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January 19, 2022 |
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2022 Vital Congregations Re-BOOT CampJanuary 27th February 3rd & 17th You may choose the best time each day that works for you. |
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SEISMIC SHIFTS: Where Do We Go From Here?Since February 2020, the Church has been enduring unprecedented seismic shifts. In response, a new Hybrid version of the grassroots Ignite the Church Conference will gather next February…In-Person in sunny Orlando AND Online…to reflect on the theme: SEISMIC SHIFTS: Where Do We Go From Here? The theme is grounded in the witness of Psalm 46: 1-2 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and the mountains shake." Four large group sessions will focus on the following shifts: Public Church (Robin Steinke and Winston Persaud), Hybrid Church (Joe and Jess Liles), Adaptive Church (Tod Bolsinger), Thriving Church (Stephanie Spellers). Ten 90-minute workshops will dig deeper into these shifts to offer encouragement, inspiration, and challenge for church leaders. The Online option will provide live and recorded access to each large group session and the post-conference Resource Page. The Online option is FREE…with a suggested donation $30 to the ELCA Fund for Leaders invited. All proceeds continue to benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders which has received $13,000 from the Conference in just the past two years. |
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Faith Formation in a Post Pandemic World Webinar SeriesA continuation from the Hybrid Church Webinar Series. But more specifically around Lifelong Faith Formation including Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Adults. These webinars are FREE but you need to register.
The pandemic disrupted all of life, including the ways that we have done faith formation. As we emerge into the post-pandemic world, we can begin planning for the future of faith formation in our communities. This webinar program from Lifelong Faith Associates seeks to answer the question: What will faith formation look like as we emerge from the pandemic in Fall 2021 and beyond? This 6-webinar series began in September and will continue once a month (first Thursdays) through March 2022. Recordings and Resources from the webinars can be found here.
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Renewal of Vows and PrayerJoin Bishop Briner and the Synod staff on Presentation of our Lord Day for our annual renewal of vows and prayer for rostered ministers. This takes place during our weekly Rostered Minister Gathering.
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Remembering Ourselves As NeighborsJoin the Rev. Terry Kyllo, executive director of Paths to Understanding, for an informative and transforming evening of lecture and conversation hosted via zoom. Remembering ourselves as neighbors: countering anti-Muslim bigotry will help each of us as we reflect on what it means to embrace our neighbors. Moses, Jesus and Mohammad, peace be upon them, called people to mutual respect in times of deep inequity to be good neighbors. They knew that being a neighbor is not simply a religious or moral issue: Being neighbors with and for each other is the essence of being human. Being neighbors is crucial for the survival and thriving of the larger human community and the Earth of which we are a part. |
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Choose 1 of 3 Training OpportunitiesLocal congregations are the foundation of church life. Effective congregational councils can achieve great things in the service of God’s mission in our life together as the Body of Christ. This one and a half hour training is designed to build capacities for current and future members of ELCA congregational councils. Whether you're new to council, aspiring to serve or have been a council member for a long time, join us to learn more about your responsibilities and the resources available to support you.
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New Evangelism Team Training Opportunity for CongregationsAre you a congregation struggling to understand the role of the Evangelism Team? Deacon Mitzie Schafer, with GSB Fundraising, has developed a new Evangelism Team Training Program that combines GSB's experience with council/team development, congregational leadership, and storytelling to activate your Evangelism Team to better share what God is up to in and among your community. This program includes intentional training, purpose, planning, and coaching. A new Cohort begins March 1. Register by February 11. |
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Attention Southwestern Texas Synod Rostered MinistersSouthwestern Texas Synod Rostered Ministers (including retired who are serving as transitional ministers), Synod Authorized Ministers, and Vicars are expected to go through Boundary Training every three years for the safety and well-being of the Church. This $22 - 6-module, 2-hour course, will take users through the top issues challenging today’s clergy and church leadership, and how they can navigate these ethical conundrums. Some of these issues include technology, sexualized behavior and misconduct, addiction, behavior with children and youth, narcissism, plagiarism, and more. Learn more about the course here. Contact Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt (dmittelstaedt@swtsynod.org) (830) 379-9900 ext.15 for questions. |
