Racial Justice and Christian Nationalism

with Rev. Leslie Mamas, Penn Southeast Conference. Learn a brief history of the Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative, and how to become involved. We will also discuss White Christian Nationalism, its racist roots, and how this ideology is dangerous to our faith and democracy today.

The STAR (Small Town and Rural) Coalition

with Rev. Amelia Price. This workshop introduces and invites discussion around the STAR Coalition and the 64.5% of churches in the UCC that fit that model. The Coalition exists to support and uplift the voice, wisdom and energy of these churches, that frankly feel abandoned and forgotten.

Tending the Flame: Companions Through Transitions

with Dr. Michael Gibbs
The disciples on the road to Emmaus were troubled and concerned about their future following the death and resurrection of Jesus. They were joined by a stranger who helped them clarify their situation and ignited a fire in their hearts. All ministry settings - local congregations, associations, and conference – each find themselves in a time of transition today. If you are pondering the future of your particular ministry setting, consider joining with others experiencing a transition point to explore the resources available through the Church Futures Commission. Participants will share in small groups, learn about the benefits of working with a coach or with a workshop facilitator, and develop action steps to take back to their ministry settings.

Connecting with Health and Human Service Agencies

with Rev. Dr. Nora Foust. Nora has been building connection with the UCC’s Council of Health and Human Services Ministries for several years and will share her experiences with these agencies and how CHHSM member agencies, as well as HHS agencies more broadly, will be looking to the Church in new (and old) ways as staff and funding resources are shifting. Nora will also discuss the ways local churches can connect in meaningful ways with members who serve local agencies as chaplains and so may not be regular church attendees.

Is Your Congregation Leadership or Management Driven

with Rev. Rick Luciotti. This workshop is an exploration into internal origins of the downturn in Church attendance, active participation, and membership. While external influences are not ignored, it is presented that far too often our losses have more to do with self-inflicted wounds resulting from emphasis upon managing people rather than cultivating a sense of leadership among all members. Resources for this project are Winthrop Hudson’s, Religion in America,’ Seth Godin’s, ‘Song of Significance,’ and Edward Deming’s, Principles of Leadership’. The practical outtake will be questions and opportunities for serious consideration on ways to facilitate a greater sense of agency, unity and interdependence within a congregation.

Conflict Mediation: How do you have healthy conversations?

with Rev. Heather Kurtz. During the workshop we will look at conflict through the lens of scripture. In addition, the group will learn skills and critical thinking that can help frame healthy conversations.

Know Thy Neighbor

with Jamie Beth Cohen and Sam Schindler.

*Are you concerned about how Christian Nationalism is influencing daily life in your community?
*Are you worried about antisemitism in America but aren’t sure how you can help your Jewish neighbors?
*What does "Jesus was Jewish" mean to modern Christians and modern Jews?

Come learn with educator Sam Schindler and author Jamie Beth Cohen as they ask the question “What should Christians know about Jews and Judaism in a time of Christian Nationalism?” Their talk combines their experience raising Jewish kids in central Pennsylvania, Sam’s studies in comparative religion, and Jamie’s work of using writing as activism. There will be plenty of time for Q&A and engaging discussion.

Practical Church Business for Church Leaders

With Dale Mease. This workshop would cover information about the church that we should know as church officers and pastors about our church as a business.
Understanding the church business is helpful as we work to be good stewards to lead our church in the present and future. The basis for this workshop comes from my transition into leadership at a new church following my transfer to Christ Church UCC, Elizabethtown. I was asked within a year of transferring my membership to serve on consistory and serve as an officer. I quickly realized how little I knew about my new church and compiled a list of things that I needed to learn to be an effective church leader. It also calls upon my experiences in church leadership for nearly 38 years.