2013 Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod Assembly
Workshops
Session 1: Saturday, April 20th – 11:00am-noon
The Spirit of the Emerging ChurchEmerald
Judy Schultz, Licensed Lay Minister(Shekinah Christian Community, Lewiston, ID)
This workshop will be a presentation in music, pictures and words to illustrate the movement of the Spirit in an emergingSAWC community, Shekinah, in LewistonIdaho. We will focus on how we have been led to move more deliberately into the community to serve and become a voice for the voiceless. Finally, we will demonstrate the results of this movement in pictures and stories of lives touched through our justice education, and of conversion, reconciliation and personal growth experiences in our expanding community.
The Anatomy of a Youth RetreatGarnet
Pastor David Haven (CelebrationLutheranChurch, East Wenatchee, WA)
So, how does the Holy Spirit power a youth retreat? What’s inside of it? What are the moving parts? What makes it a faith enriching experience? Youth retreats are intended to be multi-sensory. Thoughtful planning involves focusing on a variety of components, including: theme, prayer, worship, study, music, crafts, activities, free time, meals, and creativity. The success of a youth retreat is always dependent upon: 1) terrific young people; 2) great adult leadership; 3) ongoing support from the congregation; and 4) wonderful partnerships with camps, retreat centers, etc.
This workshop will explore the anatomy of a youth retreat and how our young people can grow in their spiritual journey. A walk-through of a “ready-made” retreat will offer practical examples for the benefit of participants.
Let’s Talk About MoneyOpal
Joel Wudel (King of Glory, Boise, ID), Regional Manager, West CoastTerritory, Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA
We stand in the middle of the largest transfer of wealth in history. Some say $40 trillion will change hands in the next generation. What is your congregation doing to capture any of this money for ministry? Come and learn some simple yet powerful strategies for garnering some of this money for your ministry.
The Cluster: Topaz
A Catalyst and A Resource for Congregations
Dr. Stephanie and Mr. Ken Tesch (Lord of Life, Kennewick, WA)
"The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith." (Luther's Small Catechism) Honoring the Holy Spirit that resides in each of us, this workshop will look for ways that the Cluster can engage, encourage, equip and empower congregations to share their faith. The role of the Cluster is being explored by the Synod Council and by "The Way Forward" task force. The Cluster could be a source of strength, support and training for pastors and congregations.
The Spirit that Calls: Liberty
To Act on Our Faith as a Citizen and Lutheran
Christine Smith, Parish Social Ministries Director for Catholic Charities of Idaho
Participants will learn: how direct service/charity are connected to justice, about advocacy in scripture, how to view issues through the social teachings, real successes in the church of advocacy, what the church as non-profit can and cannot do in advocacy, and together we will write our legislators on a pending bill.
Faith Formation in a Missional AgeDelamar
Heidi Cryer, Associate in Ministry(Lord of Life, Kennewick, WA)
The world is changing rapidly. One out of every five adults in the USA claims to have no religious affiliation. Our task of faith formation has gotten more difficult. This session will explore the cultural shifts we are witnessing as we discuss the challenges and opportunities we all face when doing ministry in this missional era. We will begin to look at ways we can faithfully move forward and support one another in our work. We do this through the resources being released this year through the ELCA’s PracticeDiscipleship Initiative giving theoretical, theological and practical ways in which you and your congregation can begin to engage your context in new ways. This is one place that the Spirit powers us!
The Spirit’s Work Among an Interfaith CommunityClearwater
Barbara Nixon,Senior Pastor, HIllview United MethodistChurch, Boise, ID
Learn how an Interfaith group from the TreasureValley marked the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. The evening was called Healing our Future and from that night (hosted by the synagogue – supper and table talks) the group has grown. Through the shared experience, an interfaith community blossomed called Healing our Future and has continued the work of the Spirit through gatherings, prayer and reflection.
Leadership in a Declining ChurchCinnabar
Pastor Helga Jansons, Director for Evangelical Mission(Lord of Life, Kennewick, WA)
Churches that are growing smaller in membership and resources naturally become anxious. Even the Pastor thinks that she/he should work harder, better and more. Instead, a church may need to function differently and shift priorities. Learning from thriving congregations across the ELCA, the focus is on developing and multiplying leadership, discovering what the church has going for them (asset mapping), engaging members’ strengths and passion, engaging the community, intentional mission planning and telling their stories. This workshop will provide practical skills and resources in how to do these things.
What’s Going on with the ELCANorthstar
Pastor Ruben Duran, Director for Development of New Congregations, ELCA-Churchwide
This workshop time is set aside for your questions to Pastor Ruben Duran regarding ELCA Churchwide issues, his leadership in the Development of New and Emerging Ministries, and questions youmay have following his Churchwide report. Please come and share give-and-take regarding our church and our missional work together.
Session 2: Saturday, April 20th – 4:30-5:30pm
Bread, Wine, Oil, WaterEmerald
Pastor Liv Larson Andrews (SalemLutheranChurch, Spokane, WA)
God is present to us in the radically common signs of bread, wine, oil and water. Things found in our kitchen are also found in our sanctuaries. In this session, we will consider the use of these signs in worship and the meaning they have in encountering our bodies.
