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Workshop Descriptions

Polity 101:  A brief introduction of the Episcopal Church’s infrastructure.
Ever wondered how the Episcopal Church works on all three levels (Parish, Diocese, Church-wide)?  Well, this workshop will discuss the organization, structure, and operations of the Episcopal Church.

Facilitator: Mary Getz

The Last Frontier:  How to have a positive mission trip experience.
This workshop will help you in the planning, logistics, realities, and challenges that go into mission trips.  Why are you going, who and how many are you taking, do you have a liaison/contact where you’re going, documents/visas/passports, and what is your sense of accomplishment?  You have a mission trip idea—here’s the 411 to making it happen.

Facilitators: Rev. Stephen Mazingo and Rev. Katherine Tate.

Herding Cats: The basics of facilitation.
This workshop will help you to understand the role and skills of being a facilitator.  How to become a leader of a group without controlling it and being able to empower others for action.

Facilitator:  Anne Ditzler 

Holy Spirit: Line 1:  What are ways to listen to God’s voice?
As we listen to God speaking, we must nurture that conversation with prayer so that we may discern His call for us to use our gifts to serve others in the Church and in the world.

God speaks to us in the natural moments of life.  Are you ready to “pick up” and hear what He has to say and most of all, do something about it?  In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore practical tips to hear God’s voice in their life and ministries, as well as an opportunity to identify the gifts that God has uniquely given to them to be used for a greater purpose.

Facilitators:  Rev. Miguelina Espinal and Rev. Rene Somodevilla

Git ‘Er Dun:  How to advocate for myself and others.
Now that we have an idea of the structure of the church (Polity 101 is not a pre-requisite, but will be helpful), how do we MAKE IT WORK for us?  This workshop focuses on how to make things happen in the Episcopal Church—at the parish, diocesan, and national levels.  You know you have a great idea—so lets figure out how to Git ‘er Dun!

Facilitator:  Carlton Allen

Takin’ It To The Streets:  How to answer the following questions…
Why go to church?  What would I get out of going?  How do I get others involve by going to church?  How do I avoid the negative connotations associated with evangelism?

Facilitators: Eric Moen and Rev. Chuck Culpepper

Words, Sacraments, and Symbols: Liturgy of the Church.
Liturgy, in it’s Greek language origin, means “the work of the people.”  Have you ever imagined that what we do when we worship is actually “work”?  Here we will explore in depth the tools we use to do that “work.”  Words, sacraments, symbols (and more!), all come together to form our identity as faithful and worshipping people, to shape our lives as Christians, and to glorify and communicate with God.  We’ll get down to exploring what happens when we worship and how we can shape our liturgy so that it can in turn shape us.

Facilitators:  Rev. Lucas Grubbs and Rev. David Umphlett

Being On The Ethical Up and Up:  The ethics of being in leadership positions as an Youth Adult.
You are in a leadership position—know your boundaries in helping youth/young adults with problems, know when to remove yourself from the situation(s) and direct them to the proper person(s).

Facilitator:  Rev. Justin Lindstrom

The Pony Express:  You’re planned an AMAZING young adults’ event…so HOW are you going to get people there?
How to effectively get the word out to young adults—press releases, digital communication (email, Facebook, MySpace), and how to make your diocesan coordinator and local reporters your new best friends.

Facilitator:  Nicole Seiferth

State of the Young Adulthood:  Issues facing Young Adult.
“Nobody told me it was going to be like this!”  Welcome to the next phrase of your life—young adulthood!  This workshop will discuss issues ranging from spirituality, economics, AIDS/diseases, vocation, family life, anti-racism, and preparation.  What are the expectations and responsibilities of young adults in 2008 and beyond? 

Facilitators:  Rev. Nathan Finnin,  Lemuel R. Moncur and Rev. Elizabeth M. Melchionna

Treasures In Heaven:  Young Adults and Money.
Stewardship beyond the Church, but in the world; learn that stewardship is not always monetary but in time, talent, and treasures.  This workshop will also teach you how to use your gifts and time to empower service within the Church.

Facilitator:  Terry Parsons

Safeguarding God’s Children:  “Safeguarding God’s Children” is a required training program for all leaders, ordained and lay, who work with children and youth mandated by General Convention of The Episcopal Church for the prevention of sexual abuse of children and youth.  The program provides participants information they need to protect the children they know and care for in their personal lives, and in the ministries in which they serve.  This is a two-part workshop and participants will be required to attend both parts in order to complete the training.

Facilitator:  Ewart Jones

News
Eric Moen, our workshop leader for “Takin’ it to the streets”,  found himself in this NY Times article today.  He’s someone who is obviously walking the walk.  Read this article.