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Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg
When: Saturday, October 26th from 10:00am - 3:30pm
Cost: $15 for a single registration, or $30 for up to four people from the same parish
LUNCH PROVIDED from Potbelly Sandwich Shop!
Registration open now!
Eventbrite for Formation Leaders Retreat!
PLENARY SPEAKER
Bill Campbell
Executive Director of FORMA
& co-author of the "Way of Love" resources
Last year, the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invited us to join him in adopting the Way of Love, a rule of life for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement. This program draws individuals, congregations and groups into the spiritual practices and disciplines of Turn – Learn – Pray – Worship – Bless – Go – Rest
Our plenary session will explore the Way of Love program and how each of us might individually connect with the practice of a rule of life. We will look at how various churches and groups have engaged this call, and will identify ways that you can introduce and encourage the Way of Love in your own context. Resources will be shared, brainstorming will happen, and you will leave with some tangible take home ideas!
WORKSHOPS
"It's All About the Story You Tell:"
Communications Basics Toolkit for Formation Leaders
led by Megan Nolde, Christian Formation & Camping Ministry Associate at the Diocese of Virginia
Together we'll tackle the beast that is communicating and marketing your formation program! We'll cover email marketing options and best practices, graphic design principles and recommendations, social media best practices and ideas, and website content. We'll provide resource lists, examples, and some sharing time for successes.
"Leadership Instead of Management"
How to Work with Your Peers When You're All Volunteers
led by Paris Ball, Minister of Christian Formation & Director of Camping Ministry at the Diocese of Virginia
Paris will lead a discussion on how to recruit, equip, and empower your volunteers to better support your programming goals and follow your lead! She'll also cover some troubleshooting for when things don't go as planned. You'll leave with tips and strategies for helping create community within your volunteer group, and how to support them when they walk into their classrooms, events, and other parish activities.
"Youth Ministry in Context"
A ministry toolkit and success-sharing conversation
led by Sierra Gore, Christian Formation & Camping Ministry Assistant at the Diocese of Virginia
Sierra leads our Parish Youth Ministry program, working with young persons across the Diocese to empower, enliven, and equip them to be ministers to their peers. In this workshop, she will work with you on understanding your circumstances and resources to better prepare for your ministry and will go over some best practices. Additionally, there will be time to discuss what many often view as "failure" of a youth program and how it can be viewed and worked as a success. Sierra believes meaningful relationships are paramount to youth ministry, and while this will not be a fix-all workshop, you WILL leave with inspiration, resources, and a support network.
"Living in a Post-Sunday-School World:"
Faith Formation for Families and Children in the 21st Century
led by Bill Campbell, Executive Director of FORMA
People's understanding of church membership is changing, and the numbers of families who actually attend church regularly is decreasing. How can we, as formation leaders, continue to support families and individuals in their life and faith if they aren't in the building on Sunday morning? Join Bill Campbell and learn techniques and tools that will expand your offerings beyond the traditional Sunday School model.
SCHEDULE
9:30 - 10:00 am
Arrival and On-site Registration
10:00 - 11:30 am
Plenary Session & Workshop with Bill Campbell
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 pm
Workshop Block 1: Choose one of the four workshops listed above
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Workshop Block 2: Choose a different one of the four workshops listed above
3:00 - 3:30pm
Closing Message and Prayer