ELCA Youth Ministry Network and ELCA Youth Gathering present "The Practice Discipleship Project" ELCA Youth Ministry Training. Webinar 1: Dr. Jeremy Myers; "Lutheran Theology - How God Works in the World."
PD2 Webinar Walking Together in SolidarityTBuegler
This document provides information about an upcoming webinar on practicing discipleship. It introduces Dawn Trautman, a Lutheran life coach, who will be presenting on "Faith Formation in a Missional Age". It then introduces Rozella White, the program director of Young Adult Ministry for the ELCA, who will be presenting on "Walking Together in Solidarity: A Theology of Accompaniment". Her presentation will explore what a theology of accompaniment is, how it can inform faith formation, and skills for cultivating it with young people. The document concludes by providing information on accessing a recording of the webinar and details of upcoming related events.
The document discusses how organizations can leverage networks and social media to improve performance. It notes that knowledge is growing rapidly and organizations need to change internally at the same or greater rate to keep up. It recommends that organizations develop internal and external networks, leverage social media, cultivate an open knowledge sharing culture, and develop employees' network leadership skills to innovate, attract talent, and adapt to changing conditions.
Starting as we mean to go on: Technology-rich Inquiry Based Learning in the f...Sheila Webber
Presented by Phiippa Levy and Sheila Webber (Information School, University of Sheffield) on 24th November 2010 at the Web 2.0 Untangled conference: http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/special-interest-groups/ucr/divisions/bbo/pages/events.aspx
Teigland, Di Gangi, Yetis - Open Innovation ConferenceRobin Teigland
This document summarizes research on private-collective communities. The researchers analyzed data from an open-source software community to answer two questions: 1) Who are the stakeholders and what resources do they contribute? 2) How is the community structured? The analysis found diverse stakeholders contribute different resources over time. Entrepreneurs coordinate members and manage conflict. The community structure centers around influential individuals who bridge groups. The researchers propose "open entrepreneurship" and future work on sustaining communities through dynamic capabilities.
Presentation on the future of mobile apps and advertising from the SXSW 2010 panel "Is App-vertising The Answer" with Tristan Walker (Foursquare), Allison Mooney (MobileBehavior), Jake Marsh (Big In Japan/ShopSavvy), Sean Gilligan (Flurry) and Garrick Schmitt (Razorfish).
This document introduces a series of webinars on practicing discipleship from a Lutheran perspective. It announces upcoming webinars on topics like Lutheran theology, reading the Bible, and leadership. It provides principles for interpreting scripture from a Lutheran lens, focusing on law and gospel, Christ's presence, interpreting scripture in context of the overall story, the plain meaning, and different people's perspectives. It invites questions and announces future webinars and an upcoming conference for faith development training.
This document provides information about upcoming webinars and training events focused on faith leadership. Dawn Trautman is hosting a series of 7 webinars on topics like Lutheran theology and leading small groups. Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen is also hosting a webinar on having faith conversations. The webinars provide reflections, exercises and discussions to help participants strengthen their skills in sharing their faith with others. An in-person event called the ELCATRAVANZA Conference will be held in February, featuring workshops, worship and networking opportunities to support youth leadership.
PD2 Webinar Walking Together in SolidarityTBuegler
This document provides information about an upcoming webinar on practicing discipleship. It introduces Dawn Trautman, a Lutheran life coach, who will be presenting on "Faith Formation in a Missional Age". It then introduces Rozella White, the program director of Young Adult Ministry for the ELCA, who will be presenting on "Walking Together in Solidarity: A Theology of Accompaniment". Her presentation will explore what a theology of accompaniment is, how it can inform faith formation, and skills for cultivating it with young people. The document concludes by providing information on accessing a recording of the webinar and details of upcoming related events.
The document discusses how organizations can leverage networks and social media to improve performance. It notes that knowledge is growing rapidly and organizations need to change internally at the same or greater rate to keep up. It recommends that organizations develop internal and external networks, leverage social media, cultivate an open knowledge sharing culture, and develop employees' network leadership skills to innovate, attract talent, and adapt to changing conditions.
