LIFT (Lutherans in Faith Together)


 

June 17-18, 2011
Muhlenberg College
2400 Chew Street
Allentown, Pa.

 

Workshops, Friday, June 17

Click on the workshop titles below for more information about the workshop and workshop leaders.

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Workshop Codes

F1#

Friday Afternoon Session 1 Workshop Number

F2#

 

Friday Afternoon Session 2 Workshop Number

S3#

 

Saturday Morning Session 3 Workshop Number

S4#

 

Saturday Afternoon Session 4 Workshop Number

Friday Workshops Session 1 (2:45 - 3:45 p.m.)

F1-1

What Is Sacred Space and Where Can I Find It?

F1-2

The Dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian Relations

F1-3

Tanzania Travelogue

F1-4

Bible Study in a Bag

F1-5

Haiti—A Year Later

F1-6

Book of Faith Jubilee 2011

F1-7

The Community Meal

F1-8

Liturgical Dance for Worship Leaders and Non-Dancers

F1-9

Marty Haugen and Mary Preus—for Worship Leaders and Musicians

F1-10

The Power of Partnerships

F1-11

One God—Three Faiths: Scriptures and Salvation in Judaism, Christianity and Islam

F1-12

Magic, Puppets, and Arts: Expanding How We Do Ministry

F1-13

It's a Disaster!

F1-14

Faith and Fair Trade: What's God Got to Do With It?

F1-15

A Trip to Slovenia

F1-16

Starting Your Own Contemporary or Emerging Worship

F1-17

Listening for God: Vocation and Discernment in a Noisy World

F1-18

Incorporating Sustainability Into Your Organization

F1-19

Introducing the Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team

F1-20

Ten Things Every Congregation Council Member Should Know

F1-21

Muhlenberg, the Poor and Mission Today

F1-22

Making a Difference: Sharing Your Time, Talents and Treasures

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Friday Workshops Session 2 (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

F2-1

Middle East Peacemaking

F2-2

What Now, Bear Creek Camp? BCC in 2014?

F2-3

The Changing Face of Congregations—Transitions Are Part of Us

F2-4

Five Peace Principles and Prosperous Mission

F2-5

Bible Study in a Bag

F2-6

Haiti—A Year Later

F2-7

Faith Formation 2020

F2-8

The Community Meal

F2-9

Liturgical Dance for Worship Leaders and Non-Dancers

F2-10

Flip for Mission

F2-11

Magic, Puppets, and Arts: Expanding How We Do Ministry

F2-12

It's a Disaster!

F2-13

Faith and Fair Trade: What's God Got to Do With It?

F2-14

A Trip to Slovenia

F2-15

Starting Your Own Contemporary or Emerging Worship

F2-16

Listening for God: Vocation and Discernment in a Noisy World

F2-17

Conversation with Henry M. Muhlenberg

F2-18

Cutting Grass, Folding Laundry, Finding God

F2-19

Incorporating Sustainability Into Your Organization

F2-20

Addressing Bullying from a Christian Perspective

F2-21

The Power of Partnerships

F2-22

Conversation with the ELCA Secretary

F2-23

Muhlenberg, the Poor and Mission Today

F2-24

Making a Difference: Sharing Your Time, Talents and Treasures

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(F1-1) What Is Sacred Space and Where Can I Find It?

This workshop examines the concept of sacred space, especially as it relates to Lutheranism, architecture, and place (such as the city of Jerusalem and Ground Zero in NYC). We will explore our motivation and attitudes in entering sacred space as well as our hopes for sharing sacred space with people of various faiths and cultures.

Leader: Pr. Laura Csellak

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(F1-2) The Dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian Relations

This workshop will analyze the current dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations in light of the history of the region and the two peoplehood movements that are represented. It looks at our call to peacemaking, our accompaniment of the Palestinian Lutheran community, and our commitment to live out our faith in Jesus Christ with love and respect for the Jewish people. It focuses on the work of the gospel at the intersection of cultures and in the presence at Muhlenberg College of the ELCA’s only center devoted explicitly to Jewish-Christian understanding.

