Poetry is an excellent means to enter into the awe and/or deep call of our faith. A certain poem from scripture or a favorite poet might make us stop in our tracks and know to our core: This is it! This is what it feels like to be alive! Awe makes a pathway to live in sacred space, closer to God, as it joins positive and negative. Poet Christian Wiman has said, "Often my experience of faith is that it's…

How can your church create a thriving youth ministry program when numbers of teenagers in the pews are dwindling? Come and hear about a model where churches collaborate to meet the needs of young people. In this session, high school teacher and music minister Erin Moore will share what she has learned from 12 years of working with teenagers in schools and churches. Participants will learn how to power through perceived indifference and awkwardness to create meaningful connections. Presenter: Ms.…

Conflict can often bring up negative responses, but conflict, when handled well, can be generative and transforming. Join Canon Carrie for an introduction to Conflict Resolution to hear how we can move through conflict peacefully and productively. Presenters: The Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, Canon for Transition and Church Development Please register at: introduction to conflict resolution There is no cost and once registered you will receive a Zoom link and password.   This workshop is part of our Summer Series: Workshops…

How to effectively communicate with your church family and the community you serve. Many of us are online anyway, so why not put it to good use? Learn how you can increase your church’s visibility online, spread the word about your ministries, connect with parishioners, and grow your parish. Presenter: Ms. Sarah Alamond, Parish Administrator and Communications Coordinator at St. Matthew’s Church, Liverpool There is no cost and once registered you will receive a Zoom link and password. Please register…

These are challenging times with many difficult conversations to be engaged. How can we have productive discourse even in the midst of anxiety and difference of opinions? Please join Canon Carrie to learn about using Conflict Resolution skills in the context of difficult conversations (Introduction to Conflict Resolution helps as a "pre-requisite", but is not required) Presenter: The Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, Canon for Transition and Church Development Please register at: conflict resolution - beyond the basics There is no cost…

If you are looking for a way to deepen your understanding of race/racism and faith the Sacred Ground series is a free and life changing experience. St. James’ Church, Clinton has formed our first Sacred Ground dialogue circle. In this workshop we will share with you some of our experience and encourage you to form your own dialogue circles at your parish, or perhaps even explore setting up some regional circles where we have an opportunity to interact with folks…

Addictions continue to impact the lives of many individuals as well as their family members. In addition, addictions continue to place a strain on the resources within our communities. The Opioid Epidemic is not over. Addiction trends are constantly changing. However, there is hope for those who suffer from addictions, as well as their families and our communities. Learn about the history, nature and science of addiction and how you and your faith community can be part of the healing.…

Your ministry of bookkeeping for your parish supports all of the ministry occurring in your parish. Let’s discuss best practices, practical tips, and resources available to you. Presenters: Ms. Cathy Hobart, Controller and Mr. Doug Mouncey, Diocesan Finance Committee Please register at: church finances - on the ground There is no cost and once registered you will receive a Zoom link and password.   This workshop is part of our Summer Series: Workshops led by clergy and lay members from…

At every vestry meeting, the vestry and clergy are presented with financial information. The financial reports tell a story. What are we looking at? What should be of concern, and what should give us hope? What questions should we be asking? What resources are available for the ministry of the parish? Presenters: Ms. Cathy Hobart, Controller; The Rev. Steve White, Treasurer; Mr. Doug Mouncey, Diocesan Finance Committee Please register at: church finances - 30,000 foot view There is no cost…

Current literature shows that reflective writing can guide survivors of sexual abuse from post- traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth because the writing process offers emotional awareness, confidence, and spiritual insight. This workshop will engage participants to reflect upon their role as support figures for those who have experienced sexual abuse by a religious authority. It will offer poems and generative writing exercises to help survivors reimagine their own understanding of the Divine above and beyond an institution that may have…

Dr. Brene Brown, Episcopalian and shame and vulnerability researcher provides a path to living, and loving God and neighbor wholeheartedly, answering our confession: we have not loved You with our whole heart. Come and be introduced to key elements of wholehearted living: identity, values clarification, strength in vulnerability, and dealing with shame to shift to the sense of worthiness and belonging and living fully in the arenas of our lives. Through video, conversations in break-out groups, and guided exercises we…