Starting as we mean to go on: Technology-rich Inquiry Based Learning in the f...Sheila Webber
Presented by Phiippa Levy and Sheila Webber (Information School, University of Sheffield) on 24th November 2010 at the Web 2.0 Untangled conference: http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/special-interest-groups/ucr/divisions/bbo/pages/events.aspx
Teigland, Di Gangi, Yetis - Open Innovation ConferenceRobin Teigland
This document summarizes research on private-collective communities. The researchers analyzed data from an open-source software community to answer two questions: 1) Who are the stakeholders and what resources do they contribute? 2) How is the community structured? The analysis found diverse stakeholders contribute different resources over time. Entrepreneurs coordinate members and manage conflict. The community structure centers around influential individuals who bridge groups. The researchers propose "open entrepreneurship" and future work on sustaining communities through dynamic capabilities.
Presentation on the future of mobile apps and advertising from the SXSW 2010 panel "Is App-vertising The Answer" with Tristan Walker (Foursquare), Allison Mooney (MobileBehavior), Jake Marsh (Big In Japan/ShopSavvy), Sean Gilligan (Flurry) and Garrick Schmitt (Razorfish).
This document introduces a series of webinars on practicing discipleship from a Lutheran perspective. It announces upcoming webinars on topics like Lutheran theology, reading the Bible, and leadership. It provides principles for interpreting scripture from a Lutheran lens, focusing on law and gospel, Christ's presence, interpreting scripture in context of the overall story, the plain meaning, and different people's perspectives. It invites questions and announces future webinars and an upcoming conference for faith development training.
This document provides information about upcoming webinars and training events focused on faith leadership. Dawn Trautman is hosting a series of 7 webinars on topics like Lutheran theology and leading small groups. Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen is also hosting a webinar on having faith conversations. The webinars provide reflections, exercises and discussions to help participants strengthen their skills in sharing their faith with others. An in-person event called the ELCATRAVANZA Conference will be held in February, featuring workshops, worship and networking opportunities to support youth leadership.
This document summarizes webinars and workshops on faith leadership hosted by Dawn Trautman and Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen. Trautman offers 7 webinars on topics like Lutheran theology and strategic planning. McLuen discusses faith conversations, with ideas like sharing one's faith story. The document provides reflections on discussing faith and excuses people give for not talking about it. It concludes by advertising McLuen's upcoming webinar on planning for the unexpected.
The document discusses fostering a sense of mission and spirituality in young people through Catholic social teaching. It explores using experiential learning models of service learning to connect youth to concepts like justice, relationship-building, and social analysis. The document provides frameworks for theological reflection on service experiences to help youth make meaning and see the presence of God in the world around them.
This document introduces Dawn Trautman and Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen, who both offer webinars on topics related to leadership, theology, and youth ministry. McLuen's webinar on "Leading a Small Group" discusses why small groups are important in youth ministry, tips for leading them effectively, and common fears of small group leaders. The webinar references a Bible passage and recommends books and resources on small group leadership. It concludes by inviting questions from participants. The document also advertises an upcoming training event with live webinars, workshops, and intensive courses on topics like youth gatherings.
Rock, Cloud & Water : Nurturing Holistic Christian ThinkingAlwyn Lau
The document discusses three different types of logic - Rock Logic, Cloud Logic, and Water Logic.
Rock Logic focuses on finding truth and exposing falsehood through criticism, argumentation, and ensuring safety. Cloud Logic aims to meet needs, foster mutual understanding, and highlight similarities through exploration and embracing ambiguity. Water Logic values innovation, generating new ideas and alternatives, and creating fresh practical solutions through provocation and messiness.
The document advocates using all three types of logic - Rock (knowing doctrine), Cloud (understanding others), and Water (breaking new ground) - to grow strong in faith, see other perspectives with love, and surge ahead respectively.
The document discusses advocacy as a Christian practice and prophetic discipleship. It provides biblical support for advocacy and justice ministry, noting several passages that guide Christians to advocate for justice and act with compassion towards others. It then gives examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for inclusion of women in leadership roles and be catalysts for change on issues impacting women. The document encourages readers to consider how they can advocate for and include people with disabilities in church community and ministry.
5 March 2011 Coventry Diocese Conference webMike Simmonds
Mike Simmonds gave a presentation to the Coventry Diocese Governors’ Conference on March 5th, 2011 about the role of church schools. The presentation discussed the history of church schools, the importance of building relationships between staff and students, and encouraging spiritual and moral development. It also addressed current issues facing church schools such as academy chains and how governors can help church schools continue their mission.
