Schedule for Saturday, June 13
Breakfast on your own
7–8 a.m.• Yoga
Sponsored by the Evangelism Conference.
8 a.m.–5 p.m. • Young Adult Event
Join other young adults for a morning of service at several mission sites in Atlanta followed by an afternoon of worship and sharing. A light breakfast, lunch and transportation are included. Meet at Central Presbyterian Church — more information will be coming regarding travel options to and from the church.
8:15-noon • Children and Youth programs in session
Morning worship and plenaries
Led by Laura VanDale, hunger action enabler, Presbytery of the Western Reserve, Lakewood, Ohio; and Jeff Peterson-Davis, co-pastor, Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church, Solon, Ohio
Led by Margaret Aymer Oget, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Ga.
Calling Forth Leaders: thinking interactively about Acts 6
Speaker: Brenda Salter McNeil, president and founder of Salter McNeil & Associates, a Christian Company that partners with organizations to transform them into reconciling communities
What Time Is It?
Led by Freda Gardner
Speaker: Rodger Nishioka, the Benton Associate Professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga.
Stewardship for the 21st Century
Led by Marianne Vermeer, PC(USA) Mission Coworker, Pakistan
Factors of Success
Cindy Bolbach and Dan Williams, co-moderators, Form of Government Task Force
The 217th General Assembly (2008) asked a special team to propose to the church a revised Form of Government for mission and ministry.
Preacher: Magdalena García, pastor, Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Ill.
Open to all! PHEWA Networks are coalitions of grassroots ministries around the country. Choose one of the Networks to visit and engage in conversation with others. Learn how to stay connected with others following the conference:
- Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC)
- Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network (PCAN)
- Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options (PARO)
- Presbyterian AIDS Network (PAN)
9–10 a.m • Workshop Session F
Please prioritize your first three workshop choices if you plan to attend a workshop during this session.
Presbyterian Communicators’ Network
Led by Kevin Hoffman, user experience rirector, and Christopher Cashdollar, creative
director, of Happy Cog, the Web site company rebuilding www.pcusa.org.
Is your organization building a new Web site or redesigning an existing one? What are the key considerations? What distinguishes a good site from a bad one? How can design and navigation support content? What about password protection for committee reports or confidential content for churches and presbyteries? How do you select a content management system?
Led by Bruce Reyes-Chow, tech-savvy
Moderator of the 218th General Assembly
How can you make best use of the new technologies? Can these technologies still be used effectively in areas with low bandwidth or slow dial-up connections?
Led by Sue Westfall, associate executive presbyter, Greater Atlanta Presbytery
When emotions run high, how do you keep the conversation going? What techniques can help disparate groups get past barriers, build consensus and work together?
Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference – Peacemaking Models
Please note these continue through noon and Workshop Session G.
Led by Plemon El-Amin, imam at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, Director of World Pilgrims; Shelley Rose, associate director, the Anti-Defamation League; Jan Swanson, Program Director of World Pilgrims, elder at Central Presbyterian Church; and Tayyibah Taylor, founder, editor and producer of Azizah, a magazine for Muslim women
Judaism, Christianity and Islam hold many values and traditions in common, but those who practice these religions rarely have meaningful contact with one another. World Pilgrims seeks to change this by providing people of these great religions a shared experience. The concept of pilgrimage is common to all religions, with believers of each faith traveling to a location of sacred importance where spiritual enrichment can take place. World Pilgrims takes this concept to a different level by creating interfaith pilgrimages. Pilgrims from all three faiths will tell their stories about developing friendships by playing, working and advocating with and for one another.
Led by
Amanda Hendler-Voss, Faith Based Coordinator for the WAND Educational Fund, Minister of Christian Education at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Asheville, N.C. and Bobbie Paul, executive director, Atlanta WAND Chapter steering committee, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition and a member of Concerned Black Clergy and Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Ga.
Georgia WAND is a women’s peace organization whose mission is to empower women (and men) to act politically, reduce militarism and violence and redirect excessive military spending towards unmet human and environmental needs.
