1. Keynote:
part 1
Wrap-up:
Part 2
Gym
Where do youth and adults go to learn healthy money habits? Nathan Dungan
In a world awash with consumer messages, it’s essential to help individuals and families develop healthy money
habits that honor both their values and their faith journey. Nathan Dungan, nationally recognized personal
finance expert, will train congregational leaders to be relevant and responsive in the current economic
environment. Discover how to proactively engage, educate, and equip individuals and families in the role
money plays in their lives – both practically and spiritually. Learn strategies to invite the broader community
into learning opportunities about money and values. Gain insight on new ways to communicate about money,
values, and their faith journey throughout the year. Learn how to leverage the learning event and implement
the Share Save Spend process, tools, and resources.
Workshops - session a: 11:15am-12:15pm • session b: 1:15pm-2:15pm
Session Room Workshop
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The Money Journey of Millennials and Gen X Nathan Dungan The money habits and values
of both the millennials (ages 18-34) and Gen X (ages 35-48) have been influenced by the consumer culture in
ways that are almost beyond comprehension. In fact, no other generation has experienced, since birth, the
nonstop barrage of marketing messages like these two generations. In this interactive learning experience
Nathan will shed light on how the consumer culture is shaping their money narrative and impacting their
financial wellbeing. As with every challenging situation, there are also opportunities. Nathan will offer practical
and actionable ideas for congregations to engage, educate, and equip Millennials and Xers for a lifetime of
financial health and success.
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How to Develop a Relevant and Strategic Stewardship Roadmap Nathan Dungan
Too often, a congregations primary stewardship efforts are focused on one or two months every autumn. While
this may serve the congregations needs as they plan and prepare for the next budget cycle, it often falls short
in helping individuals and families attend to financial issues and challenges that are present throughout the
year. In this breakout, Nathan will offer insights and suggestions to assist your congregation in developing
a year-round stewardship roadmap - a critical element to develop a more intentional and meaningful
stewardship experience.
1
Northern Illinois Synod
2014 Congregational Resourcing Event
Money, Meaning, and Faith:
Financial Leadership in Communities of Faith
with keynote speaker, Nathan Dungan
founder and president of ShareSaveSpend.com
8:30–9:10 am.......Registration & coffee
9:15–10:00 am.....Welcome/Worship
10:00–10:45 am...Keynote Presentation
11:15-12:15 pm....Workshop Session a
12:15–1:00 pm.....Lunch
1:15–2:15 pm.......Workshop Session b
2:30–3:30 pm.......Wrap-up Presentation

2. Administration/Council/Treasurers
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1 Bishop’s Workshop for Congregational Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Secretaries Bishop Gary
Wollersheim, Mr. Bill Bartlett, and Rev. Mark Luepke Congregational leaders meet with Bishop Wollersheim,
Synod Vice President Bartlett, and Synod Secretary Luepke to discuss church matters.
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2 Constitution 301 Rev. Roger Asplund John Engebretson, and Denise Norman Many amendments were made to
the “Model Constitution for Congregations of the ELCA” at the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. This is a great time
for congregations to update constitutions, and this workshop will walk congregational leaders through that
process.
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3 Mysteries of the Call Process Explained Rev. Jeffrey Clements, Assistant to the Bishop A general overview of
the call process that is used in the ELCA will be presented. Time for discussion will be allowed.
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4 Treasurer’s Workshop: Part 1 June Cain, Synod Bookkeeper A review of the tasks required in your position as
a Congregational Treasurer. For most congregations 2013 will be the final year in which to claim the IRS Small
Business Health Credit. Is your congregation eligible for the 2013 tax credit?
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5 Treasurer’s Workshop: Part 2
Rev. Tom Rogers, Jr., NIS Ministry Support Committee member This workshop will be on the current Salary
Guidelines. Following the presentation, there will be an open discussion to answer questions.
Education
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6 Everyone on the Same Page Judy Washburn, Education Specialist at Augsburg Fortress Publishers This
workshop demonstrates how the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the week can be used with
curriculum resources to put everyone on the same page from worship to educational programs.