The document discusses advocacy as a Christian practice and prophetic discipleship. It provides biblical support for advocacy and justice ministry, noting several passages that guide this work. It then gives examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for inclusion of women in leadership roles in local churches and work to meet the needs of women in their communities. The document encourages readers to be intentional about including women's voices and experiences in church ministry.
The document discusses advocacy as a Christian practice and prophetic discipleship. It provides biblical support for advocacy and justice ministry, noting several passages that guide this work. It then gives examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for inclusion of women in leadership roles in local churches and work to meet the needs of women in their communities. The document encourages readers to be intentional about including women's voices and experiences in church ministry.
The document provides information about the 2013 MÂCHÉ Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair being held in Rochester, Minnesota on April 19-20, 2013. It includes details about keynote speakers Dr. Henry Morris III and Dr. John Morris from the Institute for Creation Research who will present on topics related to creation science. It also lists other featured speakers including Dianne Craft speaking on learning issues, Kay Hiramine on humanitarian work, and Julie Hiramine on parenting topics. The document provides schedules, workshop topics, vendor information and acknowledgements of those involved in planning the conference.
This document introduces a webinar series on leadership called "The Practice Discipleship Project". The webinars will focus on topics like Lutheran theology, leading small groups, and faith conversations. The current webinar, led by Dawn Trautman and Dr. Terri Elton, discusses leadership as being about both God and developing one's own discipleship through practices like prayer, Bible study, and serving others. Participants engage in interactive exercises to reflect on leadership qualities and how to nurture their relationship with God. The webinar emphasizes that leadership in ministry involves using various gifts to serve others and further God's work in the world.
John Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of claiming to do what feels right: either we agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy regardless of our opinions, or we have no coherent arguments against atrocities like Auschwitz. The document also argues that moral relativism would mean we cannot consistently call any actions wrong, could not discuss ethics publicly, and would contradict tolerance by criticizing others' morality. It connects theology and ethics by saying theology reveals life's purpose and ethics guides how to attain it.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which focuses on leadership development for faith formation. It provides an agenda for a webinar on "Framing the Vision: Seeing Things New" with guest speaker Dr. Mindy Makant. The webinar will discuss different models of ministry with children, youth, and families and how to evaluate ministry approaches. It also advertises upcoming related events and provides contact information for the Practice Discipleship website and social media.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which provides leadership development and faith formation resources. It outlines six discussion topics on "framing" various aspects of life from a biblical perspective, including life, youth, failure, community, and vision. The first topic, "Framing Life Biblically," is then explored in more detail, discussing how God is "with us" based on biblical stories. Participants are invited to share their own stories and reflect on how God has been with them on their journey. The document advertises upcoming related webinars and conversations.
This document introduces several webinars on Lutheran theology and youth leadership from Dawn Trautman and Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen. McLuen's webinar on "Planning for the Unexpected" discusses how to handle surprises in youth ministry through preparation, focusing on safety and relationships, trusting God, and having a lighthearted leader. The document provides an overview of McLuen's presentation topics and promotes additional training opportunities.
This document provides an overview of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a method for organizational change that focuses on identifying an organization's strengths and potentials rather than its problems. The summary includes:
1) AI is a positive approach that involves appreciating an organization's strengths, envisioning positive potential, designing the ideal organization, and empowering people to improve.
2) The AI process involves four stages - Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny - and is guided by principles like constructionism and positivity.
3) The document discusses AI interview techniques and "miracle questions" to envision positive potential and guide change.
Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of determining right and wrong based on feelings: 1) we must agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy, whether we admit it or not, or 2) we have no coherent arguments to claim that atrocities like Auschwitz were wrong. If morality is truly relative, we could not consistently call any actions wrong or make ethical judgments as a group. Theology and ethics are connected, with theology describing life's purpose and ethics prescribing how to live to attain that purpose, as defined by God and exemplified by Jesus Christ. Catholic Christian ethics is informed by Scripture, natural law, tradition, and experience, with the Church hierarchy serving as
This document provides an overview and introduction to a DiscipleMakers class aimed at teaching participants how to use God's word to lead seekers to saving faith in Jesus Christ. The class will cover topics like conversion, memory scriptures, sin, the cross, grace, repentance, and salvation doctrines. It emphasizes the importance of asking purposeful questions to guide Bible study with seekers, get to the heart of issues, and empower seekers to critically engage with scripture on their own.