Led by Fahed Abu-Akel, executive director of Atlanta Ministry with International Students and Moderator of the 214th General Assembly (2002) of the PC(USA)
Did you know that in 1955 some 35,000 international students and scholars were present in the United States? Did you know that in 2008 that number had grown to 563,000 international students? Did you know that every 10 years 1,000,000 international students will receive degrees from educational institutions in the United States? Did you know that they will be the future political, economic, social, and religious leaders in their nations? We are called by God to be hospitable to the strangers in our midst. These international students give our PC(USA) members opportunities to be involved in mission and peacemaking and to develop multicultural, interfaith, and world understanding. Learn how you can be involved in this vital ministry!
Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference – Peacemaking Tours
Please note these continue through noon and Workshop Session G.
$10 (tour fee waived for Peacemaking Conference registrants). Ticket required — order when you register in advance.
Led by Paul Roberts, pastor, Church of the Master, Atlanta, Ga.
Through interactive media and exceptional displays, participants will gain insights and appreciation for Dr. King's commitment to nonviolence, which undergirded his actions, speeches and writings in the civil rights struggle. At the conclusion of the tour at the King Center, there will be an opportunity for reflection and group discussion at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Led by Loretta Terry, co-chair, Committee to Combat Racism, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and Sid Birt, Faculty, Concordia University and Mount Hood Community College, Chair of the Mission Support Committee, Cascades Presbytery, Portland, Ore.
Participants will visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and learn how nonviolent witness and protest combated racism. A discussion of current efforts to overcome racism will follow.
Led by Prince Davies-Venn, chaplain/case manager, Clifton Sanctuary Ministries, Atlanta, Ga.
This experience will provide a unique perspective on the neighborhood of inner-city Atlanta. Participants will traverse city streets and visit sites not as tourists, but from the perspective of those who are homeless, medically fragile, and in need of services offered by social services and faith-based groups. The plunge will include visits to a local park, public spaces like the library and state capital and two congregation-based programs that provide services to Atlanta’s homeless and poor. The Urban Plunge concludes at Central Presbyterian Church and will require walking approximately three miles over the course of the morning.
Led by Tom Crick, Associate Director of the Conflict Resolution Program, Carter Center, Atlanta, Ga.
Participants will walk the grounds and be introduced to the work of the Carter Center to wage peace, fight disease and build hope. The tour will focus on the Center’s efforts to help improve access to justice for ordinary Liberians as a means to help secure the peace in Liberia.
Speakers from the Centers for Disease Control will address issues of children’s health and HIV/AIDS. They will speak at Villa International, a Christian ministry of housing and hospitality that provides a home-away-from-home for international visitors in a friendly setting where guests can have privacy or enjoy the diverse community.
10-10:30 a.m. • Break
10:30-noon • Conference Plenary Sessions 1
No advance sign up is required.
Presbyterian Evangelism around the World
Led by Lynette Hawkins, lead consultant for Awesome Insight, and Presbyterian elder, Greensboro, N.C.
Participants will explore how we can reach people who have never been part of a church family or those who have fled from negative church experiences. Learn how to be a truly welcoming church.
10:30-noon • Workshop Session G
Please prioritize your first three workshop choices if you plan to attend a workshop during this session.
Healthy Ministry Conference Workshops
Led by Joyce Lieberman, associate for Church Leadership Connection, PC(USA)
Geared toward those who are new to COM, this workshop will provide an overview of the roles, responsibilities, and work of COM along with a review of resources to help COM do its work.
Led by Linda Tyler, CPM Trainers Network, Mission Presbytery
How does an ordinary person turn into a candidate for ministry? The answer is that God does that; the CPM just points the way through the PC(USA) process. Participants will study the road map that leads to ordained ministry, sharing what works and what does not, as we learn the best ways to fulfill our calling to care for those inquirers and candidates entrusted to our CPMs.
