10:15 – 12:30
Thursday
4 November 2010

1. Justice: Church and Community --
    Rev. Chris Schwab and Karen Holcomb-Merrill
 
Justice LED training can help you grow in faith while engaging with your church, community and the world to address justice issues. The vision of UCC Justice & Witness Ministries is of a more just, peaceful and compassionate world that honors all of God's creation. How might your congregation act toward that vision with the surrounding community?  Pursuit of justice is both steeped in Christian tradition AND a faith-deepening, community-building, evangelism practice that adds vitality and purpose to congregations. Come learn about and sample new curriculum for congregations called Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED). 

Bios:

The Rev. Chris Schwab is an ordained minister in the UCC since 2001.  He graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago in 1999. He joined the denomination in 1996 due to its pro-active stance for social justice matters. He is also a licensed social worker (MSW from Loyola University in Chicago).  He has been fortunate to have been able to work with a variety of communities (at-risk families, people who are homeless, the deaf community, people with mental health concerns, etc.).  He has served 4 churches in Illinois and Wisconsin. His previous position was serving a church with Hawaiian cultural and historical roots on the island of Kauai.  He is currently serving a church in Michigan which has made social justice a priority. His wife, Rachel, is also an ordained pastor, and they have one son, Noah.  Chris is thankful to have the opportunity to help further peace and justice in the church and in the world.

Karen Holcomb-Merrill is seeking being commissioned to do social justice ministry in the United Church of Christ. She has completed the five year Systematic Training for Effective Ministry/Licensed Ministry Program through the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. Karen is a Justice LED (Leaders Engaging and Developing) certified trainer for the UCC. She serves on the Michigan Conference Board of Directors and is a member of the Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team for the Conference. Karen works for the Michigan League for Human Services and in that capacity lobbies for services for low-income children and families and other vulnerable populations.

2. If We're not in Kansas Anymore, Where are We?--  
    Rev. Dr. Marian Plant

Identifying some of the cultural contexts that have shifted around us in the secular and church-based areas, and then stepping forward into this new landscape.

Bio:
 

The Rev. Dr. Marian Plant currently serves as Associate Professor and Schauffler Chair of Christian Education at the Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio and is Coordinator of the Design for Leadership of Defiance College. The Design for Leadership is a distance learning undergraduate program in Christian religious education and church leadership serving primarily nontraditional age individuals working in local churches in capacities such as directors of Christian education, youth leaders, and directors of children's and family ministries. She teaches the Child Development and Nurture course and the four Field Experience courses in this program. Prior to accepting the faculty position at Defiance College, Marian served local churches of various membership sizes in Ohio and Illinois.

Marian works as an Education Consultant for the United Church of Christ, has served on the Committee on Certification for Church Educators, United Church of Christ, and currently serves on the Certification for Church Educators Task Force. Marian is a member of the Association of United Church Educators (AUCE), and the Religious Education Association: Association of Professors, Practitioners and Researchers of Religious Education (REA:APPRRE). She is an active member of the Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators (GLAUCE).

Marian is the author of the book Faith Formation in Vital Congregations (Pilgrim Press, 2009) and a chapter in the new book Shaped by God: Nurturing Faith in Children, Youth, and Adults (Faith Alive Resources, 2010) entitled "Beyond the Schooling Model: Faith Formation in the Educational Context."

Marian received her B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from The Defiance College, Defiance Ohio; her M. Div. from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio; and her Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. In addition to being an ordained minister, she is a Certified Specialist in Church Education in the United Church of Christ.

3. R U Plugged In? --
    Nancy E. Azar

Learn a new design for a youth retreat that integrates the use of technology. Exploring how we find God in our everyday life and in relationships through the use of technology, music, drama and worship. The workshop will present a design for a youth retreat which integrates the use of technology by participants and leaders in the retreat activities. John 15: 1-11 shapes the experience. Learn the theological and practical components which made this event a great new experience for the youth and adults, as well as, the how to's of the use of technology in a retreat setting.

