Dear Leaders,
This month, Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader invites you to Take Your Faith Formation Leadership to New Heights
(3 min read)
The work of faith formation is challenging. It takes more than purchasing the perfect curriculum or implementing the hottest new lesson plan. We are called to bring the message of God’s love to life; to be animators of spiritual growth. Learn more in Debby's reflection about the Faith Formation Summit as we explore Relationships, Resilience and Re-Entry in a virtual event.
We offer you this prayer for resilience –
“From starfish, I have learned that if we keep our core intact, we can regenerate. We can fall apart, lose limbs, and re-grow them as long as we don’t let anyone threaten that central disc’s integrity. We can grow so many different arms, depending on what kind of sea star we are. We have to nourish ourselves with the resources we are surrounded by, with our community assets if you will, and by doing so we help keep ecosystems delicately balanced. --JoLillian T. Zwerdling in Emergent Strategies
Creator God, sometimes we feel pulled apart, and stretched to the limits. We take comfort that you walk with us in times of struggle and challenge. Help us identify the nourishing spaces that restore our strength. Let us make time for the people, places, and activities that offer grounding and healing of the spirit. Help us become resilient and adaptive leaders who can share your gift of love with joy and compassion. - Amen
|
7 Ways to Support Your
Faith Formation and/or
Youth Ministry Leader
(6 min read)
Debbie Gline Allen, Minister of Faith Formation
Anyone who is familiar with ministry in a local congregation understands that whenever people are involved, many more hours are needed in order to support individuals, maintain effective communication, and stay current on the best resources available. What does a congregation need to do in order to support its faith formation and/or youth ministry leaders? Here are 7 key ways that can ensure your congregation will receive the best from its faith formation staff person!
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Interview with
Katie Howe
(6 min read)
Emily McKenna, Program Support Associate, interviews Katie Howe. Katie is a Masters of Divinity student at Chicago Theological Seminary, a Woodridge Congregational Church member, and is currently serving on the Board of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. Hear her thoughts on what churches should be asking parents and what faith formation leaders should be reading!
Would you like to share your story with Discipleship Matters?
Be our next featured leader! E-Mail kirkd@sneucc.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Faith Formation Communities of Practice: A Lifeline of Support
(4 min read)
Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader
Faith Formation Communities of Practice have continued to meet via zoom this year and have been a key to resilience for many of our educators. Read why these thirteen small groups provide a valuable network of support where leaders can gather and share.
Can YOU Volunteer?
Words from Ryan Gackenheimer, Executive Director of Silver Lake Conference Center:
Preparing for this summer at Silver Lake has been one of the most unique in the history of this ministry. When we started planning in October 2020 we were not certain even with all of our precautions that we would be able to run camp in summer 2021.
And now with many of us are vaccinated, we have an amazing staff, and as many as 80 campers at a time for 2 weeks immersed in God’s Backyard, laughing, singing, swimming, playing, and experiencing God’s Love.
Our summer staff is working extremely hard. And we need your help. When we started planning, we thought staff would be here, locked on site for the entire summer. The State, CDC, and ACA camp guidance now says it is safe for vaccinated folks to take part in summer programming for shorter periods of time, rather than being a totally closed bubble.
That is where you come in. We REALLY need you! We are looking for volunteers to help out for short periods (3 days or more) Contact Jennkc@silverlakect.org if you can volunteer at Silver Lake!
Click here to see the camp sessions, including SLCC's NEW Day Camp!
| More Resources for the Local Church |
|
| |
|
CDC guidelines related to childcare, schools, and outdoor camps - helpful resources and considerations as you plan for gathering in person
Updated Children’s Ministry Curriculum Chart
Vacation Bible School resources are here
|
|
SNEUCC's Super Saturday
will take place on October 2 & 9, 2021
Workshop Proposals are now being accepted!
Deadline to submit a workshop proposal is July 15th
Faith Formation Summit
Faith Formation Summit: Relationship, Resilience, and Re-Entry.
from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday September 18, 2021
Faith Formation Leadership Program 2021-2022
Classes being offered in this program year will begin in October 2021
The SNEUCC Faith Formation Leadership (Certificate) Program can be engaged either as a Certificate program or as a series of classes that may be taken as stand-alone opportunities.
Classes will include:
Exploring Curriculum & Digital Resources
Engaging Our Sacred Scripture’s Story
Serving Together – Mission for All Ages
Exploring the UCC – Our History, Our Beliefs, Our Identity
Boundary Awareness for Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leaders
More information will be coming soon!
For specific questions, contact Debbie Gline Allen at glineallend@sneucc.org
|