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7 Disaster Preparedness 101 Joy Medrano, Director of Volunteer and Church Engagement, LSSI Come learn
about the work of Lutheran Disaster Response in Illinois. Learn ways that you and your congregation can
prepare for disaster and how you can get involved with LDR-I.
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8 Growing in Faith through diakonia™ Denise Rode, NIS diakonia Director Learn about the NIS diakonia
program from its students, graduates, teaching pastors, and coordinators. The diakonia journey is offered at
eight locations across the NIS. Information will be shared about the two-year course of study, benefits, and
program requirements.
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9 Hands@Work Rev. Dan Schwick, Vice President of Church and Community Engagement, LSSI Come learn
what Lutheran Social Services is doing in the state and in your community. Identify ways that you and your
congregation can get involved through Advocacy, Volunteering, Church Engagement, Disaster Response, and
through a new program called Setting the Table, which is church-based community service.
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10 Teaching Jesus in a One Room (Sunday) School House Ds. Cheryl Erdmann, Assistant to the Bishop How
does a church put together a meaningful Sunday School program with 12 or fewer students? Learn how a small
congregation put together its own curriculum using resources found on the internet, adapting several models of
Sunday School for a small, multi-aged (pre-school through 5th grade) class.
Evangelism/Outreach/Hospitality
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11 Addressing the Stigma of Mental Illness Carol Wahlstrom, Mental Health Counselor This will be an
experiential workshop where each participant has the opportunity to explore their ideas about mental illness
and increase their self awareness. Ideally, this would then further a behavior change.
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12 Advancing Racial Justice Judith Roberts, Director for ELCA Racial Justice Ministries This workshop will
engage and expand participants understanding of the multiple levels of racism (internalized, interpersonal,
institutional and structural) that exist within our society. Through interactive learning, the workshop will
provide tools for leveraging outcomes that create racial equity.
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13 Building Community through Small Group Ministries Julie Lee, Director of Congregational Ministries,
Prince of Peace, Freeport Congregational life beyond the pews.... Learn how a small group ministry program can
make connections and build community within your congregation.
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14 Spreading the Gospel (No Bullhorn Required) Eric Sperstad In an interactive format, we’ll share a
variety of gospel spreading ideas--some simple, some artistic, some conversational, some creative, etc. We’ll also
include a brief update on our Questions Kids Ask About God book ministry.
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15 Theology and a Brew - God Talk at Your Local Bar Members of Bethany, Crystal Lake At Bethany, Crystal
Lake, we’ve started a “Theology on Tap” group where we meet at Duke’s Alehouse to share in conversation and
a beverage of choice. Learn how to start your own version of Theology on Tap - a ministry that will appeal to
people outside your typical Bible Study crowd.
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16 Using Real Stories for Evangelism Amy Hoening, Executive Director, Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries and
RALM reps: Rev. Rob James; Rev. Brent Dahlseng; Steve Kling; and Don Gillingham, Executive Director, Rockford
Lutheran School Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries (RALM)’s new evangelistic outreach is to share that through
the Lutheran church Christ is alive by telling real stories of Christians in action in the Rockford area. We will
assist your congregation form a team to tell stories, capture video, edit video and invite.
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3. Global/Specialized Mission Trips
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17 Bethlehem 2014: What’s Happening in Jesus’ Hometown Today! Rev. Amy Nyman and Beth Nelson
Chase, Vice President of Bright Stars of Bethlehem How are the ministries at Christmas Lutheran Church doing?
What’s the latest from Dar al-Kalima [House of the Word] College? Bright Stars of Bethlehem folks share stories
from Jesus’ hometown.
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18 Mwangaza: Teachers in Partnership to Improve Education in Tanzania Mike and Sharon Wadle, NIS
Global Mission committee members Did you know that NIS teachers have worked in partnership with teachers
in Tanzania since 1996? As two of them, Mike and Sharon will share perspectives from the past, the focus of the
present, and projections of the future. Come and see how Mwangaza Teachers’ Center, a grass roots ELCA/ELCT
NGO, is reaching Lutheran high school teachers and students in all areas of Tanzania.