Bio:

Nancy E. Azar is a Licensed Minister of the UCC, a UCC Partner in Education, an Education Consultant, a member of the United Church Association of Educators, currently serves as the Associate Conference Minister for Christian Education and Youth Empowerment in the Penn Northeast Conference. Nancy has 17 years of experience in local church ministry in the areas of Christian Education, Adult Faith Formation and Youth Ministry.

4. Bread for Today/Bread for Eternity: Transforming our Service/Outreach 
     Ministries Into Opportunities for Faith-Sharing & Community Building --
     Rev. Will Stuart

Direct service ministries are a vehicle for evangelism. In this workshop, we will explore how congregations' direct-service ministries can become vehicles for evangelism, discipleship & expressions of intentional community (both among current church members and those as-yet outside of the church). Seeking to move beyond mere charity into authentic & practical justice work, we will evaluate our missions In light of staffing-models, goals/outcomes for the program(s) & the pervasive culture/environment/atmosphere surrounding our service ministries.

Bio:

The Rev. Will Stuart is the planting/founding pastor of Nu-Vizion United Church of Christ (Toledo, OH) –a 6 year old multicultural/multi-socioeconomic Òmission-churchÓ with many direct-service ministries to/among the inner-city neighborhood where it is located as well as extensive missions/partnerships back to the broader church. In Pittsburgh, PA he was the Director of Evangelism in the Community for Whitehall Church (PCUSA). Stuart's ministry background has primarily revolved around development/revitalization work. Will is a retreat leader, church growth consultant, writer and performer.

5. Connecting With the World Through Mission --
    Veronica and William Kyle

   Learn tips and tools for your church's global influence.

Bio:

William and Veronica Kyle served as Global Ministries missionaries for 14 years. First for several years in Jamaica as pastors of local congregations strengthening the communities there. Then they served for several more years with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Veronica was coordinator for education, social, women and youth programs, and a consultant to the Bridgman Center. William served as administrative assistant to the General Secretary of the UCC of SA. Currently they reside in Chicago where they are ministering to youth and faith communities seeking environmentally safe building alternatives.

6. Explore Faith Practices –- 
    Shirley DeMartinis

Introducing the latest evangelism resource. Learn the benefits, the ease of use and versatility of Faith Practices. Tired of sorting through printed resources to develop a program for your church? Come , explore Faith Practices as a resource for your local church programming! Experience a session. Look at a variety of ways to use and the how's to make it happen. See how versatile these resources are and how they can be used in a variety of settings in your local church.

 Determine what will work the best in your church.

Bio:

Shirley DeMartinis, Commission Minister of Education, Certified Educator, and a UCC Education Consultant in the Middle Atlantic Region. Shirley was  a member of a small church for 20 years and served as a teacher, Director of their education program before assuming other duties in a variety of wider church activities on the Association and Conference level. She has a Master Degree in Adult Education and continues to be active in planning programs with her local church. She is married, has 4 children and 9 grandchildren that she adores and spoils regularly. She is a member of Mt. Rise United Church of Christ in Fairport, NY.

7. Human Trafficking: Why Churches Should Get Involved -- 
    Rev. Loey Powell

Human trafficking is in your town. Learn ways to become better educated, involved and let your church make a difference in your community.  

Bio: The Rev.Loey Powell serves the United Church of Christ through Justice and Witness Ministries as Executive for Administration and Women's Justice.  She participated in a national training conducted by the Freedom Network USA, one of the top coalitions working on addressing human trafficking, and conducted a workshop in April, 2010, at a UCC church in Kansas City, MO, which has taken up trafficking as one of their social justice issues.

 


8. Social Media and Spreading the Good News --
    Kim Kendrick

Your church can have a social media presence with a small investment. Small Church budgets can often make us feel as though we cannot spread the good news about our congregation. With a small investment and some great volunteers your church can have an internet presence. Learn how to set up your website, use free streaming tools on the internet and establish your presence outside the four walls of your church. By the end of the workshop, you will have the resources to build a social media presence for your congregation and evangelize your community and beyond.

Bio:

Kim Kendrick is the Director of Communications for Living Water United Church of Christ in Philadelphia.