Leader: The Rev. Dr. Peter Pettit

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(F1-3) Tanzania Travelogue

See pictures and hear stories about the Youth Vision Trip to our Companion Synod, the South Central Diocese of Tanzania. We will include pictures of the Safari at Mikumi Game Park and Companion Congregations. Learn how you can participate in future Vision Trips with the Synod.

Leaders: Pastors Russell Haab and Roxi Kringle

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(F1-4; F2-5) Bible Study in a Bag

The mission of the church has always been to put the word of God into the hearts and souls of God’s people. What does tinsel, stuffed animals, and a chorus line have to do with this? Come and see!

Leader: tyna Kaltenbaugh

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(F1-5; F2-6) Haiti—A Year Later

Moving beyond Muhlenberg and the malls, Northeastern Pennsylvania congregations are helping in Haiti. Come hear how things are going one year post-earthquake.

Leader: Pr. Cheryl Meinschein, Fran Ferrari

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(F1-6) Book of Faith Jubilee 2011

In April 2011 Luther Seminary hosted the second Book of Faith Jubilee. Come, see, and hear what happened at this event. Discuss the future of the Book of Faith Initiative.

Leader: Marlane Druckenmiller

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(F1-7; F2-8) The Community Meal

Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven has been running a community meal - for those who are hungry and lack resources for food for the past two years. It is free to the public and supported by the congregation and area businesses. They serve a crowd of about 175 people from the area twice a month. More than a free meal, it has become a ministry to those who struggle with basic needs like food and shelter. Because of the success of the meal, the congregation of Jerusalem now understands more clearly its mission in Schuylkill Haven. Other churches in the area are requesting help to begin a similar program to follow the synod’s lead to connect and serve the community. Learn what works and what doesn’t work and what is required to organize, publicize and serve hundreds on a bi-weekly schedule.

Leader: Debby Bell

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(F1-8; F2-9) Liturgical Dance for Worship Leaders and Non-Dancers

This workshop will cover: What is liturgical dance? When can liturgical dance be used in worship? How can we start a liturgical dance group at our church? We will spend about half the workshop time learning a simple dance that will be easy to learn. The workshop is geared to all ages, particularly worship leaders and non-dancers.

Leader: Kathi Raphael

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(F1-9) Marty Haugen and Mary Preus—for Worship Leaders and Musicians

TBA

Leaders: Marty Haugen and Mary Preus

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(F1-10; F2-21; S4-10) The Power of Partnerships

This workshop presents the story of Lutheran Congregational Services’ distribution-warehousing ministry and how, through the creation of partnerships and collaboration, great things can be accomplished to the glory of God and the benefit of those who have great need.

Leader: Pr. Dennis Ritter

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(F1-11; S4-3) One God – Three Faiths: Scriptures and Salvation in Judaism, Christianity and Islam

It was suggested that I offer a session on dealing with the three faiths. The key issues are in the title: Do the three faiths worship and serve the same God? What do the three say about their scriptures; how these Scriptures shape or do not shape their faith commitments in the world; and what do the three say about salvation? The latter point deals with the present day ethics, mission relationships and society.

Leader: Dr. Walter Wagner

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(F1-12; F2-11; S3-2) Magic, Puppets, and Arts: Expanding How We Do Ministry

Expanding our notions of how we do ministry is the primary focus of this workshop. Pr. Reist will incorporate elements he uses in his ministry, such as magic, puppets, and other arts, to show how we can use our gifts for ministry in new ways. The workshop will also explore ways in which Muhlenberg changed how ministry was done in his day and address the need to change how ministry is done in the 21st century.