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19 Reaching, Teaching, Transforming Mission Trips Tim Oloffson, Executive Director, Another Child
Foundation I will explain how, by reaching and teaching people here in the United States, we can let the Holy
Spirit do its transforming work in the mission field.
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20 YAGM? Young Adults in Global Mission
Art Milton, NIS Global Ministry chair and Kevin Rogers, former YAGM Participants tell about the ELCA Young
Adults in Global Mission program and their year working with Lutherans in another country.
Leadership
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21 Dwelling in the Word Rev. Dr. Janet Hunt, author of the blog “Dancing with the Word” Practice and adopt a
tested process for deep listening to God, one another, and your neighbor. Live into a Bible passage over time
and see how it shapes your imagination and vision for God’s mission and your church. Learn what happens to
persons and churches who practice this habit.
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22 Leadership/Spirituality Rev. Charles (Chuck) Steinke, Spiritual Director/Mentor What it means to be a leader.
Continuing to grow in our “Sacred Journey.” The connection between leadership and spirituality.
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23 Spiritual Discernment for Thriving in Change: Conversation that Listens for God Rev. Dr. Janet
Hunt, author of the blog “Dancing with the Word” Experience a tested process for deep listening to God, one
another, and your neighbor - Dwelling in the Word. Build skills for listening and conversation. Make time
and space for God to be part of your church’s life and decision-making. Learn what happens to persons and
churches who use this practice as a habit.
Social Justice
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24 A Place at the Table Rev. Gwen Sefrhans and Carol Erickson, NIS World Hunger committee member View a
portion of the documentary “A Place at the Table,” which looks at hunger in America. Learn how to use the film
to start a conversation about hunger in your community.
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25 ELCA World Hunger Nathan Berkas, Assistant for Constituent Engagement, ELCA World Hunger Program
ELCA World Hunger is a comprehensive program that addresses the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Learn more about what the ELCA is doing to fight hunger. We will also hear about some of the resources
congregations can use to learn about hunger.
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26 Foods Resource Bank: Local Involvement Working To End Hunger Globally Eric Mattson, FRB
Associate Director of Development and New Ventures and Kelsey Day, FRB Communication Staff Learn more about
Foods Resource Bank’s grass-roots community based efforts to support farmers in impoverished areas around
the world to grow more food.
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27 Lutheran Advocacy Jennifer De Leon, Director Government Relations, LSSI Advocacy is something that we are
called to do, but many of us are unsure what that exactly means. Come and learn about the work of Lutheran
Advocacy Illinois, ways to get involved, and how to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lutheran Day.
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28 Solving Hunger with the Northern IL Food Bank Mark Spurgis and Hannah Papp Learn how the
Northern IL Food Bank works to solve hunger in your community.
Spirituality/Prayer/Health & Wellness
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29 Health Care in Arusha, Tanzania NIS Global Mission committee An update on Arusha Lutheran Medical
Centre and Plaster House.
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30 Lectio Divina - Praying the Scriptures Rev. Carol Soderholm Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading) is a
traditional Benedictine practice of scripture reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion
with God and to increase knowledge of God’s Word. This workshop will introduce you to the practice of the four
steps of Lectio Divina.
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Mental Health Ministry Resources Robert Skrocki, Lay Community Minister and Mental Health First Aid
Instructor Discover resources helpful in understanding and responding to persons with mental health concerns
in local congregations. Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health 101 classes, companionship ministries,
national and local level organizations with valuable resources and models of ministry will be discussed.
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31 The Sabbatical Journey: Tips for Pastors and Congregations Rev. Tom Rogers, Jr., NIS Ministry Support
Committee member The sabbatical journey can be an amazing blessing for pastors and congregations. Learn
about sabbatical guidelines, planning, grant writing, and congregational resources.