Led by Paige M. McRight, executive presbyter, Central Florida Presbytery and Member of the FOG Task Force
Why is a new Form of Government being proposed? What are the major changes from our present Form of Government? How can it help the mission of the PC(USA)? These questions and more will be addressed.
Led by Diana Barber, Associate Synod Executive for Leadership Development, Synod of Lakes and Prairies
The most appropriate, faithful and pastoral response is sometimes to “just say no.” When is “no” a helpful response? When is it too late? Once you’ve said “no,” how do you anticipate the consequences? How do you deal with all those who feel rejected by “no”? This workshop will address these and other important questions.
Led by Jack Haberer, editor, The Presbyterian Outlook
Presbyterians have serious disagreements about important issues. How can presbyteries deal with these issues faithfully and effectively? When we are divided, how can we work with candidates, pastors, and congregations in healthy ways?
Led by Grace Bowen, staff, New York City Presbytery
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeks to grow deep and wide by extending a Christian witness to people of varying cultural backgrounds. In multicultural contexts, approaches to church governance often differ, which results in tension between culture and polity. This workshop will present the tools for cultural proficiency within the framework of the Book of Order.
Led by Scott Lumsden, Executive Presbyter, Seattle Presbytery
How can we deal effectively when candidates are in conflict with a CPM, when a pastor and congregation are at odds, or when a PNC is angry with the COM? This workshop will give insights about healthy ways to work with such situations and provide suggestions for conflict prevention.
Led by Rose Niles, associate for Theological Education and Seminary Relations, PC(USA)
Churches are emotional systems. Some of our most critical leadership skills are drawn from family systems theory. This introduction/refresher will interactively unfold the twelve most critical resources family systems theory offers to build strong and healthy churches.
Led by Sheryl Taylor, staff, Grace Presbytery
As a leader of a CPM or COM, how do you equip members to do their work well? How do you find time? What resources are available? How do you work effectively with presbytery, synod and General Assembly staff? These questions will be addressed and best practices shared.
National Elders Conference Workshops
Led by Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Focusing on the key leadership roles of elders, participants will discover that the Book of Order does not ask them to be a board of directors, but equal partners in ministry with the pastor(s) in their congregation.
Led by Freda Gardner, moderator of the 211th General Assembly, Session of First Presbyterian Church in Albany, N.Y.
So, the Book of Order says, "Elders are to cultivate their ability to teach the Bible." This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to learn from their experiences in this role, address any fears elders may have about this responsibility, and understand how to fulfill this requirement. There are many ways to teach, and there will be at least one that even the most fearful among us can learn to use.
Led by Joan Gray, Moderator of the 217th General Assembly (2006)
This workshop will give an overview of the characteristics and practices that make for effective and vibrant spiritual leadership in the congregation. Subjects will include discerning God’s will, dealing with conflict, ways to create a supportive climate for lay spiritual leadership and self-care and spiritual nourishment of officers.
Led by Elaine Barnett and Vince Patton, director of Church Relations, Communications and Staff Services, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Helping new and experienced PC(USA) church officers understand their role is a major way to strengthen the mission and ministry of a congregation. Identifying excellent and accessible officer training resources is a key to significant officer development. Participants will learn about denominational resources for church leaders and creative ways to use them in developing and training leaders. Participants will also learn firsthand about PresbyterianLeader.com, an exciting new Web site for Presbyterian leaders that includes worship aids, church officer training materials, thought-provoking essays from Presbyterian leaders, baptism and ordination certificates and other resources. PresbyterianLeader.com was developed by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation in partnership with the Office of the General Assembly and offices in the General Assembly Council.
National Multicultural Church Conference Workshops
Led by James Hickson Lee, organizing pastor, New Covenant Fellowship, Austin, Texas, and Beverly Dempsey
The growing diversity in our communities is a golden opportunity for witness, growth and vitality. This workshop helps you understand human diversity in your community, provides tools for holistic multicultural evangelism, enables you to incorporate this mounting diversity in your church and achieve the Biblical mandate of becoming a multicultural church. This workshop consists of a session for beginners and another session for those seeking more in-depth training.