Leader: Pr. Michael Reist

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(F1-13; F2-12; S3-3) It's a Disaster

Individual and congregational preparation for a disaster as well as effective teamwork in response to the disaster is part of our mission to share the good news. This workshop will be a “tabletop” exercise. Each participant will be assigned a role and resources as a citizen in a town. Leaders will describe the scenario, and participants will describe what they would do in response. Leaders will then update the scenario and participants will respond again. The point of the exercise is to experience how citizens of a local area might interact and share resources to address an unfolding disaster.

Leader: Ruth Doty, Dianne Fox, and others

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(F1-14; F2-13; S3-4) Faith and Fair Trade: What’s God Got to Do with It?

The workshop will demonstrate the relationship between consumer choices and faith, and the importance of being good stewards of the resources God gives us.

Leader: Kattie Somerfeld

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(F1-15; F2-14; S4-4) A Trip to Slovenia

The workshop will present an overview of the Slovenia Youth Exchange Program. Included is a slide show from the 2010 youth exchange trip to Slovenia. Find out more about the program and the need for host families and teens to participate in upcoming exchanges.

Leader: Lynne and David Ambrose

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(F1-16; F2-15; S3-5; S4-5) Starting Your Own Contemporary or Emerging Worship

This workshop speaks to the mission of the church, to reach out and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Contemporary and emerging worship styles often speak to people who are not drawn to traditional styles of worship. Many look to the worship style to challenge them as well as feed them spiritually. In addition to providing useful tips and practical tools for starting an alternative worship offering, the workshop will also offer fact-based definitions of each worship style and allow time for attendees to ask questions and enter into a fruitful dialogue about these styles.

Leader: Worship Team from Emmanuel, Emanuelsville

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F1-17; F2-16; S4-6) Listening for God: Vocation and Discernment in a Noisy World

With so many voices vying for our attention, how do we learn to listen to the voice of God? In this workshop, we’ll sort through some of the predominant voices competing for our attention – voices that stake a claim on who we should be, what we should value, and what makes us happy. And we’ll spend some time thinking about the voice of God that lays claim on our lives in the midst of that cacophony and how following that call might help us find a sense of purpose, meaning, and even joy.

Leader: Pr. Louise Johnson

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(F2-18; S4-8) Cutting Grass, Folding Laundry, Finding God

As parents we often have the best intentions to model “the spiritual life” to our children. So we take our kids to church. But then what? What about “the real life” of work commitments, soccer practices, band concerts, bills, housekeeping, yard work… What if real life can also be a deeply spiritual life? In this interactive workshop you’ll discover just how very present God is in your family’s life no matter where you are or what you are doing. You’ll learn ways to introduce your children to the reality of God and find spiritual treasure even when folding laundry or cutting grass.

Leaders: Mary C. Cahilly, MA

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(F1-19; S4-1) Introducing the Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team

The Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team is the newest team in the synod. Come share your hopes for this team. What do you expect from the team at the synod level? What kind of support can the team provide for your congregation? Listen to some of the plans and hopes the team has in mind for the coming year, including a world hunger lock-in and a synod-wide family day. Come share your ideas and learn how you can be involved in this important ministry.

Leader: Kathy Schaeffer, AiM

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(F1-20; S3-7) Ten Things Every Congregation Council Member Should Know

Meet and talk with David D. Swartling, the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In this workshop, Mr. Swartling will share his experience with congregation councils and discuss vital information and procedures that every congregation council person should know.

Leader: David D. Swartling, Esq.

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(F1-21; F2-23) Muhlenberg, the Poor, and Mission Today

This workshop will explore how Muhlenberg’s experience with the poor shaped his theology and ministry, impacted the Lutheran churches in Pennsylvania, and informs our ministry today, particularly in the call to be a "public church."

Leader: Pr. Amy Reumann

(F2-22) Conversation with the ELCA Secretary

Meet and talk with David D. Swartling, the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A member of the ELCA Attorney's Association, Mr. Swartling has been a litigation attorney in Seattle, Washington, since 1976. He has received recognition for his long time efforts in teaching litigation and improving the system of justice in the state of Washington.

