Workshop Block 3: Friday, 9:00 AM
Better Together: Collaborative Youth Ministry - Missy Greene, Monica Mainwaring and Charlette Preslar
We are better together. Collaborative youth ministry is one creative solution to the perennial challenges of youth ministries: leadership, critical mass, funding, staffing, variety, and equal access. Together, collaboratively, we can share our resources, our leaders, our learning and training and expertise, our deposits on retreat sites, our Friday night pizza… This workshop will offer two case studies from the Diocese of San Diego and Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, exploring the barriers to collaborative success and the benefits of shared ministry; the latter half of the workshop will be a guided discussion about transitioning to collaboration, including cost/benefit analysis and theological reflection.
Empowering from within: An asset-based approach to transforming community - Chad Brinkman and Heidi Kim
Often times we focus on the perceived needs of a community, sustaining narratives and cycles of dependency that are usually defined by others. What if our ministries were the product of partnerships that leveraged the shared gifts of our community? In this workshop, learn how the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) methodology builds and strengthens relationships both inside and outside of the Church, shifting viewpoints from scarcity to enough and creating sustainable growth in your faith community.
Knowing What We Know: Discernment for Everyday Life - Julia McCray-Goldsmith
Discernment is not just the work of the Commission on Ministry; it is the day by day practice of disciples seeking to follow Jesus in our homes, our schools, our workplaces (even our cars!) and our rest. This workshop will give you a chance to practice simple and powerful Ignatian prayer tools that are appropriate for all ages and useful to families and intergenerational gathering. You’ll take home some mini retreats and easy-to-share practices that will ground your ministry more deeply in God.
Laundry Love - George Daisa
The Laundry Love initiative consists of regular opportunities to help people who are struggling financially by assisting them with doing their laundry. Laundry Love seeks to bring economic relief by giving the individual or family the option to redirect funds toward food, medical, gas or transportation costs as well as school supplies and other basic, everyday necessities. Come learn more about this important ministry and how you can implement it in your own communities.
Social Media Panel Discussion - Sarah Stonesifer, Jason Oden, Wendy Karr Johnson
Social Media is rapidly changing the ministry landscape. Join the discussion on current best practices and how to leverage social media in your local context.
Vacation Bible School Panel Discussion - Lisa Brown, Christina Clark, Kathleen Crevasse
Vacation Bible School is one of the most discussed topics on Forma’s list serve and Facebook page. Come join the discussion! How do you determine the best theme for your Vacation Bible School program? Should you buy a VBS package or develop your own program? How best to find and train volunteers. Traditional VBS, Arts Camp, and Social Justice VBS will all be discussed. Learn about how your VBS program can extend your church’s mission and ministry - and then share that with your community