9. From Death's Door to Abundant Life--
     Rev. Jamesetta Ferguson 

Recognize that what seems small to you in God's hands can translate into abundant life. Churches that take care of the ÒlittleÓ can move forward with vitality and growth. Matthew 25:21 Jesus tells the servant 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Many times God doesn't bless us with more, because we don't take care of the little that was given to us. Hear how taking care of the ÒlittleÓ has transformed a dying church into a vitally community congregation.

Bio: 

The Reverend Jamesetta Ferguson serves as Pastor of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Louisville. Under Pastor Ferguson' leadership, St. Peters is blessed, through Christ, to grow from 26 to over 139 disciples in two years. Prior to being called to St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Pastor Ferguson served as co-founder and lay pastor and administrator of the Church of Progressive Faith, Louisville. Pastor Ferguson received her BA in Business Administration and Finance from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Pastor Ferguson graduated from University of Louisville with a Masters in Education. She obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, receiving The Adrienne M. and Charles Shelby Rooks Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Theological Students from the United Church of Christ. Upon graduation, Pastor Ferguson received The James W. Tinsley Prize, which honors a graduating senior who has demonstrated commitment and perseverance in preparation for ministry. Currently, Pastor Ferguson is pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary with a concentration in Urban and Black Church studies. Pastor Ferguson is also employed fulltime at the University of Louisville as the Business Administrator of the School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. She has served in that capacity for over 20 years.

Pastor Ferguson leads in the church's vision to plant and cultivate seeds of necessity in our community through spiritual guidance and community partnerships, continuously seeking opportunities to educate, inform and empower the congregation and community to be effective advocates for them both. In 2010 she published an article Push Out Into The Deep in the United Church of Christ Common Lot Women's Journal stressing the church's call to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a diversity of unsaved men and women.

2:00 – 4: 15
Thursday
4 November 2010

1. Developing a Music Ministry for a Small Church --
    The Rev. Carol Shauf

Developing a comprehensive, all inclusive music ministry is essential for vitality and growth. Share the experience of Harvard Family United Church of Christ in developing a music ministry.  And out of the sharing of experience, the workshop attendees can develop a model that will work out effectively in their own respective congregations.

Bio:

The Rev. Carol G. Shauf is a graduate of Master of Divinity, Chicago Theological Seminary and the Licensed Pastor of Harvard Family United Church of Christ in Oak Park, Illinois. 

2. Evangelism Is Possible In The Smaller Church ... Naturally! -- 
     Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson

Discover the relational components of effective evangelism within the context of church health and spiritual vitality. Learn the various Biblical styles of evangelism, your own and those of others present in your congregation. If going door to door, preaching on the street, distributing tracts, and standing up before a large crowd is what you think of when you think of evangelism and such thoughts make you feel Bad about sharing the Good News, then this workshop is for you. Dr. Johnson will share what evangelism IS and what it ISN'T. You will discover the relational components of effective evangelism within the context of church health and spiritual vitality You will learn the various Biblical styles of evangelism, your own and those of others present in your congregation. This will be a time of inspiration, instruction, and interaction. You will leave with a knowledge of how to assess and empower yourself and your church to do evangelism and outreach that builds meaningful relationships and flows naturally out of the way you are wired by God. You will leave this training event with things you can use right away, literally as soon as you walk out the door.

Bio:

The Rev. Jeffrey Johnson is National Director of Evangelism and New Church Planting of American Baptist Churches USA under the auspices of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Jeff collaborates with American Baptist national and

 regional staff committed to the denominational NEW LIFE 2010 goal to make 1,000,010 new disciples and start 1,010 new churches for Christ by the year 2010. In order to accomplish such, he travels extensively, since coming on board in 2001, to speak, teach, equip, consult, and interact on local, associational, regional, and national levels. His strong Christ centered emphasis on personal evangelism is rooted in the Word of God.