Leader: David D. Swartling, Esq.

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(F2-1) Middle East Peacemaking

The Lutheran church has been involved in Palestine and Israel for more than a century. It sustains a ministry to the region through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The workshop will look at the ongoing conflict and the multiple views and opinions on that conflict. We will consider ways in which we can best educate our congregations and communities to take positive steps toward peace.

Leader: Pr. Bruce MacLaughlin

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(F2-2) What Now, Bear Creek Camp?? BCC in 2014??

What facilities should the camp build for your church to use? What are the programs not being offered that could better meet your congregation’s needs? As Bear Creek Camp looks to its future, it invites churches to help shape an umbrella strategy that will include a renewed sense of purpose, a new set of guiding principles, and a renewed strategic direction. Come and join in the conversation. The camp needs and values your feedback.

Leader: Pr. Lynn Rothrock; Cliff Esbach

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(F2-3) The Changing Face of Congregations – Transitions Are Part of Us

This workshop will address what kinds of transitions happen in congregations and what impact they have on our mission and ministry.

Leader: Interim Ministry Committee

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(F2-4) 5 Peace Principles and Prosperous Mission

Our keynote speaker will reflect on peace-building, a central part of the Christian life and an expression of the mission to which God calls all of us. Dr. Pahl will talk about five key principles that lead to peace-building.

Leader: Dr. Jon Pahl

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(F2-7) Faith Formation 2020

Lifelong Faith Associates has begun to do some research and planning asking the question, “What will faith formation look like in 2020?” This workshop considers questions such as “What questions are they asking?” “What conversations are they having?” and “What suggestions are they offering?”

Leader: Marlane Druckenmiller

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(F2-10; S4-2) Flip for Mission

New technologies provide new ways to share the Gospel and to do mission. Muhlenberg was able to spread the Good News to many communities because he could travel by boat, ride a horse, or walk. Now we’ve got the internet highway! The Flip camera is one tool the synod staff is now using to share stories of where God is on the loose. Some of their videos are posted on YouTube or on our synod website. This workshop will show people how to use the Flip camera and how to turn images into a video presentation.

Leader: Karen Matthias-Long, AiM

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(F2-17; S4-7) Conversation with Muhlenberg

2011 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Patriarch of North American Lutherans, Henry M. Muhlenberg. This workshop offers the opportunity to meet with Muhlenberg, hear about his life and career, and ask him questions.

Leader: Pr. Carl Shankweiler

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(F1-18; F2-19) Incorporating Sustainability into Your Organization

This workshop will explore what it means to be good environmental stewards. We will discuss how Muhlenberg College has incorporated environmental sustainability into its mission, programming, and operations. The workshop will be interactive and will provide an opportunity for participants to develop their own ideas to take back to their churches and organizations.

Leader: Kalyna Procyk

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(F2-20; S4-9) Addressing Bullying from a Christian Perspective

As people of God invited to spread the gospel through word and action, this workshop will present methods for addressing bullying, whether we are victims of bullying or bystanders who witness discrimination, prejudice, and abusive behaviors. We will help people become more aware of the effects of bullying behavior and methods for standing up to bullying as Christians committed to spreading the gospel through love toward all people.

Leaders: Jason Glombicki, Pr. Paulette Obrecht, Sharon Ann Burns

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(F1-22; F2-24) Making a Difference: Sharing Your Time, Talents and Treasures

Chances are, you already share your time, talents and treasures. So how can you make your giving even more meaningful? Find out during this educational workshop. By being a steward of your resources and making intentional choices about how you share them, you can make your giving even more meaningful. During the workshop, you’ll identify the values that are most important to you, explore ways to share your resources to make a difference, and begin to create a personal giving plan.

Leaders: Charlotte Gross and Curtis Renner

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