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32 Standing in Awe Rev. Bruce Booher Awe is crucial for vibrant faith and life, but it is so often neglected
nowadays. Without awe life becomes flat and people become hollow. Together we will examine how to more
fully open our lives to the awe and wonder all around us in God’s creations.
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33 The Prayer & Music of Adoration Rev. Jim Roberts Infusing our worship, prayer life, and meetings with
transforming music and prayer of adoration. The divine glory is everywhere! What if we allowed that to carry
us into adoration in our church? What if we let it carry us more deeply into mission? Experiential.
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34 Via de Cristo for Pastors Rev. Gene Vincent and Rev. Vicki Sauter This workshop is to provide information to
pastors concerning the Living Waters Via Cristo and other Cursillo movements in the area. We will discuss the
purpose of the Via de Cristo movement, the dynamics and the flow of the weekend, and how attendance at a Via
de Cristo weekend has impacted some of the people who have gone through. We will also discuss what insight a
pastor may gain by attending a weekend and how they can get involved as a Spiritual Director in the future.
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35 Building “Community” through Community Gardens Carol Erickson, NIS World Hunger committee
member Church community gardens can be a bridge to your neighbors and families in need. Learn how to turn
part of your church lawn into a community ministry. This workshop will explore the ways that your church can
get started.
Stewardship
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36 Enhance Financial Wellness and Strengthen Ministry Andrea Arey, Regional Representative, Portico
Benefit Services; Jennifer Prinz, Gift Planner for Illinois, ELCA Foundation; and Enrique Rojas, Regional Manager,
Mission Investment Fund Find out how the products and services of Portico Benefit Services, ELCA Foundation,
and the ELCA Mission Investment Fund complement each other and, more importantly, how they benefit ELCA
rostered leaders and congregations. Learn about investment opportunities to help you meet your financial
needs and balance risk; charitable gifting options and how to provide for your spouse, family, and ministries;
and tax-efficient accumulation options to help you grow your retirement account.
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37 From Raindrops to Your Drinking Glass Della Moen, Independent Environmental Services Professional A
comprehensive explanation of how the water cycle replenishes our drinking water supply, the effects of human
activities on quality and quantity, and suggestions for protecting sources.
Technology
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38 People-Wrangling Made Easy with the Internet Mary Brodd Learn how easy it is to take advantage of
the many free online services to organize your church volunteers and congregations.
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39 Social Media and Ministry Jan Rizzo, ELCA Associate Director for Interpretation and Editor: “Seeds for
the Parish” This workshop will walk you through techniques for using social media in your ministry. Learn
practical tools and ideas that you can use to develop a social media strategy for online communications,
evangelism, and outreach.
Women’s Ministry
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40 Women Acting Boldly Pat Msseemmaa, president, NIS Women’s Organization and board members Hear an
overview of the Women of the ELCA Organization in the Northern Illinois Synod. Information on our mission
and ministries will be shared, including on how women may act boldly on their faith through Discipleship,
Justice, and Stewardship.
Youth/Young Adult/Family Ministry
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41 Cyber-Bullying Mr. Dana Fellows, IT Educator at Whiteside Area Career Center Cyber-bullying has come into
the national spotlight again with the suicide of a young girl. What can our congregations and families do to help
stop cyber-bullying?
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42 Military/Family Support Rev. Marcia Strahl and Polly Wollersheim Discussion on congregational support of
military members and their families, including the new ELCA Prayer Book for Military.
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43 Ministry with Young Adults Kristen Glass Perez, former Director for Young Adult Ministry, ELCA Research
shows that many young adults are identifying as “less religious” or “spiritual/not religious.” However, many are
seeking connections and ways to serve that matter. Learn how relationships with youth and young adults may
be created and maintained through new forms of connectivity and new forms of serving.
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44 National Youth Gathering/Detroit, Michigan and News from the NIS-LYO Audrey Adams, Peg Miller,
Rosemary Sibley, and LYO Board Learn how to prepare for the 2015 ELCA National Youth Gathering. AND: What
has been going on with LYO in 2013 and what is coming up in 2014-2015 both locally and nationally. Receive a
packet for all events for your congregation’s youth.