On-Line Registration - Congregational Ministries Division
Training for Congregations
Embracing Hope
Saturday, January 23, 2010
First Presbyterian Church, Olathe, KS
Keynote Speaker: Jeff Peterson-Davis

Jeff Peterson-Davis is Co-Pastor of Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon, Ohio. A frequent conference and retreat leader, Jeff shares a vision of the Church that is both missional and hopeful. The congregation he currently serves is a healthy, growing congregation typically described as “Traditional in a New Way.” Not content with the image of mainline churches as “dying,” there is an important role for PC(USA) congregations to serve in our communities and world. “God is not done with the Presbyterian Church yet. The mission and ministry of our churches and the theology of our Reformed tradition are uniquely equipped for the challenges and needs of the world today.” Jeff has been keynote speaker and leader of conferences across our denomination including the recent Big Tent Event, Presbyterian Peacemaking conferences, and many presbytery leadership events.

Training Day Schedule:

Name
Church
City State
Phone Alternate Phone
E-Mail Address

Any Special Needs

Will be Eating Lunch
Yes
No

Please make one selection from each group of workshops

Workshops 1: 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
1A--In the Tradition of Stephen: Ministry of Deacons -- A balance of formation & information: importance of personal faith development and knowledge of duties. Glenda Watts has served as Associate at Southminster and Village churches and was interim pastor at the Overland Park church. Glenda has a certificate in spiritual direction from Souljourners, Mt. St. Scholastica, in Atchison, KS.

1B--Listening and Following the Holy Spirit in Decision Making— How can your decision-making entity (committee, session, ministry group) embody the Holy Spirit in the discernment process? Jeff Peterson-Davis is our keynote speaker for this “Embracing Hope” event.

1C--Launching a Mission Project in Thwake, Kenya – This workshop will explore the plans and possibilities for doing mission projects in Thwake, Kenya. David Nzioka, formerly of Thwake, Kenya, is pastor of the Neema New Church Development. Kirk Perucca is pastor of Covenant church in Kansas City, moderator of the presbytery peacemaking committee, and recently participated in a mission trip to Kenya

1D--Equipping a Nearly Childless Church for Growth – Do you have age gaps in your children’s ministry? Do you have to use very broad age groups to have numbers in your classes? This interactive workshop will look at challenges to including all generations in your church and brainstorm solutions. Malinda Spencer is the Resource Director for Christian Education for Heartland Presbytery.

1E— Empowering Small Urban Congregations – This workshop will explore ideas about growing a small church urban ministry. Information from the Wee Kirk Conference will be shared. James Wilkins is pastor of St. Paul church in Kansas City. He also serves on the Wee Kirk planning team.

1F--This Can't Be Happening in My Church: Coping with Sexual Misconduct in Congregations -- While we would like to think otherwise, congregations are sometimes the settings for incidents of abuse, misconduct, and harassment. This workshop will explore ways and reasons congregations can and should prepare for and respond to such incidents.  Teresa Clark, an attorney with more than 20 years experience in employment law, is soon to be an elder at the Parkville church and is currently a member of presbytery's Sexual Misconduct Response Panel.

1G-Also choose 2G--Encouraging, Equipping and Exploring Leadership in Youth Ministry -- for Middle School, High School and interested adults, Parts 1 & 2 are an extended workshop on developing adult and youth leadership for congregations. Leaders will discover the reward and responsibility of being called to this role. Session topics will include “Who has God called us to be?” “What skills has God equipped me with?” and “What do we do next?” The focus of this time is to equip and empower youth and adult leaders for responsible, relevant, and relational ministry within the presbytery. Jaime Brewington Fulsang lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Jason. She is the director of youth ministry at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA and has been there seven years. She received a M. Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University as well as a B.A. in Christian Ministries from Asbury College.

Workshops 2: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon
2A--Aging is for Everyone: Ministry Resources for Middle and Older Adults -- This workshop will provide participants with a model for wholistic ministry by and for middle and older adults (also applicable to other age groups) and will include a rich bibliography of resources on special needs of Middle and Older Adults . Carla Gentry was most recently the Temporary Supply Pastor of the Ruskin Heights church in Kansas City. She is an enthusiastic promoter of ministry to older adults along with other generations.

2B--It’s a Great Day to Be Clerk -- Clerks of Session will learn the nuances of being clerk and why this unique ministry makes each day great!  Maryann Farnsworth has been the Stated Clerk of Heartland Presbytery since 2005.