2016 4th Quarter - Sabbath School Bible Study GuidePaulo Rabello
The document provides an outline for a 14-part Sabbath School Bible Study Guide on the book of Job. It lists the weekly lessons from September 24 to December 30, with each lesson focusing on a different chapter or theme within the book. It also lists the editorial office location and credits the contributors and editors involved in writing the Teachers Edition components.
Why People Leave the LDS ( Mormon ) Church, and How We Can Helpmormonstories
- Thousands of devout and lifelong members leave the LDS Church each year, including descendants of prominent church leaders and returned missionaries.
- For some who leave, it is due to sins or weakness, but for others the reasons are more complex and assumptions that they left for simple reasons can be insulting.
- Some experience a "seminal event" that leads them to discover inconsistencies between what they were taught about church history and doctrine and what is indicated by facts and sources outside of church-approved materials. This causes their worldview and understanding of the church to fundamentally change.
- When members leave, fear-based responses that isolate, judge, or pressure them are unhelpful; a
Given the scientifically-oriented culture within which we live and engage in God’s mission, we have an obligation to help our young people understand that what science teaches us about the universe is not only comprehensible within the context of faith, but can also nurture a healthy and faithful wonder at what it means to be part of, and stewards of, God’s creation.
We teach children the Lord’s Prayer and prayers for meals and bedtimes, and we often teach children how to pray for friends and family. We often stop there. But we are called to worship God with all of heart and soul and mind. So, in this session we will explore prayer forms that engage the senses and the imagination, opening a space for us both to dwell and to wonder in God.
This document summarizes webinars and workshops on faith leadership hosted by Dawn Trautman and Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen. Trautman offers 7 webinars on topics like Lutheran theology and strategic planning. McLuen discusses faith conversations, with ideas like sharing one's faith story. The document provides reflections on discussing faith and excuses people give for not talking about it. It concludes by advertising McLuen's upcoming webinar on planning for the unexpected.
The document discusses fostering a sense of mission and spirituality in young people through Catholic social teaching. It explores using experiential learning models of service learning to connect youth to concepts like justice, relationship-building, and social analysis. The document provides frameworks for theological reflection on service experiences to help youth make meaning and see the presence of God in the world around them.
This document introduces Dawn Trautman and Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen, who both offer webinars on topics related to leadership, theology, and youth ministry. McLuen's webinar on "Leading a Small Group" discusses why small groups are important in youth ministry, tips for leading them effectively, and common fears of small group leaders. The webinar references a Bible passage and recommends books and resources on small group leadership. It concludes by inviting questions from participants. The document also advertises an upcoming training event with live webinars, workshops, and intensive courses on topics like youth gatherings.
Rock, Cloud & Water : Nurturing Holistic Christian ThinkingAlwyn Lau
The document discusses three different types of logic - Rock Logic, Cloud Logic, and Water Logic.
Rock Logic focuses on finding truth and exposing falsehood through criticism, argumentation, and ensuring safety. Cloud Logic aims to meet needs, foster mutual understanding, and highlight similarities through exploration and embracing ambiguity. Water Logic values innovation, generating new ideas and alternatives, and creating fresh practical solutions through provocation and messiness.
The document advocates using all three types of logic - Rock (knowing doctrine), Cloud (understanding others), and Water (breaking new ground) - to grow strong in faith, see other perspectives with love, and surge ahead respectively.
The document discusses advocacy as a Christian practice and prophetic discipleship. It provides biblical support for advocacy and justice ministry, noting several passages that guide Christians to advocate for justice and act with compassion towards others. It then gives examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for inclusion of women in leadership roles and be catalysts for change on issues impacting women. The document encourages readers to consider how they can advocate for and include people with disabilities in church community and ministry.
5 March 2011 Coventry Diocese Conference webMike Simmonds
Mike Simmonds gave a presentation to the Coventry Diocese Governors’ Conference on March 5th, 2011 about the role of church schools. The presentation discussed the history of church schools, the importance of building relationships between staff and students, and encouraging spiritual and moral development. It also addressed current issues facing church schools such as academy chains and how governors can help church schools continue their mission.
