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)
October 15 (8-week course) at 7:30 p.m.: Next Faithful Move: Tools for Talking About Race & Culture in the Church
Our synod’s Racial Justice Task Force has been doing amazing work within our synod, and offering Racial Justice Training on a regular basis to our congregational leaders. Perhaps you are looking for a deeper dive into how to talk with your congregation about racial justice, or to explore your own prejudices and to consider ways to be an ally to our siblings from other races and ethnic backgrounds?
“Next Faithful Move,” is an 8-week course, offered one night a week for two hour intervals, beginning on Thursday, October 15, and every subsequent Thursday, except Thanksgiving, concluding on December 17, 2020. All classes are digital and are two hours in length, from 7:30 PM-9:30 PM, EST.
Led by Joe Davis and David Scherer, artists and educators who bring 30+ years of experience between the two of them in facilitating intercultural bridge building and personal growth. They have worked with individuals and organizations across the country to “move the needle” toward cultural humility and awareness. They are both graduates of Luther Seminary and Qualified Administrators of the Intercultural Development Inventory.
Each cohort is limited to fifty participants, who come from across the ELCA and other denominations. The course is highly interactive, allowing for conversations in small groups of three-four, as well as dialogue with the course instructors and other classmates.
Participants come away with video and print resources that can be used in their home congregational setting, and with a deeper appreciation of their own stories, their personal experiences with racism, and how to engage others in healthy conversations.
To learn more about what you can expect, to get a course outline, and to register, click here.
October 28 at 1:30 PM.: Advent and Christmas in the Time of Covid-19
There is never a perfect response to an imperfect season, but we know that Advent and Christmas are just around the corner and we are still called to celebrate as faithfully as we can. We know that whatever we do this year to observe Advent and Christmas that we will need to do things differently. And while we may have grief over how things will change, we will also have many opportunities to gather, worship, and celebrate together. Join Pastor’s Dana Blouch-Hanson and Richard Jorgensen to discuss how we can look ahead with hope and learn from one another. Please come with your hopes, concerns, ideas, and questions as we rejoice that God has given us the gift of one another. This Christmas we know that many things will be different, but one thing has remained unchanged: Jesus is still Lord and is still with us. Click here to register.
Partner Offerings:
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.