Led by Brenda Salter McNeil, president and founder, Salter, McNeil and Associates
What would Jesus do in a world that is being torn apart by racial and ethnic division and strife? How would he cross the barriers that keep people separated from each other? In John, Chapter 4 we see exactly what Jesus would do.
Led by Laurel Underwood Brundage, pastor, Brodheadsville, Pa.
Doors that open to welcome and include all people may open doors to new possibilities. Explore the connections between diversity’s rich biblical history and today’s multicultural world. Learn how and why transforming into a multicultural community may unlock innovation, renewal, revitalization and growth in your church.
Led by Jake Kim, pastor, Cleveland, Ohio; and Betty Sicks, elder, Dallas, Texas
Enough talk! — Energize your ministry and Presbytery with a Multicultural Awareness Resource Team (MART). Jake and Betty will share with you how they did it. Explore a compelling and positive multicultural theology, models and polity to guide your MART.
Led by Randy Lee, retired presbytery staff, Grace Presbytery, Texas
Multicultural partnerships with immigrant groups are missional. Models include on-site hosting of a new church development or solidarity group, immigrant group members, and a partnered off-site group. Why partner? When are you ready? How will you find a partner? What qualifies as a good partnership? What are mutual benefits and common problems?
Led by Nibs Stroupe and Caroline Leach, pastors, Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Ga.
What does it mean to walk with the disciples of the early church? Join us in exploring the hopes, struggles, and possibilities of multicultural worship, Christian education and ministry together. Oakhurst Presbyterian Church has been on this journey for 35 years. We will share what we have learned and how we work and worship together as the church God calls us to be in the 21st century.
Led by Sharon Mook, certified pastoral counselor
Challenges and opportunities abound in providing care in multicultural contexts. Learn how truly embracing diversity, honestly assessing human similarities and differences, reframing empathy and viewing transformation as a mutual, relational process can work together to expand pastoral care into a richer and more effective ministry in all settings.
Led by Mark Crenshaw, director, Interfaith Disability Connection, Bobby Dodd Institute
The workshop will offer models for planning and implementing worship that is inclusive of people with and without disabilities. The session will feature worship planners as well as people with disabilities who will speak about the power of inclusive congregations and worship environments.
Led by Deborah Bruce, associate, Research Services, PC(USA)
This workshop challenges church leaders to reframe their thinking about whether location determines the vitality of congregations. Explore your congregation’s connection with its God-given location, and identify ways location informs identity and mission. We will dispel myths about the role that context plays in congregational vitality and offer insight on the strengths of various locations.
Led by Jin S. Kim, pastor, Church of All Nations, Minneapolis, Minn. and Rosy M. Latimore
CCAM's mission is to gather ethnic minority PC(USA) leaders to discuss ways in which our unique gifts, perspectives, theology and cultural may positively impact the current life and direction of the Church. We'll address historic racism, preparing for a cross-cultural future, and forging a common vision among the racial ethnic caucuses.
Racial Ethnic Convocation Workshops
Led by Elona Street-Stewart, associate, Racial Ethnic Ministries, Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Member of the General Assembly Nominating Committee and the Board of Education, St. Paul Public Schools
Given the status of the denomination in these times, it is critical that we learn how to be present in decision-making bodies within the PC(USA). Develop an understanding of the importance of having your voice heard and how to join the decision-making processes of the PC(USA).
Led by Jayne Ruiz, former coordinator, Hispanic and Immigrant Ministries, Miami Valley Presbytery
Learn to recognize all the treasures (not just money!) hidden in your congregation and strategize to use all you have to fulfill God’s purpose in the world.
