Friday, June 13
Session A: 1:30–2:30 PM
A Tale of Two Terrains: Being Story Hearers Through Active Listening - cypress 1
We all strive to be better storytellers, especially to share the stories of the vibrant and vital ministries our congregations and worshipping communities. Sometimes it feels challenging to find the right story to tell or we even trick ourselves into thinking there are no stories to tell. Even when stories are unfolding right in front of us, it is sometimes hard to see and hear them. In this workshop, we will discuss one of the most important parts of being a good storyteller – being a good story hearer. We will talk about active listening, asking good questions and how we might find stories in the most unlikely places.  

​Presented by

Nick Kiger

​Director for Mission Support, ELCA
The New Front Door: Digital Media Outreach in 2025 [and beyond] - Cypress 2
How can we get our congregations noticed in an age of digital clutter? If you are someone volunteering in communications at your congregation or want to learn more about reaching the people in your area, this workshop is for you. In this updated for 2025 presentation, Pastors Alisha and Paul will offer unique perspectives and helpful tips, tricks, and tools for you to apply TODAY to improve your congregation's presence online and engage with new people.
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 Presented by

Pr. Paul Amlin

Pr. Alisha Ungs
Ministry at the Margins: Reimagining Church with People Experiencing Homelessness - CYPRESS 3
What happens when the people we often serve from the church become the people we build the church with? This workshop explores the story and evolving ministry of The Dwelling—a congregation that gathers with, and is led by, people experiencing homelessness. Pastor Emily Harkins will share lessons learned from this sacred experiment in community: the beauty and the brokenness, the practical and the prophetic, the surprising ways the Spirit keeps showing up. Come ready to engage stories, reflect on your own context, and imagine what it looks like to be church in places of deep need and deep belonging.
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Presented by

Pr. Emily Harkins

The Dwelling
Introduction to Deaf Culture 101 and how to partner with Palms Deaf Church - Cypress 4
​​What is Deaf culture and community? Can all Deaf people read lips? What is the difference between deaf and Deaf? How can our congregation partner with Palms Deaf Church? What’s new? Join Pastor Lori Fuller as she shares the answers to all these questions and more. 

​Presented by

Pr. Lori Fuller

...and her posse! (Leslie Cagle and Amber Ross)
Empowering Communities to Thrive - Cypress 5
​In a season marked by rapid change, the question isn’t just about how to help our communities, it’s about how to empower them to thrive. Lutheran Services Florida stands at the forefront of this challenge, uniquely positioned to serve. You see, the Good Samaritan didn’t just fix the wounds of the hurting man and leave him, he picked him up, brought him to the town, and ensured he found the strength he needed to completely heal. Come and learn how we help local communities throughout the state of Florida to thrive, how we may be able to help your church members, and how you can be a part of making the difference. 

​Presented by

Kevin Stamper

VP of Development, Lutheran Services Florida
Exploring God’s Vision for Justice: a Just Love Workshop - Magnolia C
Justice is a word thrown around in all kinds of contexts… racial justice, criminal justice, the justice system. Are they all referring to the same thing? When we use the word, do we agree on the meaning? Maybe more importantly, do our ideas of justice line up with the justice God desires and invites humanity into throughout scriptures. Come learn more about God’s vision for justice and how God’s people are uniquely equipped for the work of justice.
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Presented by

Pr. Kari Niedermaier

Just Love Team
Session B: 3:00–4:00 PM
Taking the Mystery out of Church Finances - Cypress 1
This workshop will unveil the mystery of Church Finances: Mystery to Transparency!  We will be identifying who the key people are in creating the finance department, understand how the money collected is organized and spent and finally reports for both the congregation and the council that are easily understood.  The mystery will then be solved! 

Presented by:

Kim Raymond

 Director of Finance, Florida-Bahamas Synod
What’s Next? - cypress 2
Where is God leading your congregation in its next season of life? In this workshop your directors of evangelical mission will share resources to help with discerning your next steps, including how to connect with your neighbors, how to share your stories of grace and service, and more.
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Presented by

Pr. Derek Hoven

Assistant to the Bishop & Director for Evangelical Mission (North Region)

Pr. Carlos Ham

​Assistant to the Bishop & Director for Evangelical Mission (South Region)
VISION TO ACTION: Innovation and the Local Congregation - Cypress 3
Is your congregation thinking about applying for a Vision to Action Grant?  Do you have a great idea to grow the Lutheran expression in your community?  Do you need a good idea?  Join us as Pastor Rob Rose and Becca Bass share how to fill out an application that will get noticed and help you reach out to your community. They will be sharing what works when it comes to budgeting, vision casting, evaluating, and much more. 
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Presented by

Pr. Rob Rose

Assistant to the Bishop for Administration

Becca Bass

V2A Grant Manager
God’s Global Mission in the 21st Century - Cypress 4
Come, experience and learn about God’s global mission through the ELCA and the Florida Bahama Synod.  We are truly a church active in love, committed to sharing God’s mercy with our neighbors and participating in bringing hope, healing, mercy, reconciliation, peace, justice throughout God’s world.  Together we will explore both the engagement in 2025 of ELCA Global Mission and the Florida Bahama companion synod relationships. 

Presented by

Alison Richard

ELCA Program Director, Companion Engagement

Pr. Katie Carroll

Global Mission Table Chair
It’s All About Relationships - Cypress 5
Lutheran Counseling Services is a Florida 501-c3 not for profit corporation with main office in Winter Park, FL. Motivated by the grace of God, LCS provides professional counseling, mental health education and consultation for all individuals, families and communities seeking growth and renewal. Our vision is to share God's healing and abundant grace in the community. We work to create a safe place for all people to share their personal story and find tools to help make changes toward health and healing. This workshop will share with the participants opportunities, tools and resources that  LCS offers for congregations, staffs and families.

Presented by

Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong   LMFT

Lutheran Counseling Services
Assembly Choir Rehearsal -​ PALMS BALLROOM
​New this year! An Assembly Choir will be forming to present the Offertory Anthem at our Closing Worship on Saturday morning. All voices are welcome! To participate in the Assembly Choir, please attend this rehearsal during Workshop B. The Assembly Choir is being led by Pastor Anne Harman. Before becoming a Pastor, Pr. Anne served for over 30 years as a parish musician in the Catholic Church. Pr. Anne holds a Master's Degree in choral conducting and a Bachelor's in vocal performance. In addition to helping to lead our worship together, you may even learn a tip or two to share with your choir back home! We are excited for this addition to our worship!

Presented by

Pr. Anne Harman
Legacy Gifts: You Can’t Sit on a Two-Legged Stewardship Stool - MAGNOLIA C
We are all familiar with the three-legged financial stewardship stool when we speak of short and long-term sustainability for congregations. Yet, legacy gifts are conspicuously absent from annual emphases, webpages, newsletters, etc. This workshop will focus on getting started on establishing an active legacy gift program for any size congregation, covering basic documents such as gift acceptance and endowment policies, resources for your website, newsletter, language, etc.

Presented by

Pr. Ana Lugo

Regional Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation

Registration is closed.
Registration closed on May 20.
No refunds will be issued after this date.