LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

This list represents continuing education and learning opportunities publicized through synod publications. The list includes synodical, local, and national events with contact information, when available. The Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA does not endorse any particular such learning event (other than our synod’s events), but shares them for your information.

Geisinger Medical Center Extended Unit CPE—Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 A CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) “Extended Unit” will take place October 21, 2008 – March 17, 2009 as a “twenty week blended site experience”. The CPE Group will meet weekly on Tuesday in the Spiritual Care Center at Geisinger. One hour Individual supervision will also be provided bi-weekly. Each CPE student will self select a home ministry site consultant for their process. Tuition for the extended unit is $500. A $20 non-refundable/non-transferable application fee is submitted at time of application. Applications are due Aug. 15 to allow for required clearances to be gathered. To apply, complete an application form found on the APCE website: www.acpe.edu.

“Leading Congregations Through Change & Conflict” by Peter Steinke—Nov. 8, 2008 A seminar offered by the Hanover Conference. Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 W. Chestnut Street, Hanover, Pa. Cost: Pastors and laity of Hanover Conference churches: $5, all others: $15. To register: send name, address, church, phone number, e-mail address, and check for appropriate fee by November 1 to: Pastor Dan Biles, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 S. Main Street, Spring Grove, PA 17362. Make checks payable to: “St. Paul Lutheran Church.” Specify sandwich preference of turkey, ham, tuna salad. Questions? E-mail Pastor Biles at danbiles@pa.net

ELCA Region 8 Transformational Ministry Event Nov. 7-9 Transformational Ministry is a process of renewal that involves the whole congregation. The process begins with prayer and in depth study of the Book of Acts. Leaders selected by the congregation attend a Leadership Event to prepare them to guide their congregations into a new future. The ELCA Region 8 Transforming Ministry Team presents the first of 3 modules of the Transformational Ministry process on Nov. 7-9 in Irwin, PA. Congregations interested in participating must register by mid September. For more information or registration details, please contact ELCA Mission Director Beth Yenchko at eyenchko@ltsg.edu or 717-579-3845.

“Inspiration for the Coming Days: Preachers and Preaching” PA State Pastors’ Conference—Nov. 10-12 Sponsored annually by the PA Council of Churches, this fall’s PA State Pastors’ Conference will feature four gifted preachers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences: Paul Scott Wilson, Cleophus J. LaRue, Gail O’Day, and Ruthanna B. Hook. Bishop Driesen will also present “A Word that Kills and Makes Alive” at the Wednesday luncheon. The event takes place at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers. Registration is $125 before 9/30/08, $150 before 11/3/08, and $175 after that. Secure online credit card registration available; visit www.pachurches.org.

“The Power of the Enneagram”—Nov. 16, Bloomsburg The Spiritual Care Division of the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, is excited to collaborate with psychologist, Linda Candlish, in presenting an introductory workshop on the power of the Enneagram for personal and spiritual transformation, Sunday afternoon, 2:00-5:00 PM, Nov. 16, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Main & Iron Sts, Bloomsburg. Instructor: Linda Candlish, Psychologist & Enneagram Teacher. To register call Tina or the voice mail at 570-271-3700 and leave the workshop title, your name, contact phone number and email address in a slow, clear voice. Course Fee including all materials: $10.00

First in the development of the Enneagram, a Bolivian mystic in the mid-twentieth century synthesized traditional wisdom traditions of the past. Secondarily these were developed and refined by the American psychiatrist, Claudio Naranjo. The Enneagram has subsequently been a prominent psychological tool employed by spiritual directors, major seminaries and CPE programs into the present. As emphasized by Sr. Suzanne Zuercher, OSB and the popular Franciscan retreat master, Fr. Richard Rhor, the Enneagram helps a person move from ‘compulsion to contemplation’ through portraying the ways ‘we hide from ourselves’ and therefore ‘hide from God.’

“Nonviolence in a World of Violence and War”—Nov. 18, Williamsport Father John Dear will present a free lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7:00 PM at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Professional Development Center in Williamsport. Fr. Dear is both a Nobel Peace Prize and Gandhi Peace Award nominee, and is an internationally recognized voice for peace and nonviolence. A Jesuit priest, pastor, peacemaker, and author, he served for years as the Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the largest interfaith peace organization in the U.S. After September 11, 2001, he was a Red Cross coordinator of chaplains at the Family Assistance Center in NYC where he counseled thousands of people. The event is sponsored by United Campus Ministry.