The document discusses advocacy as a Christian practice and prophetic discipleship. It provides biblical support for advocacy and justice ministry, noting several passages that guide this work. It then gives examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for inclusion of women in leadership roles in local churches and work to meet the needs of women in their communities. The document encourages readers to be intentional about including women's voices and experiences in church ministry.
The document discusses advocacy as a Christian practice and prophetic discipleship. It provides biblical support for advocacy and justice ministry, noting several passages that guide this work. It then gives examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for inclusion of women in leadership roles in local churches and work to meet the needs of women in their communities. The document encourages readers to be intentional about including women's voices and experiences in church ministry.
The document provides information about the 2013 MÂCHÉ Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair being held in Rochester, Minnesota on April 19-20, 2013. It includes details about keynote speakers Dr. Henry Morris III and Dr. John Morris from the Institute for Creation Research who will present on topics related to creation science. It also lists other featured speakers including Dianne Craft speaking on learning issues, Kay Hiramine on humanitarian work, and Julie Hiramine on parenting topics. The document provides schedules, workshop topics, vendor information and acknowledgements of those involved in planning the conference.
This document introduces a webinar series on leadership called "The Practice Discipleship Project". The webinars will focus on topics like Lutheran theology, leading small groups, and faith conversations. The current webinar, led by Dawn Trautman and Dr. Terri Elton, discusses leadership as being about both God and developing one's own discipleship through practices like prayer, Bible study, and serving others. Participants engage in interactive exercises to reflect on leadership qualities and how to nurture their relationship with God. The webinar emphasizes that leadership in ministry involves using various gifts to serve others and further God's work in the world.
John Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of claiming to do what feels right: either we agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy regardless of our opinions, or we have no coherent arguments against atrocities like Auschwitz. The document also argues that moral relativism would mean we cannot consistently call any actions wrong, could not discuss ethics publicly, and would contradict tolerance by criticizing others' morality. It connects theology and ethics by saying theology reveals life's purpose and ethics guides how to attain it.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which focuses on leadership development for faith formation. It provides an agenda for a webinar on "Framing the Vision: Seeing Things New" with guest speaker Dr. Mindy Makant. The webinar will discuss different models of ministry with children, youth, and families and how to evaluate ministry approaches. It also advertises upcoming related events and provides contact information for the Practice Discipleship website and social media.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which provides leadership development and faith formation resources. It outlines six discussion topics on "framing" various aspects of life from a biblical perspective, including life, youth, failure, community, and vision. The first topic, "Framing Life Biblically," is then explored in more detail, discussing how God is "with us" based on biblical stories. Participants are invited to share their own stories and reflect on how God has been with them on their journey. The document advertises upcoming related webinars and conversations.
This document introduces several webinars on Lutheran theology and youth leadership from Dawn Trautman and Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen. McLuen's webinar on "Planning for the Unexpected" discusses how to handle surprises in youth ministry through preparation, focusing on safety and relationships, trusting God, and having a lighthearted leader. The document provides an overview of McLuen's presentation topics and promotes additional training opportunities.
This document provides an overview of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a method for organizational change that focuses on identifying an organization's strengths and potentials rather than its problems. The summary includes:
1) AI is a positive approach that involves appreciating an organization's strengths, envisioning positive potential, designing the ideal organization, and empowering people to improve.
2) The AI process involves four stages - Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny - and is guided by principles like constructionism and positivity.
3) The document discusses AI interview techniques and "miracle questions" to envision positive potential and guide change.
Dwyer argues that there are only two ways to resolve the ambiguities of determining right and wrong based on feelings: 1) we must agree that some actions are inherently worthy or unworthy, whether we admit it or not, or 2) we have no coherent arguments to claim that atrocities like Auschwitz were wrong. If morality is truly relative, we could not consistently call any actions wrong or make ethical judgments as a group. Theology and ethics are connected, with theology describing life's purpose and ethics prescribing how to live to attain that purpose, as defined by God and exemplified by Jesus Christ. Catholic Christian ethics is informed by Scripture, natural law, tradition, and experience, with the Church hierarchy serving as
This document provides an overview and introduction to a DiscipleMakers class aimed at teaching participants how to use God's word to lead seekers to saving faith in Jesus Christ. The class will cover topics like conversion, memory scriptures, sin, the cross, grace, repentance, and salvation doctrines. It emphasizes the importance of asking purposeful questions to guide Bible study with seekers, get to the heart of issues, and empower seekers to critically engage with scripture on their own.
