Embracing Hope
January 21, 2012
The Hard Work of Hope"
DESCRIPTION: In a day of transient communities, economic instability and technological speed, what is our calling to do the hard work of being community . . . being the church. During our time we will explore the obstacles and possibilities that present themselves on the adventure called faith.
From 2000-2011 Bruce was the founding pastor of Mission Bay Community Church, a church 20/30-somethings in San Francisco and from 2008-2010 was Moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Bruce describes himself as “currently one of those ‘consultant’ types making my way, writing, speaking, teaching and drinking coffee. … An avid social networker and blogger, I am committed to expressing a Christian faith that is beautifully complex, unimaginably just and excruciatingly gracious.”
blog: www.reyes-chow.com
twitter: @breyeshow
facebook: www.facebook.com/breyeschowpage
Schedule
7:30 a.m. registration and continental breakfast
8:30 a.m. worship
10:00 a.m. workshops block 1
11:15 a.m. workshops block 2 and lunch
1:45 p.m. workshops block 3
3:00 p.m. closing worship
1A--Elders for Today’s Church: An historic Presbyterian polity and a new Form of Government. What are the basics of being a ruling elder in today’s church? In this workshop we’ll engage in conversation about the work of an elder and the session for the health and strength of the church. Charles Spencer, executive presbyter, Heartland Presbytery.
1B--Being More than Just a Ruling Elder will look at responsibilities for responding to God, sharing our faith, and using the gifts God has given us. Bev Barr, moderator, Heartland Presbytery and former Committee on Ministry moderator.
1C--Lifting the Fog on nFOG--If you are anxious about what the new form of government means for your church, this is for you: come and see what you have to do, and when. If you're laid back about the new form of government, this is for you: come and see if you've gotten it right. David Meerse, stated clerk; Heidi Peterson, moderator, Church Order and Listening. Note: repeated at 3C.
1D--Basic Church Financial Officer Training: This workshop will review the major areas and responsibilities of church financial activity. Brian Hathhorn, financial administrator, Heartland Presbytery.
1E--What makes a good deacon? What does it mean to be a deacon in your church community? Resources will be provided. Brainstorming and group discussion activities will get you moving! Deacons from the Liberty church. Note: repeated at 3G.
1F--Hands Only CPR-- Learn what you can do in the first 5-10 minutes that may save a life with simple chest compressions and an Automated External Defibrillator. Robert McQueen is a 15 year Firefighter/Paramedic with the Lee's Summit Fire Department. Note: repeated at 2F.
1G--Making Confirmation Stick--Confirmation builds on childhood’s faith foundation to prepare youth for a lifetime of Christian service. This workshop will suggest goals and best practices for this important experience. Michael Harper serves as the associate general editor for Congregational Ministries Publishing, which is a part of the General Assembly Mission Council of the PC(USA). Note: repeated at 2H.
1H--Transforming Your Church: Using Your Assets--God has given us abundant gifts to make our churches vital centers of worship and mission. This workshop will help you identify those! Participants will learn about asset mapping, and techniques to take back to their own congregations to help identify resources they can use right now to aid in transforming their congregations into vibrant communities of faith. Dr. Shannon Jung , St. Paul School of Theology and Rev. Leigh Gillis, associate executive presbyter, Heartland Presbytery. Note: repeated at 2M.
2A--Clerk of Session Training will focus on clerks increased responsibilities under nFOG, and what the "freedom" of nFOG means for the session and its clerk. David Meerse, stated clerk, Heartland Presbytery.
2B— Funding Christ’s Mission will discuss the spiritual practice of stewardship and how that differs from fund raising. Should we focus on the church’s need to receive or the giver’s invitation to model the generosity of Christ? Can we do stewardship ministry in a poor economy? How much is enough? What are the financial discipleship questions in your congregation? This workshop will explore where we are and where you could be. Charles Spencer, executive presbyter, Heartland Presbytery. Note: repeated at 2P.
2C--Changing Church Culture at the Front Door: Great Welcomes => Great Outcomes--
What makes a church feel good to first-time visitors is directly related to what makes a church successful at getting people to serve joyfully in the long-term. Come learn how to improve your church's hospitality systems, and subsequently, your visitor retention, volunteer ratios, financial contributions, and missional DNA, too. Rev. Dan McKnight and CDR member Diane Lee of Kaw Prairie CC, and others. Note: repeated at 3J.
