The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts presents Congregational Resource Day Equipped for Ministry: Formation, Tools and Resources Saturday, October 1, 2011 Bentley University, Waltham, MA

9:00 – 10:00 AM – Session 1

1A - Imagining the Church of the Future What will your church look and be like in 10, 20, 30 years? And how will we engage next generations? Spend an hour dreaming outside the box as we discern how God is calling us to be Christians in community. Led by the Rev. Canon Cynthia Hubbard (Canon for Transition Ministry & Clergy Deployment) and the Consultants for Tomorrow’s Church, Today (a group of diocesan congregational coaches).

1B - A Planned Giving Program for Your Parish – How to Get Started Giving to an organization whose work you believe in can be a powerful statement. Making a planned gift can create a legacy of love. Learn about how to initiate a planned giving program in your congregation. Understand how planned giving differs from annual stewardship, capital campaigns, and how your parish can build endowment through wills and life income gifts. After a review of the planned giving instruments you will hear one congregation’s story of starting a planned giving program, explore the theology of planned giving, and discuss pastoral pitfalls and opportunities. The workshop will include an opportunity to identify the next steps for your congregation. Led by diocesan staff members Lynd Matt (Development Director), the Rev. Sam Rodman (Project Manager for Campaign Initiatives) and the Rev. Libby Berman (Canon for Congregations).

1C - Designing Your Church’s Web Welcome A well-designed church Web site is the hub of an effective communications strategy that both serves the congregation and reaches out to newcomers. Learn and share best practices and pick up some tips from Web designer Jonathan Sachs, and hear about affordable options for building a new site.

1D - Youth Ministries: Back to the Basics Whether you have been doing youth ministry for years, just starting or wondering about what it would be like to work with youth, this workshop is for you. It is never a bad time to brush up on the fundamentals. In this very interactive workshop we will practice strategies for starting and developing a youth group, fostering meaningful relationships between group members, and dealing with interpersonal conflict within the group. Come and learn the basics and network with other youth leaders from around the diocese. Led by diocesan staff member Sam Gould (Director of Youth Ministries).

1E - Twinkies or Apples? Nourishing the faith of adults in your church Beyond traditional bible studies and adult forums, there are numerous ways to reach and enrich the faith of adults in your church. We will explore different methods and resources for forming adult faith. Led by the Rev. Chris Visminis who has been leading and developing adult education in parishes throughout the diocese for years.

1F - Spirituality of the Hearth: an alternative to the journey You don’t need to go on pilgrimage to find God. The fire, the hearth, and the kitchen have long been the center of the spiritual life. Spend an hour reflecting on where the holy places are in your home. Develop an appreciation for staying and resting. Share traditions of at-home-ness or think about creating some. Led by the Rev. Canon Mally Ewing Lloyd (Canon to the Ordinary).

1G - Why Care for God’s Creation? How Franciscan Spirituality can empower and inspire our Love for all Creation Come join Bishop Cederholm for theological and biblical reflections, a meditation and practical possibilities around caring for the environment. Free book on Franciscan Spirituality given to each participant. Led by Bishop Bud Cederholm.

1H - Sound Business Practices for Congregations This workshop provides parish leadership – vestry members, treasurers, priests and clerical staff -- with practical advice on the management aspects of leading a parish. Materials presented will be similar to material presented at the popular annual Congregational Business Practices Workshops in the spring. Led by Chris Meyer (a member of St’ Paul’s, Newton Highlands where he has served as Warden, Vestry member and Assistant Treasurer; and a founding member and coordinator of the Diocese’s Congregational Business Consultants).

1I - Parish Based Economic Development Parish Based Economic Development is a program of Episcopal City Mission to encourage parishes to venture into projects designed to benefit their communities economically without becoming a financial burden to the parish. These projects are social enterprises that capitalize on assets already available (such as a building or land) and become self-sustaining in a reasonable period of time. ECM promotes parish participation with refundable feasibility grants, technical assistance, and when appropriate as a co-investor. Participants will learn how to apply for an ECM Partnership Grant. Led by the Rev. Eric Hillegas (ECM Board member and director of “Episcopal City Tutoring”) and Mary Beth Mills-Curran (ECM board member).

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10:15 – 11:15 AM – Session 2

2A - Pursuing God’s Kingdom: How the church truly reflects all God’s people How does the church truly become the banqueting table spread by God where all are welcome? Diverse and welcoming Christian communities don’t just happen, they are intentionally formed. The bishops will share personal stories and reflections as a way of helping all of us actively confront a general lack of diversity and inclusion in our churches. What are we missing that could help us grow in the future? How can we start the conversations that can shape our future as a church and a diocese? Led by Bishop Tom Shaw and Bishop Barbara Harris.