2C--Elders: Becoming a Team of Spiritual Leaders -- This workshop will explore the scriptural practices, governing responsibilities, gifts and other responsibilities Presbyterians expect from elders. Elders are called to approach this office as spiritual responsibility and not merely an administrative task. Charles Spencer is the executive presbyter for Heartland Presbytery. He has 30 years of ministry experience serving as deacon, elder and minister of the word and sacrament in large and small churches, General Assembly and presbytery staff.

2D--Facebook, Twitter, and the Church Today – Technology is a part of everyday life. This workshop demonstrates uses of technology In the church. Molly Jones is the Associate Pastor at the Stanley Church in Overland Park. Molly uses technology in her ministry.

2E--Drawing from the Well – Substantive Growth for the Small Congregation -- Three essentials for the development of the small church’s organized and spiritual life are: hospitality, mission and Christian education. This workshop will explore ways that these essentials can lead to growth. Leslie King is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Osawatomie for the last 15 years. She is a wife and mother of three children.

2F--Growing and Guiding Small Group Ministry – This workshop will offer helpful encouragement for nurturing and guiding small groups in local congregations. Paul Gaug is the pastor of the Brookdale church in St. Joseph. He has training and experience in small group ministry.

2G-Also choose 1G--Encouraging, Equipping and Exploring Leadership in Youth Ministry -- for Middle School, High School and interested adults, Parts 1 & 2 are an extended workshop on developing adult and youth leadership for congregations. Leaders will discover the reward and responsibility of being called to this role. Session topics will include “Who has God called us to be?” “What skills has God equipped me with?” and “What do we do next?” The focus of this time is to equip and empower youth and adult leaders for responsible, relevant, and relational ministry within the presbytery. Jaime Brewington Fulsang lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Jason. She is the director of youth ministry at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA and has been there seven years. She received a M. Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University as well as a B.A. in Christian Ministries from Asbury College.

12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Keynote

Workshops 3: 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
3A--Basic Church Financial Officer Training – This workshop will review the major areas and responsibilities of church financial activity. Brian Hathhorn is the financial administrator for Heartland Presbytery and is a member of John Knox Kirk in Kansas City. His credentials include CPA, MBA in Finance, and BSBA in Accounting.

3B--Designing and Improving Your Church Website -- Helping churches with the basics of setting up a website, acquiring domain names and hosting, how to assemble useful content, and what is important to the members that access the site. Keith Stidham, member of First Lee’s Summit church, is the owner of New Age Graphics, a website development and search marketing firm.

3C--Evangelism: Growing Relationships -- This workshop will examine the biblical examples of sharing Christ’s love with others. Fred Daniels is the temporary supply pastor of the Miami church and has had a long interest in evangelism and discipleship.

3D--Is a Mission Study for Your Congregation? – Why do a mission study? For the best outcome, who leads and participates in an effective study? What resources are available? Sandra Hanna is the interim pastor at First, Independence and has led several congregations in a successful study.

3E--Reluctant Stewards and Other Stories of God at Work -- This workshop will engage in conversation about the reluctance to embrace stewardship as a spiritual exercise and will consider the change in mission and ministry that could occur, if financial discipleship was embraced as an essential of spiritual development on par with Bible study, public worship, prayer and other practices. Charles Spencer is the executive presbyter for Heartland Presbytery. He served six years in the General Assembly Council’s office of stewardship.

3F--Developing Youth Ministry Without Paid Staff – This workshop will equip volunteer youth workers with tools to effectively minister to youth and overcome common fears and frustrations, such as lack of time, money, experience, and theological knowledge. Participants will leave with a list of resources, ideas, and a spirit of “We CAN do this!” Jaime Brewington Fulsang lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Jason. She is the director of youth ministry at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA and has been there seven years. Jaime is the leader of the youth segment of the Embracing Hope event, working with adults and youth in the area of youth ministry.

3G--Participating in Youth Ministry in the Presbytery-- a workshop on developing the youth council for the presbytery. Leaders will discover the reward and responsibility of being called to this role. Session topics will include “Who has God Called us to be?” “What skills has God equipped me with?” and “What do we do next?” The focus of this time is to equip and empower youth and adult leaders for responsible, relevant, and relational ministry within the presbytery. Michelle Phillips is the youth director at the Parkville church.

Elementary Program and Nursery 8:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Late Elementary (grades 4-6)
Early Elementary (grades 1-3)
Nursery Care
Children will be joining their parents for lunch

Training seminar fee is $25 per adult, $15 per youth, which includes lunch and continental breakfast.
Fee is payable at registration. Please make checks payable to Heartland Presbytery.

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