2016 4th Quarter - Sabbath School Bible Study GuidePaulo Rabello
The document provides an outline for a 14-part Sabbath School Bible Study Guide on the book of Job. It lists the weekly lessons from September 24 to December 30, with each lesson focusing on a different chapter or theme within the book. It also lists the editorial office location and credits the contributors and editors involved in writing the Teachers Edition components.
Why People Leave the LDS ( Mormon ) Church, and How We Can Helpmormonstories
- Thousands of devout and lifelong members leave the LDS Church each year, including descendants of prominent church leaders and returned missionaries.
- For some who leave, it is due to sins or weakness, but for others the reasons are more complex and assumptions that they left for simple reasons can be insulting.
- Some experience a "seminal event" that leads them to discover inconsistencies between what they were taught about church history and doctrine and what is indicated by facts and sources outside of church-approved materials. This causes their worldview and understanding of the church to fundamentally change.
- When members leave, fear-based responses that isolate, judge, or pressure them are unhelpful; a
Given the scientifically-oriented culture within which we live and engage in God’s mission, we have an obligation to help our young people understand that what science teaches us about the universe is not only comprehensible within the context of faith, but can also nurture a healthy and faithful wonder at what it means to be part of, and stewards of, God’s creation.
We teach children the Lord’s Prayer and prayers for meals and bedtimes, and we often teach children how to pray for friends and family. We often stop there. But we are called to worship God with all of heart and soul and mind. So, in this session we will explore prayer forms that engage the senses and the imagination, opening a space for us both to dwell and to wonder in God.
Confirmation is a ministry with a long history, yet what is the place of confirmation today? Wondering about Confirmation will suggest ways confirmation can continue to be an adaptive and vital congregation ministry in the 21st century.
One of the most important things we can do for the children, youth and families we serve is to help them think theologically. Thinking theologically is not the memorization and regurgitation of dogma or doctrine. Rather, it is the active and fluid reflection on God's current and ongoing activity in our lives and communities. It is not reserved for only pastors or adults, it is for all of us. This workshop will help you discover ways to help children, youth and families wonder together about God and reflect on God's redemptive action in our world.
PD 2016 Wondering through service learningTBuegler
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which focuses on leadership development and faith formation through wondering. It provides information on upcoming webinars on topics like service learning and wondering with children and youth. Contact information is given to follow the initiative on social media and sign up for webinars on their website.
Wondering about the church in a time of cultural shift. We were born for this. This is our watch as leaders and we want more than survival for our congregations and especially for the children, youth, and families we serve. This session will focus on developing the courage and faith necessary to become to leaders we are called to be.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, a leadership development program focused on faith formation. It provides an overview of topics covered like wondering creatively, wondering about the church, and wondering through service learning. Resources mentioned include downloading webinars, curriculum, videos and finding local events from their website or mobile network. The next webinar is introduced for March 10th with Peggy Hahn on wondering about the church.
How can the historical church - ekklesia -translate to who we are called to be as church today? Stories of Jesus and the early “church” show us how we can be a true community of faith, across racial, socioeconomic and other boundaries that so frequently divide us. Engage in interactive conversation and activities that explore what it means to be a faith community today.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which uses a four-step process of preparation, action, reflection, and celebration to provide leadership development through faith formation and service learning. It outlines the four steps of the process and provides examples of how to design service experiences that listen to, embrace, and share the stories of communities. The next webinar in the series will focus on the topic of "Story of Faith Community."
Making room to hear others’ stories is an act of hospitality in which Christ is present. Listening to such stories helps us see beyond what is to what can/could/might be, opening imaginative possibilities and realities beyond the immediately visible and self-evident. Ultimately, our relationships with others can then inform and shape our own story.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative which uses stories to promote faith formation and leadership development. It outlines a series of sessions on "The Story of Adolescence" to be led by Dr. Dawn Rundman. The session will examine adolescent demographics in the country, community, church and congregation. It provides census data and discusses features of youth contexts. The remainder explores challenges faced by youth, faith formation interviews, and ways faith stories can build understanding.
