Annual Conference 2010 Workshops
Saturday, June 12, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
Choose one of the following workshops, designed to provide information and practical ways to connect congregations with our five areas of focus.
21st Century Leadership, led by George Howard
Location: Pew Fine Arts Auditorium
George Howard is a layman and Director of Connectional Ministries in the West Ohio Conference. Instrumental in an innovative new community of faith called Church for All People. George will cast a vision for how we develop principled leaders through an assets-based approach. Discussion will touch on various leadership approaches that are especially relevant for laity who want to live out their faith through five faithful practices of discipleship. Insights will be helpful for individuals and congregations. George is president of the board for the United Methodist Church for All People in Columbus Ohio. Check out www.4allpeople.org.
Dismantling Racism, led by Pakou Her and Art Hoekstra of Crossroads Anti-racism
Location: Kettler Technical Learning Center Auditorium
Two facilitators will offer an overview of our need to address the sin of racism together and how to become involved in a variety of ways. Participants will learn how this Chicago-based network can offer resources, guidance, and training as our Conference seriously addresses the sin of racism. The workshop should help members discover ways to assist churches and our Conference in becoming anti-racism institutions. Pakou Her is the Director of the Leadership Development Institute at Crossroads. A second-generation Asian American of Hmong descent, she began anti-racism work as a student at Macalester College. Art Hoekstra of Michigan has worked as a social worker and community organizer in multi-cultural settings for over 30 years.
New Places for New People, led by Parish and Community Development committee
Location: Crawford Hall Auditorium
The session will feature Mythbusters about both new church starts and congregation revitalization. Presenters will look at some attitudes and assumptions that keep the church from fulfilling its call to build discipleship-making faith communities. Looking at these “myths” will allow participants to see reality, and gain vision that might help recover some of the momentum associated with the Methodist movement. Some discussion will center on ways to make a difference for God in our communities.
Ministry with the Poor, led by Poverty Team members and guest speakers
Location: Hall of Arts and Letters Auditorium
A major focus of the workshop will be a presentation on a promising program that connects those prepared to break free of the cycle of poverty with Circles of trained volunteers in the community who can offer insight and consultation on the journey. It’s offered through Move the Mountain and is underway in at least two areas of Western PA with the help of United Methodist congregations. The workshop will provide some insights into what church members should know about poverty and its causes, as well as offer resources and some nuts and bolts on effective advocacy from Steve Drachler of UM Advocacy in Harrisburg.
Global Health and Missions, led by Shannon Trilli of UMCOR; Laura Meengs of Imagine No Malaria, Sandra Matoushaya of the Zimbabwe Partnership team
Location: Harbison Chapel
The workshop will update participants on goals and progress of the Global Health Initiative, provide information, ideas and resources to involve congregations in Imagine No Malaria and show how these campaigns will be implemented in Zimbabwe. Information will also be available on other aspects of the Zimbabwe Partnership and how church and community members can get involved.