Courses to be offered by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center

While credentialed clergy can receive continuing education units, which are needed for ordination renewal in 2025, laity will also benefit from these topics. Please be sure that deacons and other interested folks receive information on these topics as everyone is invited to register. To register, click on the event title in the brochure that may be downloaded from www.etown.edu/programs/svmc/continuing-education.aspx or email KarenHodges@SVMCcob.org or call 717-361-1450.

“Worship Models from Genesis to Revelation” with Leah Hileman as leader is offered on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (Eastern time), at Camp Harmony in Pennsylvania. In-person attendance costs $45 for 0.3 CEUs, $35 for no CEUs. Zoom attendance costs $35 for 0.3 CEUs, $25 for no CEUs. Brief description: How did churches end up with altar tables, tambourines, separate seating, call-and-response songs, house churches, and hymns? How did the way God’s people worship morph through the generations, adapting to culture shifts and changing in style, format, liturgy, and theology? In this workshop, we will survey the scripture to see evidence that, while the Good News never changes, the ways and means by which we approach God in worship have undergone dramatic change. We’ll explore the biblical basis for large and small assemblies; varying styles of art, music, and architecture; and the “personality” of worship in high- and low-church traditions.

“Christian ID in an Age of AI” with Russell Haitch as leader is offered on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern time) at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with lunch included. In-person attendance costs $65 for 0.5 CEUs, $55 for no CEUs. Zoom attendance costs $45 for 0.5 CEUs, $35 for no CEUs. Brief description: The world is shifting, the foundations shaking, and no innovation seen before—not the printing press or automobile or Internet—will be able to rival the impending impact of Artificial Intelligence, combined with genetic engineering and other advanced technologies. This workshop is designed to help you develop or improve a Christian framework for thinking through all the new issues on the horizon. The world is going to look dramatically different, so too our churches and the lives of our children. We need to be ready to respond. The best, most faithful response will grow out of our identity in Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“Luke and Acts: Turning the World Upside Down” with Chris Bucher and Bob Neff as leaders is offered on Thursday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern time) at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, with lunch included. In-person attendance costs $65 for 0.5 CEUs, $55 for no CEUs. There is no Zoom option for this event. Brief description: This class will draw upon the 2023 book from Brethren Press, Luke and Acts: Turning the World Upside Down, co-authored by Chris Bucher and Bob Neff. The authors will discuss Luke’s theme of “turning the world upside down” through the gathering of Jesus’ followers into communities that practice healing, inclusivity, and sharing. Presentations will assist in the understanding of these two books of the Bible as a guide for Anabaptists and Radical Pietists and will incorporate visual art that offers new ways to see the biblical texts.

“Suicide and Your Congregation” with Julie Guistwite as leader is offered on Tuesday, June 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Eastern time) via Zoom. Cost is $35 for 0.3 CEUs or $25 for no CEUs. Brief description: Suicide is a rising public health concern and faith-based organizations hold a vital role in ministering to survivors. This interactive workshop examines the dual role of clergy. Best practices in caring for survivors, the congregation, and oneself forms the basis of a small-group role-play focusing on a faith community’s response to a member’s violent death. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and skills relevant to engaging suicide issues across congregational settings.

“Autism and the Church” with Lisa Kruse, Tim Miller, David Crumrine, and Stan Dueck as leaders is offered on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern time) at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with lunch included. In-person attendance costs $65 for 0.5 CEUs, $55 for no CEUs. Zoom attendance costs $45 for 0.5 CEUs, $35 for no CEUs. Brief description: The church is a place where people should feel welcome no matter what challenges they may have. Families with an autistic member need to feel the welcome and acceptance of a church who cares for their special circumstance. This continuing education event will provide information to pastors and other church leaders regarding autism, how to support families with an autistic member, and how to make the church a safe and welcoming place for families.

“Grief Literacy” with Julie Guistwite as leader is offered on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. (Eastern time) via Zoom. Cost is $35 for 0.3 CEUs or $25 for no CEUs. Brief description: Society’s grief-avoiding mentality and limited community-based support initiatives affect the wellbeing of bereaved people. This interactive case-based workshop examines the grief literacy movement in connection with Christ-Centered Ministry Leadership. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and skills applicable to enhancing the welfare of grieving congregational members and others in their community.

“The Question of Leadership: Why It Matters” with Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, as leader is offered on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern time) at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, with lunch included. In-person attendance costs $65 for 0.5 CEUs, $55 for no CEUs. Zoom attendance costs $45 for 0.5 CEUs, $35 for no CEUs. Brief description: What does it mean to lead in today’s church and world? The American Protestant church is in steep decline. The Church of the Brethren is experiencing schism. The pandemic accelerated the already changing patterns of religious life. Resources are scarce. Furthermore, Brethren are naturally suspicious of leaders—called, elected, or self-proclaimed. Values, such as humility, consensus, and the priesthood of all believers, lead to a flat hierarchy and a communal pragmatism. We celebrate leaders such as Dan West, Sarah Major, M.R. Zigler, and Anna Mow, but in their day, they stirred controversy by the manner of their leading. So, what does it mean to lead in today’s church and world? I believe leadership begins by asking the first question and having the willingness and curiosity to pursue the second question. It is a way of thinking that results in effective doing. And yes, it is something we do together.

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