Led by Teresa Sauceda-Chavez, former associate, Racial Ethnic Justice and Advocacy, PC(USA)
As our society becomes increasingly diverse, the local congregation remains one of the more segregated institutions. To equip congregations for change, it requires a new theological vision that can help lead the church beyond the divisions of race and ethnicity. This workshop will examine tools available for local congregations.
Led by Carmen Mason-Browne, founding pastor of Imani Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Vallejo, Calif.
Today there is opportunity for congregations to extend hospitality to the whole community. This workshop will share how contextual ministry that is in tune with those who are outside the church enables them to find a faith community that welcomes diversity and the “life experiences” that they bring into the church.
Led by DeBorah Gilbert White, associate for Cultural Proficiency, PC(USA)
An interactive exploration of the building and maintaining of relationships of mutuality in the midst of diverse cultural perspectives and experiences.
Stewardship and Investment Conference Workshops
Led by Rodger Nishioka, the Benton Associate Professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga.
Led by Eileen Lindner, Connectional Presbyter of Palisades Presbytery
Led by Paul Grier, regional vice president, Presbyterian Foundation
This workshop will include discussion of deferred gifts and wills.
Led by Terri Bate, director of Funds Development, PC(USA)
Led by Bob Sheldon, funds development director, Synod of the Rocky Mountains
Led by Jack Hodges, small church and retired executive presbyter, Cascades Presbytery
PHEWA Workshops (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m)
Led by Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) and the PC(USA) disability consultants
The workshop will include practical case studies and time for small group discussions on actual scenarios where churches did, or didn’t, find ways to integrate persons with disabilities into the life of the congregation. Is your church including the 20 percent of our population with disabilities? 80 percent of people living with a disability are unchurched. It’s way past time to be a church that truly is the Body of Christ.
Led by Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options (PARO)
Presbyterians in every congregation have been faced with serious concerns from infertility to preventing pregnancy, to STDs, forced sterilization and problem pregnancies. Christians face choices that impact human lives and relationships. The church responds with respect, compassion and resources. Let’s talk about making choices for reproductive health!
Led by Julia Thorne, manager for Immigration Issues, PC(USA)
If Congress passes a new immigration law, there may be as many as 15 million people who will need legal help. Learn how the Methodist Church is developing immigration clinics and how Presbyterian congregations can be involved. Whether your congregation works through this partnership or not, the model is there for exploration.
Led by Doug Ronsheim, executive director, American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
One in four children lives in a household that includes members struggling with addiction and mental health issues impact 25 percent of adults. What are the best ways to minister to children and families? Learn important information and resources to enhance effectiveness in providing optimum care and ministry.
Led by Thelma Burgonia-Watson, Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network (PADVN) Leadership Team; Una Stevenson, elder, Plains and Peaks Presbytery and Noelle Damico, PC(USA) Fair Food Campaign
Modern-day slavery thrives along transnational fault lines of extreme poverty, social injustice, corruption and acts of violence and deprivation. Trafficking undermines virtually every aspect of our collective well-being, including security, economic stability and spiritual health. A short video and panel will explore these issues.
Led by Wesley Woo, director of MICAH (New Orleans); Aaron Steele, executive director, Covenant Presbyterian Urban Ministry Institute (New Orleans) and Bob Brashear, PHEWA Board past president
How has congregation-based community organizing brought the voice of the people to ensure just rebuilding? What have congregations, working together, been able to accomplish? What still needs to be done? WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG? Learn the facts beyond the headlines from those active on the front lines.
Noon–1:30 p.m. • Saturday Luncheons
This lunch is not included in the Big Tent registration fee, but participants are encouraged to attend one of these meals sponsored by some of the partner conferences. These are additional opportunities to meet others who share your interests and to hear from great speakers. You may take part in a meal sponsored by the conference that is your primary affiliation, or choose another, but note that some conferences waive the additional meal fee for attendees who are registered for that conference.
Registering for a particular conference does not automatically register you for other meals offered by that conference — you must indicate these additional meals when you register so we will have an accurate count.