Throughout twenty five years of ministry, Johnson has an extensive background in evangelism, church growth, and new church planting. He received his call to ministry at a very early age. He made his faith commitment to Christ in his teens. He began preaching when he was fourteen and has done evangelistic preaching in numerous denominations and conducted workshops, camps, and retreats for children, youth, young, and senior adults for 25 years. He is founder of the Berean Institute of Biblical Studies offering an accredited program for Baptist lay-ministry. He has also preached extensively on both radio and television. He trains and coaches the National Evangelism Team (NET) comprised of American Baptist regional staff, pastors, and key lay leaders located across the country with at least one associate in each of our 34 ABC regions. He is the originator of Got Style?: Personality Based Evangelism and author of a book by the same name, published by Judson Press, released in the Fall 2009, that now consistently ranks in the top 10% of all books being sold on Amazon.com, and even regularly rises to the top 1% of all books.

Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Tyndale Seminary, an M.A. in Ministry from Carolina University, and a B.A. in Philosophy/Psychology from California State University.

3. One God, many gifts – Love them all the Same –
     Rev. Persida Rivera Mendez

Come explore with new eyes of faith a church for all people and be inspired to becoming the diverse congregation God desires you to be and you yearn to become. Join us to learn some strategies for living out the Multi-racial and Multi-cultural pronouncement in your churches as we find new ways to connect and be the church for the 21st century.  A church that honors, respects and celebrates the diversity of its people as we are all called by one God to embrace the many gifts this diversity brings as well as learning together to love all the people the same.  Exploring theologically together 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 & 13. 

Bio:

The Rev. PŽrsida Rivera-MŽndez, is an ordained minister in United Church of Christ. She is Minister for Multiracial and Multicultural Transformation with the Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Team of Local Church Ministry and Justice & Witness Ministries in Cleveland, OH. In this position she works in the area of new church development with ethnic churches, the UCC Conferences and serves as the LCM liaison to the Council for Hispanic Ministries. She provides support, education, resources and workshops for the Multiracial and Multicultural Pronouncement of the UCC. She served as pastor of (name of church) in Hartfort, CT. She is a member of Mount Zion Congregational Church UCC, Cleveland, OH.

4. The Art of Coaching –
     Rev. Rose Wright-Scott

We all know that Jesus Christ is the best coach that ever lived. To achieve extraordinary results in your church, the leadership needs a coach. When we look at our Churches and see that they are closing their doors at an alarming rate and numbers are declining we too must take action. Nowadays you need more than just a seminary degree to be a successful Pastor and vital church. To achieve extraordinary results you need a coach. And CPR (The Center For Progressive Renewal) will help you reach your goals. At the conclusion of this workshop you will have been introduced to the importance of coaching/or being coached. We will lift up the investment and the payoffs of coaching, revitalization and how the art of coaching/or being coached will help you evangelize and become a more vital church.

Bio:

The Rev. Rose Wright-Scott is a UCC ordained Minister, founder and pastor gave Victory Christian United Church of Christ. She has served as mentor for many men and women and students in the Pastoral Leadership Development Program of the Southern Conference. She brings to the table her struggles and successes in church planting. Wright-Scott is also the Program Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She is the founder of S.E.A. (Sister Education Awareness Program) A Ministry for Women and their families that are infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. This ministry is shared in the women's prison, and local universities.

5. Church, Community Organizing, and Struggles for Justice in the Workplace –
     Edith Rasell

When churches engage in local struggles for justice, the impact can transform communities, congregations, and individuals. This workshop will examine ways to get involved in three types of local justice efforts: congregation-based community organizing, Jobs with Justice, and Interfaith Worker Justice. Workshop participants will hear the stories of churches that have engaged with these efforts and the impact this work has had on communities and congregations.

 Bio:

Edith Rasell is on the national staff of the United Church of Christ serving as Minister for Economic Justice in Justice and Witness Ministries. She works with UCC congregations around the country as well as national and international organizations to bring greater economic justice to people in the U.S. and around the world, especially the poor and marginalized. Rasell is a UCC layperson and holds a Ph.D. in economics. She is known for her ability to make economic matters understandable, relevant, and interesting.

6. Offering Christ: The Heart of Youth Ministry -- 
     Rev. Dr. Coni Simon

Explore a framework for youth ministries and examine the elements of recruiting, restoring, and reviving youth in a challenging world.  The church on many fronts is considered obsolete and ineffective to meet the needs of the youth today.  Much of which is proved by statistics that show the negative impact that society presents our youth.  The role of the  Church is imperative in providing avenues of hope, love, and restoration without compromising the Gospel.    Youth ministry is a theology of liberation in action to seek the souls of the marginalized, and the disenfranchised.

