Congregational Discernment as Conversation
Jane Stoltzfus Buller, Walnut Hill Mennonite
Short seminar description: Anabaptists have long appreciated discernment by the group. Sometimes the group has become a voting place. Sometimes
a forum for the most articulate and powerful. Sometimes a place where the congregation is held hostage by the minority. How do we create places where conversation together can be a constructive avenue for discernment? Come and let's discover together.
Faith and global warming
Paul Steury, education coordinator at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College
Paul Steury was among the first group of faith leaders to participate in The Climate Project (TCP) training by Al Gore—a project designed to speak to faith communities about the challenges of and solutions to the climate crisis. This seminar will focus on how churches, individuals and communities can reduce their environmental
impact and urge others to action.
Understanding our Economy
Michelle Horning, Associate Professor of Accounting, Goshen College; Chad Horning, Chief Investment Officer, MMA; Aaron Lehman, Construction Manager, Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County
This seminar will provide information about the state of the economy. The first part will provide historical and economic background to our current recession while also exploring the possibilities
and pitfalls that presently exist. We will not only
use economics to explain our current situation,
but also critique some basic assumptions of economic theory with a faith-based perspective.
The second part will focus more intentionally on
not only the national, but also local, effects of the recession and the opportunities that it may provide. Some time will be spent describing local, innovative ventures that seek to take advantage of present opportunities and addressing some of the causes of this recession. Time will be given for discussion and questions.
3:30–4:15 p.m.
Calling out Gifts in your Congregation
IN-MI Gifts Development Team
The Gifts Development Team from IN-MI Conference will share how Church Without Walls used a gifts discernment tool to build participation and confidence in their congregation. The team will introduce a new tool for gifts discernment in the congregational setting and discuss the work of the team as conference restructuring is implemented.
The Corinthian Plan: Together, Providing Health Care for Pastors and Church Workers
Kurt Horst, Corinthian Plan Ambassador
An overview of how Mennonite Church USA congregations are working together to meet the health needs of our pastors and church workers. The plan includes basic insurance, mutual aid sharing so that all can be covered regardless of pre-existing health conditions, and a “Fair Access Fund” to assist congregations with limited financial resources. There also will be time allowed to respond to specific questions related to congregational issues.
Doing Church Outside the Box
Suella Gerber, Hannah Livengood, Michelle Marquis, Steve Thomas
The "Gathering" community meets twice a month to engage each other in our journeys with the Divine. In this seminar we'll talk about the ways we are creating safe and inviting space for our conversations, and for building a spiritual and faith community, a faith community not limited by religion.
Telling the Biblical Story
Karla Minter, AMBS student and lay leader at Waterford Mennonite Church
Do you long for a deeper understanding and engagement with scripture? Do you wonder how scripture can become central to your worship? This seminar will introduce ways of transforming scripture reading into scripture telling. My congregation has fostered a deeper love and appreciation for the Biblical story as we have learned and told scripture in worship. Come and find out what possibilities for worship and spiritual renewal lie in telling the Biblical story! (We are all beginners–experience not required.) |
The Dark Night in Congregational Life
Dan Schrock, pastor at Berkey Avenue Mennonite; author of “The Dark Night: A Gift of God,” and spiritual director
People who are living in a dark night often have a hard time connecting with God through the usual activities of congregational life. This seminar will explore two sets of strategies: What can you do to help yourself survive in church while living in a dark night (even if you're the pastor)? What small things can congregations do so that people in a dark night can connect more easily with God?
Delegates to Mennonite Church USA Convention 2009: What to Expect
Marty Lehman, Mennonite Church USA director of communication/development and finance
This is an opportunity to review proposed actions, schedule and format of the delegate sessions in Columbus, and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your role as a delegate at the assembly. This seminar is especially for, but not limited to, delegates to Convention 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.
Exploring New Territory Together: An Open Conversation
Brent Eash, moderator; Gene Hartman, Transition Team; Sarah Schlegel, Transition Team
Over the last several years we have begun recognizing that the cultures around us have changed and that we are called to discover new ways of relating. Participating with God is more than tweaking the systems we have. Please join us for an open time of conversation about how the emerging conference structure can effectively equip us for this time in our corporate life together. |
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