Session One Workshops    

 

Session Two Workshops    

Study:  “The Old And The New In The Kingdom”

Bishop Strobel will lead this Bible study on the theme of how God is active in the many twists and turns in the great historical narratives in the Bible.    From what the Bible tells us, our discussion will turn to the question of how God might be involved in our season of change both in the synod and the world around us.

 

Leader: Bishop David Strobel, Bishop of the Northeastern PA Synod and Bible Scholar.

 

Give:  “Stewardship As Faith-raising: What Does Our Giving Have To Do With Our Identity As Disciples?”
We believe in a generous God who has blessed us richly.  Again and again in scripture we are invited to experience the joy that comes to us when we are generous in response to God’s blessings.  In this workshop, we will consider how being disciples of Jesus impacts the way we understand and use the resources that God has entrusted to us.

 

Leader: Pr. D. Michael Bennethum, D. Min., Associate of the Bishop, Northeastern PA Synod.

 

Worship:  “Liturgy 101”

Everything you ever wanted to know about Christian Worship from the Last Supper to ELW in 30 minutes or less with time for questions; or, Pastor, why do we go through all this rigmarole in church?

 

Leader: Pr. Al Wagaman, S.T.M., Pastor at St. Luke Archbald and well known Liturgy Scholar.

 

Pray:  “Prayer Healing Or ‘Holy Fundamentalists, Batman, Even The Lutherans Are Doing It!”

What do you think the words ‘Prayer Healing” mean?  This workshop will examine what Prayer Healing is not; how it incorporates both ‘Prayer’ and ‘Healing’; how two different concepts of death relate to Prayer Healing; what Prayer Healing really is; and how Prayer Healing is used in the church.  The worship will conclude with a ‘Service of Healing’.”

 

Leader: Jim Parks, Member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he serves as Financial Secretary and member of Church Council and is a member of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Mission District Council.

 

Encourage:  “Speaking Their Language”

Today's youth are wealthy, worldly, and media saturated.  They speak a language all their own that is often incomprehensible to the adults trying to care for them.  How do we faithfully proclaim the Gospel to our youth?  How do we help them to understand that they are not "the future of the church" but indeed a cherished and valuable part of the present?  The first step is understanding their world and taking it seriously.  Youth and adults alike are invited to discuss these and other relevant issues to youth ministry in the 21st Century.

 

Leader: Pr. Wes Poole, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Kingston PA, Co-Founder of “Living Stones,” an Intergenerational Contemporary Worship Band.

Invite:  “Being The Church For Those Who Are Not Yet Members”

How can we be a welcoming congregation?  Who are we called to serve and to whom are we to proclaim the Good News of God’s Love?  How do we invite and welcome?

 

Leader: Pr. Glenn L. Simmons, Associate of the Bishop, Northeastern PA Synod.

 

Study:  “More Lutheran Basics”

This year we will again meet and discuss basic principles of Christianity as viewed through the thoughts of Phillip Melanchthon in his work, "Loci Communes."  In addition, we will watch a short video about a Baptist Church in Texas.  Who knows, maybe there is something that Texas Baptist's can teach Pennsylvania Lutherans.

 

Leader: Derek Batz, Member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Towanda PA and well read Lay Theologian.

 

Worship:  “Making The Voice Of The Church Musician Heard”

We read in Psalm 33:2–3: Praise the LORD with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

We know there are as many ways to lead the Assembly as there are Assembly Leaders.  What works in our own Sunday morning assemblies (and at other times) is not just luck – it comprises many factors which we may or may not have anything to do with!  Come with questions, service folders (bulletins), and a willingness to share your own experiences. In this workshop you will experience how your own leadership qualities can be developed and naturally become part of your ministry.

 

Leader: Dr. Rändel Wolfe, Director of Music and the Arts for Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading PA.

 

Encourage:  “I Am Here By Your Side”

Jesus walked alongside his disciples.  He showed them the way – and by his attitude and actions, taught them how to live faithfully in the world.  What adult(s) walked by your side as you were growing up?  How can we walk alongside youth today?  In what ways can we encourage our young people in their faith development as they travel through life?  What does it mean to be a mentor?  Discover what resources are available for mentors.  Come prepared ready to share your own ideas of how adults can mentor youth.

 

Leader: Karen Matthias-Long, Director of Ministry Resources, Northeastern PA Synod

 

Serve: “Using More Than Your Hands”

Sometimes serving your neighbor is most effectively done through advocacy.  Caring for your neighbor and looking out for their best interest was a passion of Luther himself.  Learn one way that too you can serve through the use of your voice.

 

Leader: Kimberly Hintze, Coordinator of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Mission District

 

 

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