Bio:

Dr. Coni Simon has been actively involved in all levels of Christian Education for the last 38 years.  She has been Sunday Superintendent, Sunday School teacher for youth and adults and Children's Church Leader.  Presently, she serves as the Minister of Christian Education at Fellowship Chapel where she is servant for the Tot's Assembly Infants Ministry, Children's Church, Sunday School, Scholarship Committee, Senior High Youth Group, 10 day and evening Bible studies and a Vacation Bible school that has between 400 - 500 youth and volunteers each summer.  In addition she serves on the Official Board of the Church and is a Worship Leader.  

Professionally, Dr. Simon has presented at conferences, was the Division Chairperson for the School of Education at Tougaloo College, Instructor for the Jonathan Greer Bible Academy, a professor of quantitative and qualitative analysis at Atlanta University and Jackson State University and has published and presented works on Education topics.  She is the first African American female principal for Academic and Career and Technical Education Programs for the State of Michigan at Ryan and Mound Correctional Facility.

Dr. Simon has her B.S., in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood and her M.Ed. in Supervision and Curriculum from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.  Her Ed.D. is in Administration, Supervision, and Policy from Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia and presently she is completing her M. Div. at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary.   

7. Stewardship is Green – 
    Dr. Alan Hoback & Rev. Dr. Steven Archer

Greening a building is good stewardship. Save money and the environment.

Bio:

Dr. Alan Hoback, PE, Architectural engineering is the design of all aspects of buildings, from how they stand up (and how they are constructed), to how much energy they use.  As the chair of Architectural Engineering, Dr. Hoback is responsible for setting and monitoring curriculum related to energy efficiency.  Dr. Hoback has helped numerous organizations plan and implement energy upgrades.  Dr. Hoback is a licensed engineer in the State of Michigan.

Dr. Hoback's employment at UDM, a Jesuit university, has helped him develop his voice for social justice through ministry to students and the academic community.  Dr. Hoback is a UDM Magis Award recipient at UDM.  Magis is a Jesuit phrase meaning "more" and comes from St. Ignatius's exercise of doing more for God.  Dr. Hoback has trained volunteers for inspecting earthquake ravaged buildings in Haiti, led the Detroit count of its homeless, and been the instructor in UDM's Master of Community Development program.  Dr. Hoback's research is strongly founded in social justice, communities, and environmental impact.

Rev. Dr. Steven Archer is Pastor to the Neighborhood at Trinity-St. Mark's United Church of Christ in Southwest Detroit.  The congregation is a small, active church involved in social justice and service in Detroit; it has partnered with other congregations in the Metropolitan Detroit Area to accomplish much of the ministry.   Rev. Archer serves on the Board of Directors of Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, a community based Environmental Justice group;  The Adisory Board of Bridging Communities, Inc., a multi-neighborhood based  group providing housing development,  senior citizen assistance, and community Development; and is involved with many other community based services in Detroit. 

Rev. Archer is working to involve others in the needs of the community.  Each year several congregations bring youth groups or adult groups to work in the neighborhood and learn about ministry in the city.   Ministries which the congregation, under Rev. Archer's leadership, have developed include a Toy Box project, which provides the entire Christmas gifts for over 800 children; usage of the church building for other community group meetings; hosting the National Latin Peace Officers Association, Michigan Branch, Detroit Chapter and being its fiduciary;  hosting Motor City Makeovers, annual Angels' Night gatherings and neighborhood block club gatherings; and being involved in justice issues in the area.

8. A Better Way to Build a Better World for Children -- 
    Linda Lawrence

Learn the simple steps to child sponsorship and mission travel.

Bio:

Linda Lawrence serves as the program manager for the Global Ministries Child Sponsorship Program and has been employed with the United Church of Christ for the past nineteen years.

This international children's ministry is currently serving more than 1100 children. Depending on the site and the country, local churches and individuals help to provide meals, basic health care, clothing, school tuition and supplies, and in some cases residential assistance to children. For more than 40 years sponsors have provide aid to our brothers and sisters that are the poorest of the poor in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Europe. Can you lend a hand? One hundred percent of all gifts go to these children/centers. The Child Sponsorship Program works in partnership with established agencies linked to UCC or Disciples ministries throughout the world.

