Our faith-formation leaders work hard to learn the methods, strategies and knowledge they need to stay sharp and current so they can serve God’s people most effectively.
United Lutheran Seminary – One of seven ELCA seminaries, ULS offers graduate degree programs and continuing education opportunities at its campuses in Gettysburg and Philadelphia.
The Stevenson School for Ministry – Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania’s educational outreach offers vocational and continuing training for ministry professionals, as well as enrichment for all of God’s people.
The Parish Resource Center – Based in Lancaster, Parish Resource Center works with churches and nonprofits to help increase the capacity of their staff, volunteers, and boards to meet their goals and mission.
Church Offerings:
(For questions or assistance, please email bmartini@lss-elca.org)
Thursday, August 13 at 9 a.m.: Stewardship Campaign Basics. If your congregation has not had an annual campaign, or if it has been quite a while, this one-hour webinar will review some basics on how to plan and run an annual fall stewardship campaign. Rob Blezard of the Lower Susquehanna Synod staff will also review two relatively easy and low-cost options that can get your congregation moving. Click here to register and receive advance materials.
Thursday, August 20 at 1:30 p.m. EST: Copyright and Licenses and Attributions, oh my! Do you have questions about copyright, licenses, or attribution? Join Michael Moore, the Rights Management Specialist at 1517 Media and Augsburg Fortress, for help with all of your questions. Click here to register.
Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 4-5:30 p.m.: Align Your Budget with Ministry of this Time. Webinar, $10 cost. Delaware/Maryland Synod partners with Scott McKenzie of Horizons Stewardship for this workshop to remind us that this time of disruption and change provides an opportunity to evaluate ministry and align budgets with the mission God is calling us to in this new normal. Webinar explores communication, evaluation and budgeting strategies. Cost will be $10. Click here to learn more and register.
Thursday, September 17 at 10 a.m.: Understanding and Approaching Grief. Twenty-three years ago, Lynn Shiner’s ex-husband murdered her two children, Jen and Dave, 10 and 8, on Christmas Day. This nightmare, her despair and anger, left her numb, afraid, and “zombie like,” with intense, overwhelming feelings, visions and memories. Yet, throughout her journey, she suffered feelings of inadequacy and anxiety as she struggled to fit her experience into the wisdom of traditional psychiatric models, stages and timelines, designed to help. Based on her journey, she felt her experience was better expressed as a trajectory that included a more realistic approach that included the event, the work and the forever, eliminating the word closure. In her mind, “You love them forever. Why wouldn’t you grieve them forever?” Join Lynn and Lisa Zoll, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for a forum on grief. This Zoom opportunity will explore recognizing common reactions to grief, examining a less structured approach to grief, understanding the importance of encouraging reflection and storytelling, and a consideration of trauma. Congregational leaders are invited to attend and will walk away with solid advice on how you can help others through the grieving process. Additionally, Lynn and Lisa have published a book called Grief: The Event, The Work, The Forever and will provide several free copies to pastors or deacons who are interested. Click here to register.
Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Generosity and Partnerships in the Urban Context. Webinar, $25 cost. Delaware/Maryland Synod hosts the Rev. CeCee Mills from the North Carolina Synod to help congregations explore, uncover, and unleash resources by creating clarity in mission, a renewed sense of identity and clear spirit-driven action plans. The $25 fee entitles you to participate in three Fall virtual gatherings with Pastor Mills to continue exploration, further connect and share best practices. Click here to learn more, listen to a message from Pastor Mills, and register.
Partner Offerings:
from The ELCA Coaching Network
Being Church in the Time of Crisis – Offers the following online gatherings for ELCA leaders:
Wednesday, August 5th at 2:00 p.m.: TBA. Here is the Zoom information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/180439412?pwd=WlVwUUxyUE5mY2IxMktHQXFJdGNMdz09 Password: 648160
Wednesday, August 12th at 2:00 p.m.: Pastor Mary Martha Kannass with young adults of Hephatha Lutheran, Milwaukee. Here is the Zoom information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/180439412?pwd=WlVwUUxyUE5mY2IxMktHQXFJdG Save NMdz09 Password: 648160
from Thrivent Financial
Thursday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m.: Retirement and Taxes. Free Zoom webinar. Thrivent Financial hosts Ed Slott talking about tax implications on retirement investments, how to balance retirement security with the impact of taxes. Click here for info and to register.
Thursday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.: Social Security – Money Left on the Table. Free Zoom Webinar. Thrivent Financial hosts consultant and former Social Security employee Jim Caulder speaking about how to make the most of your Social Security benefits. Click here for info and registration.
word: 648160
from Best Colleges
Free Online Courses: With the recent resurgence of the Black Lives Matters Movement, many folks have been interested in learning about ways that they can contribute to the movement and be an ally. Our team at BestColleges.com curated an open-use resource for folks interested in taking free courses to further their knowledge and understanding. Click here for more information.