Upcoming Events
July 14, 2008
Deacons Guiding Us Toward Peace/
Los Diáconos y Las Diaconisas guiándonos hacía la Paz
Annual Conference Insight Session
Monday, July 14/Lunes 14 de Julio
12:45 pm to 1:45 pm
Leaders: Carrie Cesar, Director of Intergenerational Ministry, Pacific Southwest District, and Annie Clark, Coordinator of the Ministry of Reconciliation
Audience: Deacons/Los Diáconos y Las Diaconisas
It’s true! Conflict is a normal part of congregational life! So how can our deacons help us accept this fact and assist us to have an open, healthy attitude in the midst of conflict? Learn how deacons can take an important role in preventing conflicts from getting out of hand, and promoting a spirit of congregational unity. (The session will take place simultaneously in English and Spanish.)
Es cierto que el conflicto en el ministerio es algo normal! Como, entonces, pueden los diáconos y las diaconisas ayudarnos a entender esta realidad y apoyarnos a tener una actitud sana y abierta en medio del conflicto? Aprende como los diáconos y las diaconisas pueden asumir un rol importante en prevenir que los conflictos lleguen a estar fuera de control, promoviendo un espíritu de unión congregaciónal. (Esta sesión va estar en los idiomas de inglés y español)
October 4, 2008
Exploring Consensus Decision-making
Richmond Church of the Brethren, Richmond, IN
Leaders: Charletta Erb and Wanda Joseph, MoR Practitioners
Audience: Congregational members, Pastors, Leadership Team/Board Members, District and Agency Leadership
Join us as we explore the paradigm shift from traditional linear decision-making to the collaborative process of collective decision-making. We will explore a series of prerequisite learnings underlying the consensus process including:
- Collaborative creativity
- Letting go of pre-conceived solutions
- Awareness of power
- Reframing questions
- Awareness of self
- Suspending judgement
Our goal for the morning is experiencing the above learnings and the release of creativity that lies in each one of us for a transformed decision, one which could be found completely outside of the traditional yes/no vote found in traditional decision-making.
In the afternoon, the participants will learn the nuts and bolts of the consensus process. Participants will learn the steps to guiding the consensus decision-making process and experience a mock meeting in which the group will practice deciding an issue by consensus.
Schedule: October 4, 2008.
Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $60 per participant or $100 for groups of 3 or more. Includes tuition and materials.
Continuing Education Units available to Church of the Brethren ministers.
For more information, e-mail Annie Clark or call 260-982-8595.
Registration deadline is September 15, 2008.
October 25, 2008
Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting District Workshop
Western Plains District Gathering IV, Salina, KS
Leader: Bernie Fuska
Audience: Western Plains District members
In this 1 hour 45 minute mini-workshop, learn the basics of dealing with difficult meetings in a faithful environment. With elements from our 8 hour "Keeping a Cool Head" workshop, participants will explore scriptural guidelines for conducting meetings and dealing with angry people.
More information on the Western Plains District Gathering IV can be found at the Western Plains District site:
http://www.jesuspeaceproject.org/westernplainschurchofthebrethren/html/gathering_iii.html
November 13-14 , 2008
Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting
Camp Mack, Milford, IN
Leader: Celia Cook-Huffman, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Juniata College
Audience: Congregational and District Leaders, Pastors and Laypersons
“…but all things should be done decently and in order.”
~ 1 Corinthians 14:40
Ever chaired a difficult meeting? Join us to gather the tools necessary for building facilitation skills and confidence, even in the face of challenging issues.
Learn:
- the best way to structure meetings, with an eye to efficiency, openness and clarity
- basic guidelines to use when anxiety levels are high and tension fills the meeting room
- how to lead difficult discussions
Schedule: Thursday, 6:30-8:30 pm, Friday, 9 am-5 pm
Cost: To be determined.
.9 Continuing Education Units available to Church of the Brethren ministers.
For more information, e-mail Annie Clark or call 260-982-8595.
Registration deadline is October 20, 2008.
November 15, 2008
How to Keep a Christian Attitude-Skills for Holding Difficult Conversations
Place: Mid-Atlantic District, to be announced
Sponsored by the Outreach and Service Ministry Team of the Mid-Atlantic District
Leader: Marty Farahat, Ministry of Reconciliation Volunteer and Congregational Consultant
Audience: Congregational members, youth and ministers
How do we speak the truth in love with those who are very different from ourselves? How do we learn to listen humbly, in order to build up the kingdom of God? Learn how to manage discussion of divisive topics and focus on building relationship rather than changing another’s beliefs.
Focus:
- Preparing well for difficult conversations
- Initiating a dialogue
- Maintaining your center in a difficult conversation
- Creating the space for honest sharing when emotions are running high
- How to slow down a tense conversation
- Utilizing conversation to build relationship, trust, and understanding
Schedule: Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: To be determined.
.6 Continuing Education Units available to Church of the Brethren ministers.
For more information, e-mail Annie Clark or call 260-982-8595.
Registration deadline is October 20, 2008.