$28
$28 (ticket fee waived for Multicultural Conference registrants)
$28 (ticket fee waived for National Elders Conference registrants)
$28 (ticket fee waived for registrants of either of the two conferences listed)
$28 (ticket fee waived for Presbyterian Communicators’ Network conference registrants)
Includes presentation of the Presbyterian Writers’ Guild Award.
1:15–4 p.m. • Infant/Toddler/Preschool, Children and Youth Programs
Conference Plenary Sessions 2
No advance sign up required.
Speaker: Mark Emerson, co-author, Passing the Plate
Speaker: Martha Grace Reese, director of the Unbinding the Gospel Project
Unbinding the Gospel.
Models of Multicultural Church Panel
Rodney T. Martin Award Recipient: Phil Tom
Enjoy a PowerPoint presentation that captures what PHEWA and its networks have been involved in over the last two years since our 2007 conference in New Orleans. Step up to the microphone and ask questions of our leadership. Help us honor the Rev. Phil Tom, PC(USA) Small Church and Community Ministry Office, for his partnership with PHEWA over many years.
Panel led by Karl Travis
Communicating with Different Generations: This panel discussion will explore the different ways we need to communicate to reach all generations. How do we best reach Baby Boomers, Gen X and other demographic groups? How do reach multiple generations? What media are best-suited for each group? How do we tailor our messages?
Led by Mark Lomax, pastor, First African Presbyterian Church and interim dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Ga.
"Called to Be Neighbors" — Making a Difference: During this closing event of the Peacemaking Conference, participants will debrief their morning experiences, consider their next steps and ponder how to engage their neighborhoods back home.
D. Cameron Murchison, dean of faculty/executive vice president, Columbia Theological Seminary, moderating a panel of seminary personnel
Speaker: Byron Wade, vice-moderator, 218th General Assembly, and pastor, Davie Street Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, N.C.
1:30-3 p.m. • Workshop Session H
Please prioritize your first three workshop choices if you plan to attend a workshop during this session.
Healthy Ministry Conference Workshops
Led by George Goodman, associate presbyter, Peaks Presbytery
COMs that are proactive spend less time sweeping problems under the rug and have fewer messes to clean up. This workshop explores the development of proactive maintenance checkups and necessary programming to increase the effectiveness and satisfaction levels of church professionals and the health of congregations.
Led by Margaret Aymer Oget, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Interdenominational Theological Center
This workshop demonstrates an effective, inexpensive, portable method of contextual Bible study used in places as diverse as South Africa and Scotland. Here it serves as a means to help elders and others grow in their knowledge, love and ownership of the biblical story.
Led by David B. Henderson, member of CPM Trainers Network
The Milwaukee Model is based on spiritual growth, discernment, collaboration, consensus building and high-quality decision making. While the model can be replicated, it is best suited to adaptation to the individual needs of each CPM. The focus of this workshop is on the design and function of the model and on modifying and adapting it to meet the needs of your CPM.
Led by Lee Carroll, Associate Professor of Supervised Ministry, Columbia Theological Seminary
How can your CPM use supervised ministry well to prepare effective pastors? How might your COM identify and use “teaching congregations” to help candidates, newly ordained pastors, and CLPs learn the art of ministry in today’s world? These possibilities and more will be explored.
Led by Alan Baroody and Lou Snead, board members, Presbytery Pastoral Care Network
Committees on Ministry often address conflicts between pastors and their congregations that seem irreconcilable. This workshop is designed to explore healthy ways a presbytery might prevent forced pastoral terminations from happening and to help COMs find constructive avenues to intervene into troubled pastoral relationships when they occur.
Led by Leon Lovell-Martin, pastor, Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, Miami Gardens, Fla.
There are never enough workshops to cover the full range of issues that confront the church related to leadership. This facilitated discussion provides an opportunity for participants to share insight, raise issues and seek answers to questions. Staff will be available to resource the forum.