9. What is your reality? --
     Darlene Collins

The reality is that Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them (Luke 15:2). His invitation did not come with stipulation or conditions. There was no predetermined guest list. It did not matter who you were or how you happened to be there, but what you would experience after you arrived. The reality of extravagant welcome is that there is no such thing as an RSVP! Come explore your reality and the transformative understanding of God is still speaking,

Bio:

Darlene Collins is the Marketing and Online Associate within the Publishing, Identity and Communication Ministry of the United Church of Christ. She works with the StillSpeaking Ministry to facilitate and implement branded marketing and advertising resources that enable all settings of the church to proclaim the good news and manifest fully the church of extravagant welcome. She is a member of Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC in Cleveland, Ohio where she co-chairs their Deacon Board.

2:00 – 4:15
Friday
5 November 2010

1. Effective, Affordable, Entrepreneurial Ministry Ð --
     Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder

Discover ways to move from 'church as usual 'to 'church unusual' and how to afford to do it. Prophetic, relevant and authentic ministry is critical but comes with a price and is often not supported through typical funding sources.

Bio:

The Rev. Dr.Yvette Flunder is an ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ and Senior Pastor of City of Refuge UCC. Responding to the needs of the AIDS epidemic, Flunder and her staff developed Ark of Refuge, Inc., a non-profit agency which provides housing, direct services, education and training for persons affected by HIV/AIDS in the Bay Area, throughout the USA and in three countries in Africa.

She is a Trustee and Adjunct Professor at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley California. She is a board member of the National Sexuality Resource Center, an active voice for the Religion Council of the Human Rights Campaign and Co-Chair of the Religious Advisory Committee of the National Black Justice Coalition.

She has been a lecturer, Adjunct Professor and speaker at numerous seminaries to include Lancaster, Duke, Drew, Eden, Yale and New York Theological Seminaries. She is the author of ÒWhere the Edge GathersÓ Pilgrim Press. Bishop Flunder is also a Grammy nominated gospel music artist and is a featured soloist with Walter Hawkins and the Grammy Award winning Chanticleer.

Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship a multi-denominational fellowship of 110 primarily African American Christian leaders and laity representing 56 churches and faith-based organizations from all parts of the United States Mexico and Africa.

2. Race and Justice in the 21st Century --
     Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson

Back in 1903, W.E.B DuBois wrote that "the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line."  Race continues to be a divide across the U.S. well into this 21st century.  There are those who describe this time as Òpost-racialÓ yet this is not the reality for the many who continue to be affected by the vestiges of historical racism and all its contemporary forms.  Race overlaps with many issues further challenging the ability to ably dialogue with individuals and keep the issue a priority.  How can the Church continue to be a voice and provide leadership in bringing about racial justice?  What are the tools needed to continue this relevant dialogue into the 21st century and beyond to ensure justice for all? 

Bio:
The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson serves as Minister for Racial Justice with Justice and Witness Ministries in the National setting of the United Church of Christ.  Before joining the national staff, Karen served in the Florida Conference United Church of Christ as a Pastor and on the Conference staff.  Karen is a part of the JWM Cleveland Based Team and provides leadership for the Sacred Conversation on Race initiative.  She spends a portion of her time working with JWM's Racial Justice Program at Franklinton Center at Bricks and with public policy staff in the Washington DC Office. Key to her responsibilities is collaboration with other program staff to demonstrate the intersections of racism with other justice issues.  She coordinates the development of new resources that engage the UCC and wider community in the study of racism and other related dynamics.  She represents the UCC in all settings, as related to racial justice.

3. Social Media and Spreading the Good News --
     Kim Kendrick

Your church can have a social media presence with a small investment. Small Church budgets can often make us feel as though we cannot spread the good news about our congregation. With a small investment and some great volunteers your church can have an internet presence. Learn how to set up your website, use free streaming tools on the internet and establish your presence outside the four walls of your church. By the end of the workshop, you will have the resources to build a social media presence for your congregation and evangelize your community and beyond.