PD 2015 Webinar "Story of place and displacement"TBuegler
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which focuses on leadership development and faith formation. It provides an agenda for an event on April 7, 2015 that will feature Dawn Trautman and Carol Jacobson presenting on "Story of Place and Displacement". The document outlines the session, which will involve examining the Parable of the Prodigal Son from different cultural contexts and discussing how the story might be told today. It encourages participants to consider their own ministry contexts and communities.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which focuses on leadership development and faith formation. It provides an agenda for the event, including introductions of the speakers Dawn Trautman and Dr. Julia Lambert Fogg. Fogg will discuss the "Story of Scripture." The document draws parallels between the stories of Moses, Jesus, and modern migrants, emphasizing God's call to cross borders and follow Him. It promotes the Practice Discipleship website and social media platforms, and announces upcoming related events.
This document introduces the Practice Discipleship Initiative, which focuses on leadership development through faith formation. It summarizes a webinar on "Living in Stories" that discusses viewing one's life as a story and finding hope through God's plan despite exile. The webinar examines the story of Jeremiah 29:11 and encourages participants to seek peace in their communities through investing in the future with neighbors.
This document outlines an agenda for a workshop discussing the role of the church and exploring what a faith community based on the historical "ekklesia" or church community could look like. It includes learning objectives, video interviews, bible readings from Acts, a community building activity, and discussions about barriers and ways to enact visions of this kind of faith community. The overall goal is to have participants thoughtfully consider if their current church model is fulfilling its purpose and to provide tools to create a faith community focused on connection, sharing of resources, and service to others.
This document discusses the biblical stories of Jesus and Moses as examples of crossing borders to escape oppression. It notes how Joseph, Mary and Jesus fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill children, drawing parallels to the story of Moses and the Egyptian Pharaoh's decree. The document also references the large number of unaccompanied Central American minors apprehended at the US border and calls Christians to have the humble, servant-like mind of Christ in how we treat migrants.
This document outlines a session on service learning and designing meaningful service experiences. It introduces service learning as an intentional four-step process of preparation, action, reflection, and celebration. The document discusses getting community members involved, listening to others' stories, examining one's own assumptions, and reflecting on experiences in relation to Scripture. Participants are encouraged to use what they've learned to plan a service project using a provided planning guide.
This document discusses adolescent demographics and issues facing youth and ministry. It provides statistics on the adolescent population in the US, noting that adolescents make up 13.6% of the population. For the ELCA, 4% of members are between ages 15-19. The document then examines demographic features of youth in local communities and contexts. It also explores deeper issues facing adolescents like mental health, puberty, and being "digital natives". Finally, it discusses different types of youth in congregations based on their engagement with and understanding of the Bible.
The document discusses contextualizing the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It describes an experiment where students from different contexts (American, Russian, Tanzanian) gave different reasons for why the young man was hungry in the parable. The document argues that Jesus told the parable to show how God's kingdom welcomes all people, unlike societies that do not show hospitality to strangers. It prompts readers to consider how Jesus may change details of the parable if telling it in their own context today.
The pervasiveness of Lying in today's World.pptxniwres
In our interconnected world, lies weave through the fabric of society like hidden threads. We encounter them in politics, media, personal relationships, and even within ourselves. The prevalence of deception raises profound questions about truth, trust, and the human condition.
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
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This book is one of the best of the translated ones, for it has a warning character for all those who find themselves in the experience of material life. Irmão X provides a shrewd way of describing the subtleties and weaknesses that can jeopardize our intentions, making us more attentive and vigilant by providing us with his wise pages, reminding us between the lines of the Master's words: "Pray and watch."
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Esta lição é uma oportunidade para discutirmos um assunto multo mal interpretado no contexto cristão, que é o fato de algumas pessoas pensarem que o conhecer Jesus é ter a nossa vida mudada em todas as áreas, como se Deus tivesse o dever de transportar-nos deste mundo para um outro mundo onde muitas coisas maravilhosas que desejamos seriam reais. No entanto, a nossa fé não nos tira do mundo após nos convertermos; ao invés disso, permanecemos vivendo sob as mesmas circunstâncias. O propósito de Deus não é nos tirar do mundo, mas nos livrar das ações do maligno (Jo 17.15), Sendo assim, a vida eterna não significa estar fora da realidade deste mundo, mas conhecer o único Deus verdadeiro (Jo 17.3).