Led by Quinn Fox, associate for theology, PC(USA)
When an individual comes into relationship with a presbytery committee, how do we balance our responsibilities to protect those he/she may serve, to offer guidance and correction and to support and nurture those whom God has led to consider this call?
Led by Julia Thorne, manager of Immigration Services, PC(USA)
Is your CPM guiding candidates that are not U.S. citizens? What should your COM do when a church wants to call a non-citizen as pastor? These questions and more will be addressed.
Led by Phil Tom, Associate for Small Church & Community Ministry, PC(USA)
This workshop will explore the various models of ministry for smaller membership churches.
Led by Marcia Myers, director, Office of Vocation, PC(USA)
How do CPMs and COMs help presbyteries examine for ministry and for membership in the presbytery? What is required? These questions will be addressed and best practices shared.
National Elders Conference Workshops
Led by Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Focusing on the key leadership roles of elders, participants will discover that the Book of Order does not ask them to be a board of directors, but equal partners in ministry with the pastor(s) in their congregation.
Led by Freda Gardner, moderator of the 211th General Assembly, Session of First Presbyterian Church in Albany, N.Y.
So, the Book of Order says, "Elders are to cultivate their ability to teach the Bible." This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to learn from their experiences in this role, address any fears elders may have about this responsibility, and understand how to fulfill this requirement. There are many ways to teach, and there will be at least one that even the most fearful among us can learn to use.
Led by Rodger Nishioka, the Benton Associate Professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga.
Generational theory is based on the idea that how each of us sees and interacts with the world is shaped to a significant extent by when we were born and raised. If this idea has any merit, then its implications for how we serve in the church are immense. Further, different generations view the world, the church and even God’s activity in different ways. We will explore the implications of generational theory and how we bridge the different generations to work together for God’s kingdom.
Led by Joan Gray, Moderator of the 217th General Assembly (2006)
This workshop will give an overview of the characteristics and practices that make for effective and vibrant spiritual leadership in the congregation. Subjects will include discerning God’s will, dealing with conflict, ways to create a supportive climate for lay spiritual leadership and self-care and spiritual nourishment of officers.
Led by Linda Bryant Valentine, Executive Director, General Assembly Council
Led by Stephany Jackson, associate for Congregational Leadership, PC(USA) and stated-supply pastor, Shawnee Presbyterian Church, Louisville, Ky.
According to James 5:16, “… The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” As an elder, your prayers mean more than you may realize. Through prayer, we commend others and ourselves into God’s care. When we pray we acknowledge our need for God’s guidance and God’s grace. When we pray, we confess our failures, our fears, our need to forgive and to be forgiven. During this workshop, participants will learn about five basic types of prayer and become more familiar with prayers that can be used for personal devotions, hospital visits, family celebrations and corporate worship.
Led by Elaine Barnett and Vince Patton, director of Church Relations, Communications and Staff Services, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Helping new and experienced PC(USA) church officers understand their role is a major way to strengthen the mission and ministry of a congregation. Identifying excellent and accessible officer training resources is a key to significant officer development. Participants will learn about denominational resources for church leaders and creative ways to use them in developing and training leaders. Participants will also learn firsthand about the Presbyterian Leader, an exciting new Web site for Presbyterian leaders that includes worship aids, church officer training materials, thought-provoking essays from Presbyterian leaders, baptism and ordination certificates and other resources. The Presbyterian Leader was developed by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation in partnership with the Office of the General Assembly and offices in the General Assembly Council.
Led by Randy Ackley, coordinator, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and a panel of disaster responders and providers
When disasters occur, whether natural or human-caused, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) serves as the primary channel for Presbyterians to respond. The basic understanding — that disaster response is local — helps form a foundation for PDA’s response. A panel of disaster responders and survivors, headed by Randy Ackley, PDA Coordinator, will discuss how PDA helps in providing a ministry of presence before, during, and after a disaster.