Bio:

4. Explore Faith Practices --
     Shirley DeMartinis

Introducing the latest evangelism resource. Learn the benefits, the ease of use and versatility of Faith Practices.

Bio:

5. Bread for Today/Bread for Eternity: Transforming our service/outreach
     ministries into opportunities for faith-sharing & community building --
     Rev. Will Stuart

Direct service ministries are a vehicle for evangelism. In this workshop, we will explore how congregations' direct-service ministries can become vehicles for evangelism, discipleship & expressions of intentional community (both among current church members and those as-yet outside of the church). Seeking to move beyond mere charity into authentic & practical justice work, we will evaluate our missions In light of staffing-models, goals/outcomes for the program(s) & the pervasive culture/environment/atmosphere surrounding our service ministries.

Bio:

The Rev. Will Stuart is the planting/founding pastor of Nu-Vizion United Church of Christ (Toledo, OH) –a 6 year old multicultural/multi-socioeconomic Òmission-churchÓ with many direct-service ministries to/among the inner-city neighborhood where it is located as well as extensive missions/partnerships back to the broader church. In Pittsburgh, PA he was the Director of Evangelism in the Community for Whitehall Church (PCUSA). Stuart's ministry background has primarily revolved around development/revitalization work. Will is a retreat leader, church growth consultant, writer and performer.

6. Speaking Up When There Is Structural Injustice --
     Jan Resseger

Participants will think about kinds of injustice .. personal, institutional, and cross-sector, structural, etc. . What are the intersections of the problems for people who are shut out by racism and poverty; the intersections of segregation by poverty and race and immigration/language; the decline of social mobility in our increasingly rigidly stratified society; lack of access to healthcare among the most vulnerable; the danger of underfunding and at the same time radical experimentation on the public schools in the poorest and most segregated communities; structural paths to the criminal justice system built into the institutions that serve the most vulnerable in our society; and the role of privilege in blinding policy makers? Discover how we can speak effectively as the church to follow Jesus in working to bring recovery of sight to the blind.

Bio:

Jan Resseger serves as the (lay) Minister for Public Education and Witness in the United Church of Christ's Justice and Witness Ministries. With Jan's leadership the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries works to change federal law to improve the public schools that continue to serve 50 million children, reduce testing, and ensure there is attention to vast resource opportunity gaps; to support adequate and equitable school funding across the states; to address academic achievement gaps; to advocate for schools that welcome children from all races and cultures; to speak for the public role of public schools; and to oppose privatization. Jan has chaired the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy since 2000.

7. R U Plugged In?--
     Nancy E. Azar

Learn a new design for a youth retreat that integrates the use of technology. Exploring how we find God in our everyday life and in relationships through the use of technology, music, drama and worship. The workshop will present a design for a youth retreat which integrates the use of technology by participants and leaders in the retreat activities. John 15: 1-11 shapes the experience. Learn the theological and practical components which made this event a great new experience for the youth and adults, as well as, the how to's of the use of technology in a retreat setting.

Bio: 

10: 15 -12:30
Saturday
6 November 2010

1. Becoming Bilingual: Learning to Tweet and Love our Tradition --
    Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister

How does the Church communicate the faith in a new age?  This workshop explores several new mediums for communication and their implications on building intergenerational community within congregations.

Bio:

The Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister is the Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adults in the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.  Prior to her work as the Associate Conference Minister she founded Magnificent Consultants, a consulting firm that specializes in inspiring, engaging and providing resources for communities of faith to grow sustainable, relevant and vibrant ministries for youth and young adults.  She is also the former Minister for Youth, Young Adults and Outdoors of the United Church of Christ. 

2. Effective, Affordable, Entrepreneurial Ministry --
     Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder

Discover ways to move from 'church as usual 'to 'church unusual' and how to afford to do it. Prophetic, relevant and authentic ministry is critical but comes with a price and is often not supported through typical funding sources.

Bio:

3. Worship, Theology and the Arts --
     Rev. Dr. Todd Farley

 A biblical foundation about how the arts were used by God in scripture, in our church history and how they can be used today.

Bio: