Internationally known theologian and author the Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann will preach at the opening Eucharist and will be a keynote speaker at the 2010 Conference for The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) on July 30 and 31 in Indianapolis, IN.

With the theme Grace, Gratitude and Generosity, the 2010 TENS conference is sponsored by TENS, the Episcopal Church Office of Stewardship, Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, Saint Francis Community Services, and the Episcopal Dioceses of Michigan, Ohio, and Southern Ohio.

In addition to Brueggemann, the Rev. Bob Honeychurch, Officer for Congregational Vitality, will present a keynote address on “Sharing our Stories.”

For full schedule and registration information: http://www.tens.org.

Conference details

The weekend will kick off with pre-conference discussions on Thursday and Friday specifically for diocesan development/stewardship staff.

The opening worship will be held at Christ Church Cathedral with Indianapolis Bishop Catherine Waynick as the celebrant and Brueggemann as preacher

“The ministry of stewardship is about helping people trust in the abundance of God”s generosity, especially when the voices in our heads and in our culture shout there simply is not enough,” commented Johnson. “The Rev. Dr Brueggemann”s prophetic ministry challenges and inspires us to confront the power of scarcity head on by returning again and again to the One who calls us to covenant fidelity and promise of life abundant. Stewardship leaders will be blessed to have him in our midst at this year”s TENS conference.”

In addition to Honeychurch and Brueggemann”s plenary address on “Celebrating the Offering: a Covenantal Response,” other plenary addresses are: “Coming to Terms with the Role of Money in My Spiritual Journey” by Kate Gillooly, Minister for Christian Formation and Program at St. Paul”s Church in Cleveland Heights, OH; and “Building a Cathedral for Your Soul,” by Richard L. Klopp, M.A., Associate Director of the Lake Institute.

Twenty-four workshops are offered in four themed tracks: “I”m new to stewardship”; “Expanding our knowledge perfecting our practices”; “Issues in the endowed parishes”; and “Building mentor/consultant skills.”

Expert workshop leaders include: the Rev. Laurel Johnston, Stewardship Officer for the Episcopal Church, on “Formation, Theology and Practice”; and Mike Schut, Economic and Environmental Affairs Officer, on “Listening to God”s Call: Creation Care and Stewardship.”

“TENS firmly believes that it is through the understanding of holistic stewardship and practice of gratitude and generosity that we grow into the full stature of Christ,” said Tom Gossen, Executive Director of TENS. “We don”t do this alone; we need each other. TENS is committed to bringing together talented lay and clergy leaders who help train, encourage, nurture and support steward leaders. This year”s conference will accomplish that and we are grateful for their leadership in inspiring generosity and faithful discipleship.”

For more information contact Johnston at ljohnston@episcopalchurch.org or Gossen at tgossen@tens.kscoxmail.com

The mission of TENS is to transform lives by developing and sustaining a network of church leaders who encourage generosity. http://www.tens.org

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

TENS: http://www.tens.org

Episcopal Church Office of Stewardship: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109299_ENG_HTM.htm

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

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