Lazarus is Still Waiting at the Gate—Nov. 21-23, Atlanta, GA How do we as a church respond to issues relating to poverty and wealth? The ELCA’s Poverty Ministries Networking Program invites you to attend “Lazarus is Still Waiting at the Gate: An ELCA Conference on Poverty and Wealth”, Nov. 21-23 in Atlanta, GA at the Lutheran Theological Center. Keynote speaker is Meizhu Liu, author of The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the U.S. Racial Wealth Divide. Other presenters include Bishop Julian Gordy, the Rev. Michael Russell, Charlotte Williams, and the Rev. David Billings, authors of Lazarus at the Gate: Writings and Reflections on Poverty and Wealth. Registration is $250, and includes lodging, meals, printed resources, and hotel transportation to the Lutheran Center. For more information, contact Loretta E. Horton at Loretta.Horton@elca.org, or see the registration information posted on the bulletin board at the synod office.

Oasis Ministries’ Spiritual Retreat: Fall Harvest—Nov. 22-23 Autumn is a season for gathering in and a season for letting go. A season of ripening seeds and withering strands. A season for the gleaning of grain and for the burning of the chaff. During this autumn harvest retreat we will attend to the wisdom of this season as we look at those parts of our lives that are ready to be released, even as we notice the fruits and the seeds of new growth they have borne. We will honor that upon which we have grown, glean the grain of goodness that may become our bread, and with grace let go, in order that our spirits might open to receive the nurture that is this blessed experience of life in the flesh. Location: Kenbrook Camp, 190 Pine Meadow Rd, Lebannon, PA. Retreat Fee: $175-$195 (as you are able). Registration Deadline: Nov. 7. Go to www.oasismin.org for more details.

“Engaging Scripture for the Sake of the World” – Jan. 14-16, 2009 – Luther Seminary What does it mean to read the Bible “for the sake of the world?” How does the biblical word give shape to Christian life? These questions will be addressed by two preeminent Old Testament scholars, Dr. Walter Bruggemann and Dr. Terry Fretheim, as they explore the theme of Luther Seminary’s 2009 Mid-Winter Convocation. Registration opens in October. For more information, visit www.luthersem.edu/convo.

College of Developers - Jan. 19-23, 2009 - New Orleans, LA This event is for mission developers and those who work with them. We will explore the connection between service and mission development. Our time will include theological reflection, Bible study, worship, workshops and service opportunities in the New Orleans area. Watch for registration coming this Fall! For more information contact Mission Director Beth Yenchko eyenchko@ltsg.edu or 717-579-3845

“Radical Abundance: A Theology of Sustainability”: Trinity Institute—Jan. 21-23, 2009 The 2009 Trinity Institute event in New York City will be held Jan. 21-23, 2009 under the theme “Radical Abundance: A Theology of Sustainability”. Featured speakers are Majora Carter, Timothy Gorringe, and David Korten. “Trinity Institute equips clergy and laypersons for imaginative and catalytic leadership.” Early registration closes Nov. 16, and final registration closes Jan. 11 (if space is available). Fees range from $300-400, depending on registration date; less for seminarians, spouses, retired clergy. For information/registration, visit trinitywallstreet.org/institute.

Multicultural Ministry Conference - Jan, 28-30, 2009 - Dallas, TX A practical, hands-on, theologically based conference on providing leadership in a multicultural context. Speakers include Dr. Ralph Klein, recently retired from LSTC and Dr. Eric Law, Episcopal priest and expert in assisting people in communicating across cultural lines. For more information, contact Mission Director Stephen Kanouse, NTNL Synod, mrvatican@verizon.net 214-637-6865 or Mission Director Beth Yenchko eyenchko@ltsg.edu or 717-579-3845

ELCA 2009 Leadership Events for Pastors and Staffs—Jan. 31-Feb. 8, 2009 The ELCA will offer three consecutive conferences in 2009 for pastors called to lead a ministry staff, for others in congregational positions (assistant or associate pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, other lay staff), and for those who have moved within the last year to a new parish or position. Pastor Roy Oswald will be part of the leadership team for all three events, in addition to others with particular expertise. “Ministry Staff Seminar” will take place Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 2009. “Transitions Seminar” will take place Feb. 3-4, 2009. And “Head of Staff Seminar” will take place Feb. 5-8, 2009. All events will be held at The Duncan Center, Delray Beach, FL. Registration deadline is Jan. 15, 2009. For details, go to www.elca.org/StaffEvents.

ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza—Feb. 6-9, 2009 The annual Extravaganza for volunteer and professional youth workers, sponsored by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, will take place in New Orleans on Feb. 5-9, 2009. The Extravaganza brings together some of the best names in youth and family ministry to inspire and teach, and give ample opportunity for networking/meeting others. Learn more about the YM Network and Extravaganza at http://www.elcaymnet.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=52.

Living Liturgy weekend conference—Feb. 19-21, 2009, Kenosha, WI St. Mary's Lutheran Church, Kenosha, Wisconsin The Living Liturgy weekend is an opportunity for Lutheran worship leaders to experience, study and reflect on ways to help their communities pray with power, integrity and meaning. Presenters: Mary Preus, Tom Witt, Ben Stewart, Marty Haugen, and Susan Briehl. Who should attend this event? All those involved in leading worship: pastors, presiders and assisting ministers, music directors, organists, choir directors and members, those who play in worship bands, and ministers of the word. The workshop is structured to offer practical and easily implemented techniques for all ministries, as well as deep theological, scriptural and liturgical support for worship planning and renewal in these rapidly changing times. The event takes its shape from the four-fold pattern of the liturgy: Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending. For more information, go to: http://livingliturgy.com/index.html

“Leadership and Anxiety in the Church”—Mar. 12, 2009 The Rev. Richard Blackburn, Executive Director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, will present a one-day continuing education event for congregational leaders at United Lutheran Church, RD Sunbury on Thursday, March 12, 2009. “Leadership and Anxiety in the Church: A Family Systems Perspective” looks at the challenge presented by the rising levels of anxiety being experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership can plan in calming such anxiety. Works of art from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras are integrated at various points to facilitate theological reflection on the themes being presented. Publicity and registration materials will be distributed later this year.

“Focus on Effective Leadership and Communication” – Mar. 16, 2009 – Lewisburg Christian leaders, are you a good communicator or a GREAT one? The Northumberland Presbytery, PCUSA, presents Bonnie Budzowski on Monday, March 16, 2009 at the Country Cupboard in Lewisburg. Cost for this one-day conference is $85. See the brochure on the synod office bulletin board, or email Elizabeth.affsprung@gmail.com for more information. Bonnie will meet with interested clergywomen and Christian women leaders the evening before the conference from 7:00 – 9:00 PM for networking, personal coaching, and a presentation on “10 ways women often undermine their own strengths.”

“Ethical Care for Persons and Families Experiencing Terminal Illness”—Mar. 26, 2009, Lancaster Samaritan Counseling Center Congregational Ministries of Healing and Wholeness Conference; Thursday, March 26, 2009; 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM; St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 0 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 (Corner of Delp Rd. & Rt. 501). Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dennis Hollinger, PhD., President, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Boston, MA. Breakout Sessions:
• “Palliative and Hospice Care: What do They Offer?”
• “The Ethical Care of Persons in a Terminal, Vegetative State”
• “Ethical Issues Related to Neonatal Infants and Children and Their Parents”
• “Ethics of Caring for Persons with Dementia at the End of Life”

Cost: $35 per person; $10 per student (luncheon and handouts included). For more information and registration call Ruth Stoll, DNSc, RN, (717) 697-6560 or (717) 560-9969 or e-mail: ris15@verizon.net

Bishop’s Day for Confirmands—Mar. 29, ‘09 Bishop Driesen will again be inviting senior confirmands and their families to a special Bishop’s Day event on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2009 at 2:30 PM at Zion, Kratzerville. Pastors and catechists, watch for an announcement later this year requesting your confirmands’ contact information for personal invitations from the bishop!

Gathering in the East Youth Ministry Conference April 17-19, 2009 POSTPONED to APRIL 16-18, 2010 The annual Gathering in the East event for volunteer and professional youth workers will take place in our own backyard in 2009—Harrisburg on April 17-19, 2009. This event offers tools and inspiration for both beginner and veteran youth workers, and features keynoters Carolyn and Bill Kees, and musician Rachel Kurtz. Learn more about the 2009 Gathering in the East at http://www.gatheringeast.org/index.html.

“Worship at the Center: Journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter”—Summer 2009—various locations Evangelical Lutheran Worship invites us to keep Ash Wednesday through Easter in a new–old way. At the ELCA summer worship retreats, we will worship using the services for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter. We join in reflection, study, and discussion of the cross and empty tomb, baptism and Bible – the meaning of this journey for ourselves and the world.
• Monday-Thursday, June 15-18, 2009 St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
• Monday-Thursday, June 29-July 2, 2009 Baldwin-Wallace College and St. Paul’s Church, Berea, Ohio
• Tuesday-Friday, July 7-10, 2009 California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California

Registration will open in February, but plan your budget now. Register before April 1 for discounts: regular registration ($225 by Apr. 1, $250 after), second from same congregation ($175/$200), student/senior ($150/$175).

Mark Allen Powell Presents “Loving Jesus”, Bishop’s Retreat 2009—May 7-8 The Rev. Dr. Mark Allen Powell, prolific author and professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, will present themes from his book, “Loving Jesus” at the 2009 Bishop’s Retreat at the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro, PA, May 7-8, 2009. Publicity and registration materials will be distributed later this year.