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Diocesan Ministry Day
Download Informational Booklet Here.
A Plentiful Harvest:
Growing Healthy Congregations through Effective Ministry
Matthew 9:38: "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
When: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Where: St. John's Episcopal Church
760 First St.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Cost: $25 (includes lunch)
Schedule:
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration
9:00 - 9:25 am Opening Prayer and Bishop's Address
9:30 - 10:50 am Workshop Session 1
10:50 - 11 am Break
11:00 - 12:20 pm Workshop Session 2
12:20 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3:00 pm Workshop 3
3:00 - 3:30 pm Closing Prayer
Preparing for the Conference
What is “A Plentiful Harvest: Growing Healthy Congregations Through Effective Ministry?”
• A learning day for leaders in ministry, both lay and ordained
• An opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops about creating healthy churches
• A chance to enhance your current and future ministry with resources, ideas and hands-on learning
• A place to ask questions of people who are seasoned in church leadership
• A time to consider how all aspects of your congregational life can become healthier and more vibrant.
Who should attend?
YOU should attend if you . . .
• occupy a leadership position in your congregation
• currently provide ministry and seek to deepen your knowledge and skills
• are considering future leadership in your congregation or the greater Episcopal Church
• are eager to experience a day of learning with people throughout the diocese
• want to meet people who may be involved in a similar ministry at a different congregation
• want to learn about a new ministry
Preparing for the Diocesan Ministry Day
1. Review your congregation’s mission, priorities, strengths and challenges.
2. Determine which workshops will most help your congregation.
3. Choose a coordinator for your congregation’s team who will assume responsibility for:
• assisting with registration and securing church funds
• practical arrangements including transportation and childcare, if necessary
• distributing workshop information prior to October 25
• assisting with recruiting people from the congregation to attend
• encouraging and inviting youth and young adults to participate
4. Consider including on your congregational team leaders from the following areas:
• Christian education and formation for all ages
• Evangelism, membership and hospitality
• Stewardship and administration
• Vestry/Bishop’s Committee
• Youth Ministry
• Communications
• Environmental Stewardship
• Prayer and Spiritual Growth
Workshop Descriptions
Planning for Mission: Marks of a Healthy Congregation
Session II
Workshop Leader: Rev. Canon Jenny Vervynck
If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there! If a congregation wishes to grow successfully, it must engage in strategic planning. This workshop introduces the tools and resources for strategic planning for mission and ministry.
Discover your Spiritual Gifts: the Foundation of Effective Ministry
Sessions I and II -- spans two time periods
Workshop Leader: Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Do you understand the spiritual gifts described in the Bible? Do you know that God has given you certain spiritual gifts? Do you know which ones are active in your life? Do you know that by discovering your spiritual gi" s, you may be well on your way to discovering God’s will for your life? Would you like to empower more people for ministry in your congregation? If you would like to know more, this is the workshop for you! Presented by the Evangelism
Commission.
Becoming a Welcoming Church: Reaping the Harvest God Provides
Session III
Workshop Leader: Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Being a welcoming church means far more than having a “Welcome Ministry,” lively worship, good preaching or solid teaching. Becoming a welcoming church requires us to make a decision that will call us to transformation in concrete ways. The decision to become a welcoming church will give us a new attitude, one that more closely resembles the attitude of Christ. Presented by the Evangelism Commission.
Poverty in our Own Backyard: Partnering in Local Microcredit Service to Alleviate Poverty
Sessions I, II and III
Workshop Leaders: Ms. Leigh Hartman, Ms. Elena Cruz and Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth
“Poverty in our own Backyard” will provide a current view of the economic realities in the Diocese of San Diego and environs through a powerful presentation developed by the San Diego Women’s Foundation in 2008. Ms. Cruz of the Foundation for Women will explain how microcredit works and give examples of local microcredit successes and opportunities for participation by parishes and individuals. Grow your Congregation through engagement with this effective, proven method of serving God’s people in “our own backyard.”
Organic Farming: Natural Youth Ministry
Sessions I and III
Workshop Leader: Greg Tuttle
What’s healthier than organic? Ministry is a natural sharing of faith with those we love. Teens throughout the years have exhibited a special sense of authentic ministry. Activities, games, resources plus an honest discussion about ministering with young people makes this a unique opportunity to share your faith in an effective, genuine way. Members of the Diocesan Youth Commission will lead the workshop, which gives participants a rare glimpse into the longings of the teenage soul.
Web-Based Communications for the Growing Church
Session I and II
Workshop Leader: Susan Rust
Web 2.0 is here! Find out what this means and why it’s important to your church’s financial and spiritual health to invest in a new way of doing church business. In this overview, learn how to effectively attract new members and
communicate with your current members. Learn the basics of hosting, domain names, email newsletters, website design and function, third-party tools such as ServiceU, EventBrite, Acceptiva and more.