2D— Building a Christian Education Committee from the Ground Up will consider operational principles that could be useful to churches with functioning committees, or churches just establishing a committee. Malinda Spencer, resource director for Christian education, Heartland Presbytery. Note: repeated at 3H.
2E-- If I Ran the Church: A widely varied panel of Presbyterians will discuss ways the church can move forward with hope while addressing cultural, generational and theological issues. Facilitated by Jonathan Mitchell, pastor, Maryville church.
2F-- Hands Only CPR—see description at 1F
2G--Toward a Comprehensive Communication Strategy--newsletter, web page, Facebook, church directory, bulletin. It's all about keeping the congregation connected. Presenter to be announced.
2H-- Making Confirmation Stick—see description at 1G
2J--Stewardship of Self--Discover the support and encouragement from the Board of Pensions to take care of yourself. We will explore the core benefits and the support benefits open to members of the Board of Pensions. Rev. Dr. Douglas Kelly, Regional Representative, Church Relations of the Board of Pensions. Doug is our representative and resides in Kansas City, MO.
2K—Handling Conflict in the Church--Helps and encouragement will be offered to congregational leadership as churches engage in outreach and change. Paul Gaug, pastor, Brookdale church.
2L— The Small Church and the Bean Stalk of Youth Ministry (How to take one youth, plant them, and see a vibrant church ministry take off and other overblown promises that no workshop can ever fulfill)--This is going to be a time of sharing strategies to begin or develop a youth group in the context of small churches. We will wrestle with how to bring youth ministry central to the work of small churches, in large or small communities, as a way of coming into contact and becoming integrated into the community where God has placed us. Jason Carle, pastor, Overland Park church.
2M--Transforming Your Church: Using Your Assets—see description at 1H
2N—A Heart for the City-- Those who minister in the city centers of KCMO and KCK share growing edges and graces of the special ministries they serve, and how you might get involved. Members of the Presbyterian Urban and Immigrant Ministry Network.
2 and 3R—Enhancing the Worship Experience with Banners will explore banner making by following the liturgical calendar. Ideas, patterns, appliqué and quilting techniques will be put into action. Cindy Leber has been sewing all her life; in her early years, making banners for worship with her mother on the living room floor. She is a ruling elder from the Rolling Hills Church. Note: do not sign up for a workshop in block 3.
2S--Is Diversity Still Relevant? will explore the benefits of diversity for church and community. We will look at the organizations, committees, and other groups that promote and highlight diversity and its richness for the church and for the world at large. What is the future of diversity for the PCUSA? The Rev. Dr. Mary Newbern-Williams, pastor, Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis, MO.
2T--Presbyterian Mission Is Alive and Well – Do you wonder what the shared mission dollars your session gives to the presbytery do? Do you know if your session participates in shared mission support? Do you know what missions and ministries beyond your local church are happening in Heartland Presbytery, in the Synod of Mid-America, around the globe through the Presbyterian Church (USA)? This workshop will explore your questions about Christ’s work through the Presbyterian Church beyond your congregation. Heartland Presbytery stewardship committee.
3A--Embracing Hope for the Future of the PC(USA)--In the hopes to discern the mind of Christ and will and God, be ready for a candid conversation with former Moderator, Bruce Reyes-Chow. Please come with questions and a willingness to grapple with topics such as: young adults, evangelism, technology, worship and ramifications of recent constitutional changes. Bruce Reyes-Chow is the keynoter for Embracing Hope.
3B--The Special Needs Sunday School will address strategies to successfully integrate children with special needs into Christian Education programs. Dr. Edna Smith is a Methodist, a retired educator, an autism and behavioral consultant, and the grandmother of 9 month old twin grandsons.
3C—Lifting the Fog on nFOG see description at 1C
3D--Challenges and Opportunities of an Immigrant Church—Hear the story of Heartland Presbytery’s newest church. What does it mean to be a missional church, and how can people venture to unfamiliar grounds in ministry? David Nzioka, pastor, Neema Community Church, Overland Park.
3E--Ministry in the Neighborhood will present ideas on reaching the neighborhood around your church, especially as needs and lifestyles change. Sue Bolander, Director of Children's Ministries and Susie Thornton, member, Children's Ministry Team, Brookdale church, St. Joseph.
3G—What makes a good deacon? see description at 1E
3H-- Building a Christian Education Committee from the Ground Up see description at 2D
3J—Changing Church Culture at the Front Door: Great Welcomes => Great Outcomes--
see description at 2C
Cost
$25
$35 after January 6
For help, contact Malinda Spencer, education@heartlandpby.org 816-923-5486