Led by Steve Yamaguchi, executive presbyter, Los Ranchos Presbytery
Focusing on chapters 1-4 of the Book of Order, participants will examine the historical, theological, and biblical foundations for why our polity is the way it is, and how it is distinctive from other forms of polity. A quick survey of chapters 6 and 10 (officers and session) will also be included.
Led by Atlanta-area leaders
Led by Elders Cynthia Bolbach and Diana Barber, members of the Form of Government Task Force
Bolbach and Barber, members of the Form of Government Task Force that will bring a proposed new FOG to the General Assembly for approval in 2010, will review the task force's proposed study draft, with special emphasis on what elders need to know. There will also be opportunity for attendees to submit feedback to the task force as it works to present its final report to the General Assembly.
Racial Ethnic Convocation Workshops (2:00-4:00 p.m.)
Led by Bob Schminkey, Chestertown, Md.
This workshop will explore the breadth of the issue of HIV/AIDs and the understanding of ministry and projects both for and with people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS on both a global and national view. Participants will explore the role of the church and how we respond to God's challenge, individually, at a congregational level and at the national level. They will also share the different models of ministry surrounding those affected with HIV/AIDS.
Led by Gyeong Kim, Th.D. in Pastoral Care and Counseling, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care, Georgia Christian University, Atlanta, Ga.
This workshop will examine some common pastoral care issues found in relation to the experience of racial ethnic members in the United States. The workshop leader will discuss essential methods, skills and strategies of pastoral care to strengthen one’s sense of self as a basis for building healthier communities.
Led by Paul Junggap Huh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Worship and Director of Korean-American Ministries, Columbia Theological Seminary
The workshop will introduce available resources in Korean worship, music, art and preaching. The participants will share their stories and issues arising out of Korean-American churches and ministry experiences.
Led by Jose Luis Casal, general missioner, Tres Rios Presbytery
Explore how the demographic changes in a multicultural society such as the United States has affected the mission of Hispanic/Latino ministries. Theological, sociological and ecclesiological implications will be considered.
Led by Safwat Marzouk, graduate student at Princeton Seminary
Recent history and current events in the Middle East have significant influence on how Arab Christians read the Old Testament today. “Who is Israel?” and “Who is the church?” have become critical questions. Various hermeneutics have emerged including literal interpretations of Old Testament prophecies. Explore the effect of these hermeneutics on Arab Christians.
3:30-4:30 p.m. • Workshop Session I
Please prioritize your first and second workshop choices if you plan to attend a workshop during this session.
Presbyterian Communicators’ Network Workshops
Led by Lucy Ke, freelance designer, Key Factors, Inc.
Is a picture truly worth a thousand words? How can you use photos, tables, graphs, drawings, color, fonts and other visual elements to better convey your messages? Join Lucy Ke in exploring how good design can enhance your communications.
Led by Erin Dunigan, freelance photographer
How can you make best use of your camera to help tell compelling stories? How do you download, save and print photos? What features should you explore? How do you determine when to use high-res and when low-res will suffice? How can you best use a phone or PDA camera or video to capture unanticipated moments? Leader Erin Dunigan spoke at a 2008 PCN regional conference and is back by popular demand!
Led by Annette Calderwood Shoemaker, regional vice president, Presbyterian Foundation
Come and learn about a new initiative recently launched in Chicago to thank congregations who have given to mission and provide resources and information for congregations that have not previously supported mission giving. By raising the visibility of shared mission giving and the efforts it supports, the Chicago Presbytery has helped congregations increase interest in the mission programs supported by the PC(USA) and, in turn, hopes to increase involvement of individual members. Please note that this workshop option does not appear online in registration materials. Those wanting to attend may do so without prior registration.
5–6 p.m. • Big Tent Worship
Preacher to be announced.
6–6:30 p.m. • Big Tent Parade (tentative)
6:30–10 p.m. Big Tent Celebration—Downtown Atlanta
Come and celebrate the ministry and witness of the PC(USA).
Music and entertainment provided; food and drinks available for purchase.
7:30 p.m. PDA • Martin Luther King
|
