Workshops at the 141st Convention
Each workshop at our 141st Convention sparked questions and conversations, as participants explored storytelling around our Mission Priorities in action. Below you will find a brief synopsis of and materials from each workshop. We thank our leaders for their work and for conducting these workshops!
“Lead” led by Stephanie Allen (Canon for Leadership Development)
Participants in this workshop with Canon Stephanie Allen examined two stories of Moses to preface an examination of our Baptismal Covenant and how we can live out church leadership. From considering the essentials in ministry to developing ideas for how to lead in this time, participants gained opportunities to forge connections and idea share.
“Learn” led by Chris Grenier (Trinity Center Group Coordinator), Mindy Furrer (Trinity Center Education Director), Mary Beth Bradberry (Trinity Center Assistant Director and Camp Trinity Director) with special guests Nick Kohlmann & The Rev. John Porter-Acee
Trinity Center’s interactive workshop offered a lively and engaging opportunity for participants to learn more about Trinity Center’s history and its programs. The Trinity Center staff focused on what the conference center, Sound to Sea Environment Education Program, and Camp Trinity have to offer using a fun and animated slideshow. They even had special guests offer personal testimonies that inspired life-long Christian formation and growth through ministries, relationships, and experiences they’ve had at Trinity Center. The workshop ended with an entertaining game of Trinity Center Jeopardy that involved the participants answering questions they may have learned during the slideshow. Prizes were given out to the winning team, and fun was had by all.
“Serve: Building an Invitation Culture in Your Church” led by Eric Moulton (Rector of St. John’s, Wilmington) and Friends from St. John’s, Wilmington
In consideration of how we all want the church to thrive and grow, want our neighbors to experience the joy and hope of the gospel, and want our ministries to be a source of hope and healing in our communities, this workshop focused on the ways in which networks are created to help sustain an invitation culture and help it flourish. In this conversation with The Rev. Eric Moulton and Friends, they shared the story of what God is doing at St. John’s Wilmington, and the many lessons they are learning about engaging the neighborhood with the hope of the gospel.
“Heal” led by David Lott, Cathy Holmes, Janet Heath, & Linda Carol Burti of Emmanuel, Farmville, with Contributions by Ann Brna Lott and The Rev. Jeremiah Day
The leaders of Emmanuel, Farmville centered this workshop by focusing on ways to engage or create networks within ecumenical, interfaith and community ministries to bring understanding to the call to “Love thy Neighbor As Thyself“ by using stories and experiences to build understanding and partnerships through love and discipleship. Specifically, leaders of Emmanuel presented various ways that they offer healing and succor to the communities they serve. Furthermore, they shared ideas that attendees might adopt to further enhance their abilities to form partnerships in which to align the efforts of their parish with the diocesan mission priority of healing. The workshop encouraged attendees to brainstorm, collaborate and share ideas with each other and with the group as a whole to capture insights that will hopefully spark future discussions and actions among clergy, vestry members, and laity.