Session A: 2:15 - 3:30 PM
Social Media and Digital Outreach in 2024 (and beyond) - cypress 3
Can we do better with our outreach? If you think a listing in the phonebook is solid outreach, or if you are someone volunteering in communications at your congregation and want to learn more about reaching the people in your area, this workshop is for you. Pastors Alisha and Paul will offer unique perspectives and helpful tips, tricks, and tools for you to apply right away to improve your congregation's presence online, engage with new people, and help you to be seen in a world of online clutter.
Presented by Prs. Paul Amlin & Alisha Ungs
Presented by Prs. Paul Amlin & Alisha Ungs
Advance Directives and End-of-Life Decisions - Cypress 1
This workshop will equip you to assist your members, and yourself, in how to make sure your end-of-life decisions are honored if you are not able to speak for yourself. We will discuss how to choose the best person to be your healthcare surrogate, what it means to be “kept alive on machines,” and if you really “want everything done” when chances of recovery are not good. Healthcare Surrogate Forms and Living Wills will be available and can be completed at the assembly if desired.
Presented by Pr. Melinda Plumley
Presented by Pr. Melinda Plumley
Innovation and the Local Congregation - plenary hall
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 Pastors Rob and Katie 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.
Presented by Prs. Rob Rose & Katie Carroll
Presented by Prs. Rob Rose & Katie Carroll
Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Update - cypress 2
The 2022 Churchwide Assembly directed the creation of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) to reconsider the statements of purpose and organizational structure of the ELCA, being attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism. You’ll hear an update on the work of the CRLC as it prepares its recommendations to be presented to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
Presented by Cheryl Stuart
Presented by Cheryl Stuart
Trends in Transitions - cypress 4
Pastor Nicole Eastwood, Assistant to the Bishop for Transition and Candidacy will address these frequently asked questions: What are we seeing in trends for the future leadership in the ELCA? What is the process for becoming a Pastor or ELCA Deacon? What are the trends in congregation transitions?
Presented by Pr. Nicole Eastwood
Presented by Pr. Nicole Eastwood
What does disaster have to do with church? The Ministry of Lutheran Disaster Response - cypress 5
Did you know the ELCA has an amazing team of professionals who coordinate disaster relief, response, and recovery ministry on your behalf? In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the work of LDR and learn about some of the disaster responses LDR currently is supporting across the ELCA, around the world and within the Florida-Bahamas Synod (thanks to the generous support of ELCA members!). Participants will have the opportunity to discover ways in which their congregation and/or community group could engage with this important and timely work.
Presented by Maryn Olson
Presented by Maryn Olson
The Power of Truth-telling & Lament - magnolia c
Explore the power of sharing our complicated stories and trusting God to respond and reconcile. The Just Love team of the Florida-Bahamas synod teaches practices and skills to increase the capacity of our congregations to establish love in public which creates justice for all.
Presented by the Just Love Team
Presented by the Just Love Team
Session B: 3:45 - 5:00 PM
Grief 101 - A Guide for Congregations and Leaders - cypress 5
Grief shows up in our congregations every day. How we understand grief shapes how we respond. This program will cover the basics about grief, leading to a greater capacity to be supportive of those in need of care.
Presented by Rebecca Bass
Presented by Rebecca Bass
Creating a Culture of Generosity - cypress 2
Mike Ward, Author of Abundance, Managing Partner for GSB Fundraising, and co-CEO of NovusWay Ministries will lead this workshop on how to put in place a culture of generosity instead of a culture of scarcity. The feeding of the 5,000, manna in the wilderness, the creation story, and more lead us to a God that provides all that we need. Yet, in our churches we often say, “OMG, we don’t have any money." It starts with leadership from staff and board and messaging that God is in fact up to something in your midst. When we capture the correct story, we can lead people to significant generosity.
Presented by Michael Ward
Presented by Michael Ward
2009: Learning From the Past and Looking Ahead - cypress 1
The 2009 ELCA social statement, “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” addressed a wide range of topics, but it was statements about same-sex relationships that caused many individuals and congregations to leave our denomination. A lot has happened since then, including the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 and wounded 53 members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2019, the ELCA adopted the social statement, “Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action” and the church is currently seeking feedback on the first draft of a statement on Civic Life and Faith. As the ELCA explores a revision of the 2009 social statement, this workshop will explore it and these subsequent statements. What have we, as church and as society, learned and how should that learning be reflected in the work of the church?
Presented by Pr. Paul Gibson & Steve Beumer
Presented by Pr. Paul Gibson & Steve Beumer
FBS goes Global: Discovering Global Mission and World Hunger - plenary hall
Come and explore the worlds of Global Mission and World Hunger! Learn about the Companion Synod Program and our synod's work with companions in Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Suriname. Discover what it means to walk in accompaniment with Lutherans throughout the Caribbean Basin. In addition, find out the Synod’s engagement with ELCA World Hunger Program and how you can be part of it.
Presented by Pr. Katie Carroll & Barbara Miller
Presented by Pr. Katie Carroll & Barbara Miller
Elevating Families through Schools - cypress 3
Chapel Time is a powerful way to involve families in the life of your school AND your church! When church and school work together in mission, families are elevated and welcomed. Let's explore options for your setting and welcome children into the infinite love of Jesus.
Presented by Linda Chambers
Presented by Linda Chambers
God Will Still Be Praised: What to do in a musician transition and what resources are available - cypress 4
Lutheran church musicians lead the church’s song, and this includes the roles of choir directors, organists, pianists, instrumental leaders, praise band leaders, song leaders, composers, arrangers, and worship planners. While some are employed in full-time positions, many are employed part-time, and others serve as volunteers. This workshop will explore resources from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians for filling these leadership roles.
Presented by Deacon Ryan Hostler
Presented by Deacon Ryan Hostler
what shows up in your dreams? - magnolia c
Join us for a listening session to reflect on the keynote, what shows up in your dreams?
