APCE dinner showcases innovative ministries bridging gaps in Christian education

The annual awards dinner got a refresh at this year’s Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) event, shifting the spotlight from individual honors to the creative work happening in local congregations across four denominations while also recognizing individuals in each partner denomination who completed their Christian educator certification.

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“This evening, we will hear about some of the unique ministries that our denominational partners support, especially ministries in the local church, which bridge a gap of formation,” said Julia A. Boyce, a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who, with Lori Neilson, a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church of Canada, co-hosted the Friday, Jan. 23, celebration. “APCE denominational partners include the Moravian Church in America, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Reformed Church in America.”

The Empowerment Ministry Team, on which Boyce and Neilson serve, invited each partner denomination to present a ministry “that embodies the idea of bridging the gap in faith formation,” Neilson explained. “Each video presentation will include fewer appeals and more information. You are encouraged to connect with the people who are doing this ministry.”

The Moravian Church in America, represented by the Rev. Christy Clore, highlighted two parallel ministries serving neurodiverse families. “You Belong,” founded by the Rev. Greg and Amy Behrend, operates as a nonprofit community ministry providing inclusive learning spaces, respite care and caregiver support. Agape Moravian Church in South Florida, founded by the Rev. Dr. Yovis Gonzalez, offers bilingual worship designed with sensory sensitivities in mind.

"Communities do not need massive budgets or specialized facilities to begin, only commitment, humility and a willingness to learn,” Clore said, emphasizing the replicable nature of the model.

Jess Foy of the Presbyterian Church in Canada introduced the Rooted Center for Theology and Eco Justice, founded by the Rev. Konnie Vissers in Hamilton, Ontario. The ministry combines community gardening with spiritual formation, using embodied practices to address both food security and eco-anxiety in children and youth.

“Gardening can actually be a really helpful medium for faith formation in young children,” Vissers explained in the video presentation, noting how children experience “awareness sensing” as they taste fresh produce and “mystery sensing” as they engage in garden play.

Miatta Wilson, representing the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), opened her remarks with gratitude for denominational leadership present at the event. “My PC(USA) colleagues and I are thrilled that the Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly of the PC(USA) have been with us at APCE all week, participating, learning and also leading a workshop,” said Wilson, a Certified Christian Educator and associate for Christian Formation with the denomination’s Interim Unified Agency. “We give a heartfelt thank you to Rev. CeCe Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson for being present through the whole week and for your commitment to Christian formation and supporting leaders.”

The PC(USA) showcased the Intergenerational Liturgical Library, developed by Jenna Campbell, a Certified Christian Educator. Unlike traditional worship bags with prescribed items, the library offers self-selected tools — from “fruit of the Spirit sensory balls” to “dancing with Miriam ribbon wands” — allowing worshipers of all ages to engage according to their needs. The PC(USA)’s Office of Christian Formation has more information on the Intergenerational Liturgical Library through its resource pages, including how to create it, what to include and a quicksheet on how to do it in your context.

“The liturgical library makes space for a variety of responses in worship, acknowledging that our brains and our bodies all have different needs when it comes to focusing, learning, listening and worshiping,” Campbell explained.

"One of the gifts of APCE and the APCE Annual Event is the sharing of ideas, encouragement, and resources that strengthen ministry and Christian witness," said Campbell. "My hope is that the video and resources about the Liturgical Library inspire others to adapt the idea for their contexts in a way that welcomes all ages to more deeply engage in worship."

The Reformed Church in America, represented by the Rev. Liz Testa, presented the multifaceted ministry of Mescalero Reformed Church on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico. The congregation provides meals, youth programs, emergency shelter and cultural exchange opportunities, demonstrating what Elder Clara Rice described as “centering Christ's love and unity to make their church an inviting space of welcome, safety and belonging.”

“We’re the hands and feet of Jesus,” said one youth leader featured in the video. “That’s a blessing for me, that he’s using me to be a disciple.”

All the videos about featured ministries will be available on APCE’s website and the PC(USA)'s Office of Christian Formation Facebook page in the coming weeks. 

The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2027 APCE Annual Event theme, “Can These Bones Live? Rediscovering What Matters,” based on Ezekiel 37. The event will be held in Portland, Oregon, in January 2027.