Tips for Engaging Children (They are not that Scary) Presenter: Loren Teig, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, Spicer We will spend a brief time talking about the philosophy of working with youth. Some areas we will be touching on are: Relational ministry, they need you - not a new exciting program; involving children in ministry; equipping them for youth to youth ministry; and receiving the joys of children teaching us and dreaming with children. Messy Church! Presenter: Pastor Jennifer Thul, Danebod Lutheran Church, Tyler Life is messy so why would church be any different? Worship is prime time for bringing generations together. This workshop will take a look at a way to do that called, Messy Church. It's an opportunity to share the gospel in a nonthreatening way using (sometimes) messy activities, games and Bible stories. How Will Your Congregation Join the Wellness Reformation? Presenter: Terri Endres, Portico Benefit Services This year, Portico Benefit Services is inviting congregations and organizations who offer their pastors and lay staff ELCA benefits to be a part of a wellness reformation. We re encouraging church leaders and staff to talk together about creating a culture of health and wellness. Looking for tools and resources so these conversations can be as nonthreatening and productive as possible? Join Terri Endres, Portico s region 3 representative, to learn how to lead such a conversation, why this opportunity is so important, and how you can support your church s leaders in their efforts to be well. Behavior of Healthy Congregations Presenter: Pastor Ron Nichols, Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne The church is a place of many emotions. When growth and cooperation unite the church, there are experiences of joy and peace. When discomfort and uncertainty divide the church, there are experiences of pain and sadness. Tension carries both seeds of destruction and creation. To move toward the latter, it is necessary for the congregation to make decisions and to set a course of action. Not everyone will agree with the choices and direction to be taken, however, for the sake of unity, we need to continue to be prayerful and open minded. Healthy Congregations is a program initiated by Rev. Peter Steinke and others to help congregations gain a more helpful view of inevitable conflict in the church. These programs are often referred to as A Systems Approach. The Mission Driven Budget Presenter: LuAnn Ferguson, Regional Manager, Mission Investment Fund Money is a difficult conversation for many, but a mission driven church budget can help communicate the impact that generosity has on ministry. This workshop will highlight different types of budgeting and will focus on the missional aspects of the church's budget. We will also discuss investing with purpose.
Workshop Option 3 (2:00 2:50) Engaging Youth in the Church Presenter: Sarah Hausken, Youth Ministry Coordinator, SW MN Synod Adults want youth to be full members of the body of Christ we call the church, but sometimes adults don t know how to engage youth in that mission. Youth want to be full members of the body of Christ we call the church, but sometimes youth fear that adults won t listen to them or take them seriously if they serve. At this workshop, hear from both adults and youth on how to invite, equip and empower youth for God s work through the body of Christ we call the church. MORE Bring a Bag You ll Need it Presenter: Pastor Amy Juel, Director of Faith Formation Ministries, Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar I ve had a whole year to come up with additional ideas for you! Are you looking for MORE cross-generational, hands-on, fun ideas that have an actual, theological base? Appreciations, projects, service opportunities! Want to take some real stuff home with you to show your ministry teams and church councils? Let me share with you some of the great ideas that I have borrowed (and possibly creatively stolen) from colleagues and friends over the past 20 years in ministry. Join me but don t wear your good clothes ministry is messy, folks! Marriage and Divorce: Caring For Those in Our Community Presenters: Sheila Loya, Licensed Professional Counselor and Lisa decathelineau, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Churches often say they are so very welcoming and yet for many couples whose marriages are struggling or even ending in divorce that is not what they would say. Half of marriages will end in divorce. How do we support those that we love who are going through this? How do we support their kids? What is helpful in such cases, what s not, and what resources are available as people navigate this tricky terrain in our congregations. This is an important topic. Come and learn. World and Local Hunger Presenter: Ann Hanson, World Hunger Coordinator Get beyond the facts and figures to see how your church is addressing hunger and poverty in our world. Learn about the work of ELCA World Hunger both domestically and abroad, and see how heeding Jesus call to feed the hungry can connect your church members more deeply to one another, to the ELCA, and to the whole body of Christ. Rethinking Faith Formation Presenter: Terri Elton, Luther Seminary, St. Paul Congregations used to come alongside homes and communities in nurturing faith. Now people, both inside and outside of the church, look to congregations to be the primary leaders in faith formation. What does this shift mean for congregations? Are our current Christian education and youth ministry approaches robust enough for this calling? Leaders across the church have been struggling with this shift in congregations reality for some time and what has emerged are some key perspectives, orientations, and practices that are vital as they nurture faith formation today. Come learn about these discoveries and hear stories of congregations integrating them into their ministry settings.
Churches and Copyright: How to be a Weekend Publisher and Not go to Prison Presenter: Michael Moore, Augsburg Fortress A presentation by Michael Moore, Copyright Administrator for Augsburg Fortress, on the basics of copyright, copyright licenses and what the law means for churches. Topics will include: what to put into a comprehensive worship aid, how to license the content, and what can and cannot be posted online. There will be time for questions and, I hope, answers. Becoming an Effective Treasurer Presenter: David Anfinson, CPA, Former SW MN Synod Treasurer Whether you are new to church finances or a veteran, equip yourself with the best practices to help your congregation manage its financial resources. It may not be the most popular job but it certainly is important. Energizing Your Congregation through Strategic Visioning Presenter: Pastor William Nelsen, Bethel Lutheran Church, Lester Prairie In this session, you will learn how congregations have found direction, hope, and renewal through the active process of strategic visioning. Learn how to get the entire congregation involved, understand and celebrate congregational strengths, respond to needs, develop leadership, and work together for a brighter future. The process works for congregations of all sizes and for partnership parishes. All Are Welcome - Ya Sure, But What if They Show Up? Presenters: Pastor Laura Aase, River of Hope, Hutchinson and Pastor Kimberly Swanson-Buffie, House of Grace, Montrose Let's talk about what it means to be church in new ways and what it means to extend a hand to newcomers. Pastor Kimberly Buffie and Pastor Laura Aase are both mission developers in very different contexts. Come and hear how those ministries have grown and changed in their young lives. The Holy Spirit has a wicked sense of humor. We aren't afraid to tell you what hasn't worked as well as what has worked. Discovering Hope for Rural Congregations Presenters: Karen Koeder and Susan Krueger, Waverly Lutheran Church, Trimont What are the ingredients that make a congregation one of hope with a bright future, a congregation on the move? Based on a study of small rural congregations across the United States, 6 core principals were discovered as key to success in turning congregations from dying to vibrant. Join us as we explore these keys and Discover Hope for your congregation. Continuing Education Opportunity If you need proof of attendance for continuing education, certificates will be available for 5 hours of continuing education. Sign up for the printed certificate at the registration table. Certificates will be available to be picked up at the end of the day.