If You Combine It, They Will ComeGarnet
Chuck Roberts, Youth Director (Hope Lutheran, Eagle, ID)
We all know that the more Christian adult and peer connections youth have the greater the hope that they will develop a faith that will last. Hear the story of TVLYFE (Treasure Valley Lutheran Youth Faith Explosion!)--how congregations in communities in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon started a cluster-wide combined youth ministry that expands those connections on a regular basis. Then, join the conversation as we dream about combinations and connections that help develop lifetime disciples of Christ.
Stewardship of MoneyOpal
Pastor David Kappus(CentralLutheranChurch, Spokane, WA)
Our synod’s vision is to train and support stewardship leaders to provide year-round stewardship education and resources to clergy and lay leaders. Our focus is on gratitude and generosity. Pastor David Kappus will share a healthy approach to stewardship along with resources that are available to help people with finances and generous giving. He is a part of the synod wide Stewardship and Mission Support Table and is a Ventures in Growing Stewards leader in our synod. He also leads Financial Peace University in Spokane to help people get out of debt. Pastor Kappus will be joined by others in the financial field in leading this introduction to the resources available to you.
To Boldly GoTopaz
Pastor Matthew Larson (Advent Lutheran, Spokane Valley, WA)
Pastor Paul Anderson (Zion Lutheran, Fairfield, WA)
A workshop on the possibilities and processes of consolidating or federating your congregation(s). Are you finding it harder to support your local congregation? The property, the building, the financials? Are there churches close to you, whether Lutheran or one of our Full Communion partners that are having similar struggles? Have you considered the option of consolidating or federating your congregations so that your resources can be freed up and you can move into a new phase of ministry and mission? Where is the Spirit leading you? Pastors Matthew Larson and Paul Andersen will be exploring these ideas with you and giving you first hand knowledge on the processes, the struggles, and the opportunities that have come up with consolidation and/or a federation with other congregations.
The ELCA Foundationand YouClearwater
Beth Adams, ELCA Foundation Gift Planner for Region 1
The ELCA Foundation exists to sustain and grow ministries for the EvangelicalLutheranChurch in America. Beth ispart of the nationwide network of professional gift planning staff who assist people in their call to live as faithful and generous stewards. The ELCA Foundation supports and strengthens the ministry of congregations, agencies, and institutions through financial education, resources, support and investment management services. Come to this workshopto learn more about howthe ELCA Foundation could be a ministry tool for you.
The Spirit’s Work Through Relationship: Liberty
Reinhold Niebuhr and Billy Graham in Conversation
Andrew Finstuen, Ph.D., Director, HonorsCollege, BoiseStateUniversity(Redeemer
Lutheran, Boise, ID)
This workshop takes a historical look at the relationship between Billy Graham and Reinhold Niebuhr. We will explore why Billy Graham said "I need more Reinhold Niebuhrs in my life." Graham tried to get Niebuhr in his life as early as 1954 with a visit to Niebuhr's Union Theological Seminary. For his part, Niebuhr wrote nine printed commentaries about Graham between 1955 and 1958. But, it was John Bennett who captured both what Graham's visit to Union meant and what Niebuhr's mid-Fifties preoccupation with Graham signified. He summarized Graham's visit by writing, "it was a very good lesson for us. It may have helped us to realize more vividly, what we should have known from church history, that God can work powerfully through men who do not meet all our specifications."
The Way Forward in MinistryCinnabar
Gary Gemar, Synod Vice-President (LutheranChurch of the Master, Coeur d’Alene, ID)
Pastor Martin Wells, Synod Bishop (St. Marks Lutheran, Spokane, WA)
In 2012 a committee was formed with the goal of proposing organizational options and structure for synodical ministry in the territory of the Eastern WA and Idaho Synod. The purpose is to look at the trends in population, geographical realities, missional intentions, financial trends, technological advances, and congregational needs to determine how to best advance the ministry of Jesus through the ELCA within the synodical territory. Bishop Wells and Gary Gemar will give an update on the members of the committee, the meetings that have occurred and the areas that the members are looking at to analyze the health of our synod.
Health Care Reform:Delamar
What’s Next for the ELCA Health Plan?
Pastor Jeff Thiemann, President, Portico Benefit Services
Health care reform will likely bring significant changes to the ELCA health plan. We want to discuss these possible changes and answer questions that you may have. In addition, we will be sharing a revised Philosophy of Benefits that has been updated to respond to health care reform and other market changes. As we navigate the evolving health care landscape, Portico continues to minimize plan member disruption, identify opportunities for employers to save money, and preserve a wellness focus for the sake of ministry. Anyone who has, or provides, ELCA health benefits is invited to attend.
What’s Going on in WisconsinNorthstar
Pastor Jeff Barrow, Bishop, Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA
Since February of 2010, Pastor Jeff Barrow has served as the Bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod. The synod is comprised of 131 congregations with 91,000 baptized members. There are urban, suburban and rural worshipping communities, worshipping in five different languages throughout their synod. Please join Pastor Barrow as he discusses current and new ministry opportunities in the Greater Milwaukee area as well as answers your questions
Page 1 of 4