Gathering Friends for the Harvest: an Invite-a-Friend Sunday How-To
Session I and III
Workshop Leader: Cindy Gordon
Often we want to invite a friend to church but feel uncomfortable asking. Is there an easier way to do it? Yes! Come to the Evangelism Commission’s workshop: Invite-a-Friend Sunday where you will learn about a program that will mobilize people to invite friends to church. Grace, San Marcos successfully hosted over 114 visitors on May 4, 2008, and shared Christ’s love with them. Presented by the Evangelism Commission.
Grow Your Church through Effective Administration
Sessions I and II
Workshop Leaders: Garth Terry Howe and Christine Spalding
This workshop is designed to help those involved in church administration, whether you hold the title or not, understand the basic philosophy and scope of “Ad”ministry. We’ll cover the 14 core competencies of church administration and discuss best practices in some of the most important areas. A portion of the workshop will be spent developing key areas for growth within your own congregation. Both Garth and Christine are currently enrolled in a national certification program in church administration. This is not for administrative assistants, rather it is for members of the senior staff who want to improve their management skills.
Centering in God to Build Healthier Congregations
Session II
Workshop Leaders:Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas and Susan Ward
When we listen as a community for God’s voice, we become a healthier congregation. The Presiding Bishop has asked all Episcopalians to consciously address the UN Millennium Development Goals. To that end, we will examine these goals in order to have a foundation for our time together. is workshop will give us an opportunity to center in God’s presence so that we can be more attentive within our congregations to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Presented by the Spiritual Development Commission.
Building Effective Small Groups in Your Congregation
Sessions I and II
Workshop Leader: Canon Chris Harris
This workshop will use the example of the Urban Collective, the young adults group at St. Paul’s Cathedral, as a model for how developing a" nity groups in congregations helps to connect people with common interests and, in the process, deepen their connection to their spiritual life and church.
Planting for the Harvest: Adult Education Programs that Work
Session I and III
Workshop Leaders: Christian Education Commission Members
The availability of programs for adult formation, Bible study and adult Christian education can seem overwhelming and daunting. Workshop leaders will present a selection of well-done, easily adapted, successful offerings for adults. Some programs will require significant preparation on the part of the leader and others almost teach themselves. Curriculums to be discussed include: Kerygma, Alpha, Interpretation Bible Study Series, My Faith, My Life, and others. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring resources they have found helpful to the workshop.
Tools for Growth: Children’s Education Programs in Action
Session I and II
Workshop Leaders: Children’s Ministry Leaders
Join several successful children’s ministry educators as they share the programs they find work best in their congregations and why they like them. Short demonstrations of Godly Play, Faithful Families, All Things New, and
Group Curriculums will be offered in addition to samples of other curriculums available to congregations. This will be a time not only for learning, but for sharing ideas and creating networks among Christian Educators throughout
our Diocese.
How to Be a Successful Treasurer or Administrator in your Growing Church
Session II
Workshop Leader: Canon Howard Smith
One signature or two? Who produces the reports? Who reads the reports? Who cares about the reports? Being an
effective treasurer or parish administrator means taking on a myriad of tasks and skills. Bring your questions and concerns. We’ll review financial statement preparation, creating and managing a budget, and creating new income sources for your congregation. Designed as a forum to answer your questions, this interactive workshop will provide you with tools to better serve your growing church.
Green is the Color of a Healthy and Growing Congregation
Sessions I, II and III
Workshop Leader: Canon Peter Bergstrom
What is your congregation doing to reduce waste, save precious energy and water, and attract the many seekers who are looking for a church that both preaches and practices good stewardship of God’s creation? Many people today recognize that the earth’s resources are limited and they want to join a congregation that does its part to model responsible environmental practices and provides leadership for others in the community to do the same. Learn what you can do to start making yours a green and growing congregation.
Effective Communications for the Growing Church
Session III
Workshop Leaders: Hannah Miller and Chris Harris
This workshop is for church communications personnel to gather and hone their skills in congregational communications. During this interactive workshop, we’ll share best practices and discuss ways to improve our newsletters, websites and communication conduits.
About Workshop Leaders
Canon Peter Bergstrom is the Executive Director of Camp Stevens, a summer camp, outdoor education center and
community retreat center of the Episcopal Church in Julian, California. He has served there since 1972. Peter is a member of the Standing Committee and the Social Justice Commission, and has served on the Environmental Task Force of the Episcopal Province of the Pacific, and the national Episcopal Committee on Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. Camp Stevens has been designated a Jubilee Center by the Episcopal Church for its work in environmental and social ministry.