2B - Don’t Go It Alone! Meeting Local Needs through Collaborative Campaigns Is your congregation faced with pressing needs but you dread undertaking a campaign on your own? Come learn about how partnering with the diocese can give you the tools to tackle your capital and mission projects. Led by diocesan staff member Ali Hay (Associate Director of Development) and Brian Lemek (Executive Director, CCS Fundraising and Campaign Manager for the Episcopal Diocese of MA).

2C - Finding a Home: Introducing Roman Catholics to the Episcopal Church History has shown that the Anglican and Roman Church have been trading off parishioners and clergy for centuries. Most recently however, there has been a noted increase in Roman Catholics attending our Episcopal Church. Many seem to be looking or searching for a home but wonder among many concerns; "What, if any, are the differences between the Episcopal and Roman Catholics Church?" "What are the consequences in becoming an Episcopalian?" Questions regarding Marriage, Sacraments, polity, communion, are among those that need to be answered. The Rev. Harry Birkenhead (rector, Church of the Holy Nativity, South Weymouth) and former Roman Catholic Kathy Midi will hold an open discussion on ways to invite and welcome Roman Catholics looking for a spiritual home.

2D - Meeting the needs of Teens and Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder The sensory needs and social development delays in people on the Autism Spectrum make it more difficult to feel comfortable and welcome in a church setting. This workshop will focus on some of the more typical aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders, and how they affect church participation. Practical advice and ideas will be offered to help churches become more welcoming and comfortable for Autism Spectrum adults. An outline of simple ideas and tools will be offered for those looking to welcome ASD teens into youth groups – practical advice and suggestions to make their inclusion in the group easier, and to take advantage of their unique abilities to facilitate social growth for them. Ken Black‐Graham, an “Aspie” teen, will talk about his unique outlook on the church and youth. Participants will take home a “checklist” of suggestions. Advance resources can be found at www.ASpecialGrace.com or www.TheWebRev.com. Led by the Rev. Rebecca Black and Ken Black‐Graham.

2E - Navigating the changing Spiritual Landscape: Being Episcopalian in a pluralistic society Religious diversity in America makes ministry more challenging and also more rewarding than ever. Our church leadership must be equipped to deal intelligently and compassionately with the challenges of the changing spiritual landscape. This workshop will provide a foundation to minister effectively in local congregations alongside different spiritual communities. Led by Cristina Richie, M. Div. (Dir. Adult Spiritual Formation and Church School at St. Andrew's, Marblehead, Adjunct Instructor World Religions and Ethics, Newbury College, Brookline, MA).

2F - Contemplative Ways: Making room to notice and speak in faith about what matters Often we come together in a meeting or in worship with a lot going in our lives and world. We may enter familiar routines, not noticing what matters most to us. There is a hunger for discovering in our faith communities ways of connecting that can deepen our relationship with God and one another. If you have been curious about ways to offer opportunities in your faith communities that nourish the soul and invite fuller participation then come, join us for this brief time. Retreat leaders will lead you in an experience of Contemplative Prayer and reflection that is not only for your own personal nourishment, but also the growth of community. Resources to take back and adapt for your congregations and lives will be offered in conclusion. Led by Bethany House of Prayer Retreat Leaders: Mary Curlew and the Rev. Sam Rodman.

2G - Knowing Where to Look: Energy savings for church buildings An introduction to 4 key areas to look for energy saving opportunities around your church and tips for turning them into Green Grants projects. Led by Jim Nail, President, Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light.

2H - “When two or more are gathered together". . . Meetings which are efficient, effective and fun! This workshop will address the practical components of efficient and effective meetings. Designed to address meetings as ministry rather than management, the workshop will explore "servant leadership" because God's work does not have to be a chore. Participants will receive guidelines and materials for setting agendas, Roberts Rules of Order, and servant leadership Bible study. Led by Chris Meyer (Coordinator of Diocese's Congregational Business Consultants) and Joyce Harrington (a Congregational Business Consultant and member of St Barnabas, Falmouth).

2I - Parish Mission Trips 101 This workshop is designed to support churches/individuals in their planning, preparation, and organization of church-based mission trips. This session is an opportunity to acquire practical tips for taking a group on mission. Get travel tips and ideas for how to address cultural and spiritual challenges. Topics will include getting organized, budgeting, fundraising, spiritual leadership, and understanding the differences between trips for adults, trips for youth, and intergenerational mission trips. Bring your questions and leave prepared to participate in, lead, and/or support a mission team from your church. Led by the Rev. Ted Gaiser, Global Mission Partnerships.

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11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Session 3

3A - The Molting Church The horseshoe crab shedding its shell is a metaphor for the transitional church of today. Explore how the simple crab, which must shed its shell periodically in order to grow and survive, speaks to us. What are the “shells” that are holding us back that we must discard? Led by diocesan staff member the Rev. Canon Cynthia Hubbard (Canon for Transition Ministry & Clergy Deployment).

3B - Stewardship as a Spiritual Journey Stewardship is a spiritual issue for clergy and lay alike. We will explore resources and models of giving in parishes, and look at what helps us move from a mindset of scarcity to abundance. Led by the Rev. Dr. Rich Bardusch (Rector, St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Taunton).

3C - Connecting Faith Communities and Military Families How can our churches support military families? How do we identify and help the 13,000 children in MA with deployed parents? What are the unique challenges they face and where does our faith fit in? Join the discussion for information and practical ideas for reaching out. Led by diocesan staff member Amy Cook (Missioner for Education, Formation & Discipleship), Kim Potts (Family Readiness Support Assistant, for MA National Guard) the Rev. Paul Minor (co-rector at All Saints, Belmont and Chaplain Operations Officer with MA National Guard) and Susan Pixley (Youth Coordinator for the MA National Guard Family Program office).

3D - Extending Radical Welcome to Our LGBTQ Youth Join this workshop for discussion and practical ideas on creating safe and welcoming spaces for our LGBTQ youth in our congregations. Come learn ways to start the discussion and support youth in your churches. Vicki Morte (Minister for Justice & Action, The Crossing at St. Paul's Cathedral) Henry Thompson (Micah Intern) and Kevin Vetiac (Co-Convener for Justice & Action, The Crossing at St. Paul's Cathedral).

3E - Helping Children Fall in Love with Jesus How do we equip our children to have the depth to become joyful adults who love God and have the spiritual resources to get through the good and the bad of life? Could our Sunday Schools and homes become places where children are invited to fall in love with God through Jesus rather than places where they learn "about" God? This workshop will use insights and approaches drawn from the Montessori method to explore ways to help children experience God in Christ. Led by The Rev. Joyce Scherer-Hoock, Carol Godfrey, and Carolyn Hughes Cuzzo

3F - Using the Spiritual Enneagram Come get an overview of the Enneagram, a spiritual tool from ancient Sufi Muslim tradition. Sufi masters used the tool to help novices know their emotional and spiritual traps and how to move towards healing. You’ll see how a modern use of this tool can be even more dynamic and versatile than a Meyers-Briggs test in helping clergy and lay leaders to better know themselves. Workshop leaders are the Rev'ds Lyn G. Brakeman and Dick Simeone, both spiritual directors and a married couple who also serve as coordinators for the diocesan Education for Ministry program.

3G - Green Stories: Churches share stories of their Green Grant projects and other “green” initiatives Observance of Creation Care season and the Green Grant awards have sprouted new windows, boilers, gardens and more! Come hear about the green initiatives growing in our diocese and how they are seeds of vitality for our congregations. Panel participants are the Rev. Karen Montagno (Director of Congregational Resources & Training for the diocese) the Rev Patrick Ward (Concord River Deanery), the Rev. Moses Sowale (Missioner) and Gretchen Umholtz (Clerk) both with Grace Chapel Episcopal/Anglican Ministry Brockton (GCB), Jeanne Jacobs (Holy Spirit, Mattapan), Peter Dipasca (Epiphany, Walpole) and the Rev. Barbara Smith-Moran (Grace Church, Everett).

3H - Putting Church Property to Work This workshop addresses strategies for making better use of church property to boost the vitality and viability of parish life, drawing on concrete examples of creative approaches taken with existing church properties and providing guidance and counsel on what works and what doesn't. Participants will receive the Guide to Utilization of Church Property, a project of the Congregational Business Consultants. Led by Alice Krapf (a real estate development consultant with 25 years of experience in advising churches and other non-profits on property development and reuse) and Jeffrey Brown (consulting architect, long time member of the diocesan property committee, and Congregational Business Consultant).

3I - In Abraham’s Tent: His Family of Jews, Christians and Moslems Primarily for lay persons, this workshop will examine stories and ideas of how the 3 Abrahamic faiths can better understand the basic facts of our faiths and support what we have in common. We will also look at models of interfaith collaboration that work. Bishop Gayle Harris and the Rev. Fred Moser (Church of the Holy Spirit, Wayland and diocesan Ecumenical Officer).

1:30 – 2:30 PM – Session 4

4A - Putting Together Lay-Led Pastoral Care Teams Many of our churches have parishioners who are unable to attend services regularly. We care so much for them, and we want them to feel connected. Come to this workshop and learn how to involve people in this important ministry. Led by the Rev. Libby Berman (Canon for Congregations).

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4B - Practical Stewardship: Telling your parish story through the annual campaign This session will focus on the annual stewardship Campaign, and how it can help move your parish forward in mission. Led by the Rev. Noah Evans and Margaret Smist, Grace Church, Medford.

4C - Telling your Church’s Story through Film Making movies is as accessible as the nearest PC, MacBook, Flip-phone or i-phone. How can we utilize the easy access of technology to share the gospel, and promote the local mission of our churches? Learn the elements for putting together a short, narrative piece to share on your website or YouTube. Makes a great project for youth groups, confirmation classes or intergenerational learning. Led by Amy Cook (Missioner for Education, Formation & Discipleship) and Katie Ernst (Micah Intern for Congregational Narrative).

4D - Facebook: New Resource, New Problem The social media boom has provided a new opportunity for churches to reach out and easily spread the word about their various ministries. It also presents challenges when appropriate boundaries and interactions are not clearly defined. In this workshop we will explore the questions of how to use Facebook to its full potential as a means to expand ministry and support parishioners, while discussing appropriate boundaries in this new online world, specifically focused around working with youth. Led by diocesan staff member Sam Gould (Director of Youth Ministries).

4E - Rhythms of Grace – a sensory‐friendly worship and formation program for families on the Autism Spectrum Rhythms of Grace was developed in the Episcopal Diocese of CT by Linda Snyder and the Rev. Audrey Scanlon. Drawing on their backgrounds in special education and working from a community need, Snyder and Scanlon have developed a liturgical program focused on the needs of families with members on the Spectrum. With a brief overview of the neurological differences in people on the Autism Spectrum, this workshop is set in the context of a Rhythms of Grace service. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the sensory aids, therapeutic activities and relaxed worship that Rhythms of Grace offers. Information will include how to access the program, as well as ideas for a ministry of support for Autism Spectrum families. Led by the Rev. Alan Hesse, the Rev. Rebecca Black, and Ken Black‐Graham.

4F - “Here Am I, Send Me”: The ministry of Deacons in the Diocese If you have wondered if you or someone else is called to a ministry of service, if your congregation has a vision for outreach ministry, if you serve on a discernment committee (or might in the future) or if you are simply curious about the life and work of Deacons, please join us. Led by diocesan Archdeacons the Rev. Pat Zifcak and the Rev. Geoffrey Smith.

4G - Creating Green Messages People Will Hear Even with all the good reasons to conserve energy, some people still cannot see the point. In this workshop we will explore some of the messages, tools, and strategies you can use to help people see that going green is good for them as individuals and as communities. Specifically geared toward churches and their role in the encouragement of environmental stewardship, this workshop will be led by Members of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

4H - HR Questions and Answers for Congregations Info and resources for the regular human resources tasks and duties in congregations – including running background checks, health insurance, administrating Safeguarding Our Children online, new hires, etc. Please feel free to email Lynn Clark ([email protected]) ahead of time with specific questions. Led by diocesan staff member Lynn Clark (Human Resources Manager).

4I - Mission means Partnership: Models and tools for connecting with your community Urban, Ethnic and multicultural churches share what has helped them create church/community collaborations. These practices and models will work in any church to create vital programs that increase visibility through partnership and opportunities for mission and outreach. The Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera (St. Peter's Episcopal Church ~ Iglesia Episcopal San Pedro), Bruce Menin (Exec Director of Family Self-Sufficiency Center Inc.), Ema Rosero-Nordalm (Hispanic Missioner), Rev Thomas Pang (Boston Episcopal Chinese Ministry), and the Rev. Moses Sowale (Missioner for Grace Chapel Episcopal/Anglican Ministry Brockton).

If online registration is not a possibility for you, please check which workshops you would like (one per section), fill in the section below, and send this to the diocesan offices to register. Cost: $20.00 per person

Name: ______Make checks payable to: Episcopal Diocese of MA Address: ______138 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111 ______Mail this application to address ______above, Attn: Amy Cook Please check one: Phone: ______ Pizza buffet  Gluten/Dairy free lunch Church ______ No lunch

Town/city ______Congregational Resource Day 2011 – Equipped for Ministry: Formation, Tools and Resources 4