Elena Cruz has over 35 years experience working with immigrants and refugees. She is experienced in development of employment opportunities for non-English speaking persons. Ms. Cruz works as the director of the Foundation for Women’s microcredit program, a member of the Bilateral Safety Corridor Collaborative for Human Tra# cking and a board member of the Middle Eastern Social Services Organization.
Reverend Eleanor Ellsworth is Sr. Associate
Rector, St. James, La Jolla, and Priest for Church and the World Ministries. She is a Rotarian, a Board member of the Foundation for Women, and current Chair of the Social Justice Commission of the Diocese of San Diego and serves on the Clergy Wellness Committee. Her community and church involvement is at the local, national and international levels, including multi-year involvement with the Anglican Communion’s delegation of the Commission on the Status of Women to the United Nations.
Cindy Gordon is on the vestry at Grace Church, San Marcos. She successfully organized and orchestrated “Invite a
Friend” Sunday on May 4.
Christopher Harris, Esq. is the Canon for Congregational Development at St. Paul’s Cathedral. His responsibilities include newcomer incorporation, small group organization, ministry development and stewardship - including the annual financial appeal, legacy and planned giving and a yearly time, talent and gift discovery series. Chris oversees communications at the Cathedral including the weekly Cathedral Life newsletter, website and media relations. Prior to joining the staff at St. Paul’s, Chris owned his own law practice which specialized in tax law, and served as Chairman of the Alpha Project for the Homeless, a multi-service homeless outreach agency recognized nationally by President Bush as the country’s 185th Point of Light.
Leigh Hartman is currently the Chair of the Economic and Employment Development Team of the San Diego Women’s Foundation. Ms. Hartman is an active Episcopal lay leader nationally and in our Diocese. She has served as Chair of the Commission on Ministry, as a national and local leader of the Daughters of the King, on the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Board and is an active member of St. James, La Jolla.
Garth Terry Howe is the Pastor for Ministry Development at St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla. Before beginning his
ministry at St. James, Garth worked as a Director of Finance for a worldwide telecommunications company. He has more than 30 years experience in accounting, human resources, and " nancial management. Garth is the current President of the National Association of Episcopal Church Business Administration and past Vice-President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Church Business Administration.
Hannah Miller is the Communications Coordinator for the Office of the Bishop. She edits the diocesan website, the
Messenger and is responsible for editing the e-newsletters: “Clergy News,” “Administrator Newsletter” and “Diocesan News.” Prior to joining the staff, she worked in technology sales and communications.
Howard Smith, Canon to the Ordinary for Finance and Administration, has served on the Bishop’s staff since 2005. Before coming to the Diocese of San Diego, he owned a business in Winnetka, Illinois. Active in Episcopal churches, Canon Smith served as Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, Stewardship chair, and Sunday school teacher. He currently serves on the national CREDO sta! as a member of the financial faculty.
Christine Spalding is the Canon for Administration at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Her most recent corporate position was
as a bank Vice President in charge of a large consumer loan servicing portfolio. She has held a number of management positions in banking and " nance involving project management, audit and human resources. Prior to joining the staff at St. Paul’s, she served on the Finance Committee and Peace & Justice Committee and chaired the Nominating Committee. She is a fourth-year EfM student and past president of the local Chapter of the National Association of Church Business Administration
Greg Tuttle has worked in youth ministry for more than 15 years. His experience in the larger church includes planning, participation, and leading workshops at Episcopal Youth Events, Provincial Youth Events, and General Convention. Currently Greg is the Youth Minister with Saint David’s and chairs the Diocesan Youth Commission.
Susan Rust owns the website design and graphic communication " rm called Green Bird Media. Green Bird Media has worked with several churches in our Diocese, including St. Peter’s, Del Mar; St. Bartholomew’s, Poway; St. Paul’s Cathedral and Christ Church, Coronado. Green Bird Media aims to help nonpro" ts use web-based communication tools to grow their congregations and deliver their message.
The Rev. Canon Jenny Vervynck has served as a deacon in the Diocese of San Diego for 20 years. She has served as deacon at All Saints’, Vista, St. Anne’s, Oceanside, and St. Bartholomew’s, Poway, and on the Bishop’s staff for 13 years working with clergy and congregations in the calling of new clergy, leadership development, congregational planning and development, Christian education and outreach ministry.
Susan Ward is a member of Christ Church and also attends St. Paul’s Cathedral. She is one of the authors of Listening Hearts, Discerning Call in Community and has been on the Board of Trustees of Listening Hearts Ministries for several years. She currently works with the Listening Hearts Ministry at the Cathedral offering discernment to those who are wrestling with challenges in their lives and seeking God’s guidance.