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
Introduction
Mantra Yoga is an exact science. "Mananat trayate iti mantrah- by the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the round of births and deaths, is Mantra." That is called Mantra by the meditation (Manana) on which the Jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full the fourfold fruit (Chaturvarga), i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. A Mantra is so called because it is achieved by the mental process.
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
Unleash your spiritual growth journey as a truth-seeker!
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
Tracking "The Blessing" - Christianity · Spiritual Growth · Success
Do you ever feel like your Bible highlighting isn't quite enough to ignite lasting spiritual growth? Have you struggled to retain key takeaways from your Bible study sessions?
Discover how living in 4D can transform your highlighting into a strategic tool for spiritual development.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
In this video, you'll gain insights on:
How highlighting key verses and themes can enhance memory and retention of Scripture (we see a few key ones, here!)
Studies have shown that highlighting can significantly improve information recall. Highlighting key points visually reinforces them in your mind, leading to better long-term memory.
How to personalize your Bible study through strategic highlighting. Don't just highlight everything!
This video will teach you how to strategically highlight based on what resonates with you, focusing on central themes, recurring ideas, or connections between different passages.
Watch More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
How connecting highlighted passages can reveal deeper biblical truths. By highlighting these connections, you can see the bigger picture and uncover the underlying messages within Scripture.
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped to unlock the hidden potential within your highlighted Bible and embark on a transformative spiritual growth journey! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring content on deepening your faith.
Note: For Christians seeking to enrich their Bible study and deepen their faith, as well as any other spiritual seeker of truth and growth.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
The Book of Revelation, filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, presents one of its most striking visions in Revelation 9:3-12—the locust army. Understanding the significance of this locust army provides insight into the broader themes of divine judgment, protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s will as depicted in Revelation.
Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
4. 7 Webinars “Lutheran Theology: How God Works in the World” “Lutheran Theology: How We Read the Bible” “Your Role as Leader” “Strategic Planning” “Leading a Small Group” “Faith Conversations” “Planning for the Unexpected”
5. Introducing… Dr. Jeremy Myers Augsburg College Augsburg.edu Lutheran Theology: God at work in the World
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11. Theology happens when . . . we attempt to try to understand and articulate who God is and what God is doing in our world. we wonder about God. we make claims about God or ask questions about God. you are speaking about God. Theology = “God-talk”
12. What is Theology? that ongoing activity of the whole church that aims at clarifying what ‘gospel’ must mean here and now. . . The good news is good because it challenges and displaces bad news. (Douglas John Hall, “What is Theology?”)
13. Primary Concepts in Lutheran Theology Justification Two Kingdoms Simultaneously Sinner and Saint Law and Gospel Means of Grace Vocation
28. God Justification Spiritual Saint Gospel Cared for by God Responsible for their neighbor Stewards of Creation Means of Grace You Other Vocation Physical Sinner Law
32. Our call . . . Help them see, hear and experience God’s love for them through Word and Sacrament and the Common Consolation of the Saints. Help them see, hear and experience God’s call to them to be responsible for their neighbor and a steward of creation.
33. Thoughts…Questions…Reflections… Dr. Jeremy Myers Dawn Trautman Please type your questions or comments into the question box on your screen. We’ll try to get to as many of them as we can.
34. Next…October 2, 2011 Dr. Jeremy Myers Augsburg College Augsburg.edu Lutheran Theology: How We Read the Bible elcaymnet.org/ELCATrainingOverview
40. Plus all the regular great stuff that happens at an “E”Intensive Care Courses: Feb 8-9 Main Event: Feb 9-12 Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans elcaymnet.org/extravaganza
42. Next 3rdTuesday Conversation Guest: Karen Stevenson September 20, 2011 1pm Central Time elcaymnet.org/3tc Talking with Young People About Sexuality
43. Next…October 2, 2011 Dr. Jeremy Myers Augsburg College Augsburg.edu Lutheran Theology: How We Read the Bible elcaymnet.org/ELCATrainingOverview
I’m guessing many of you think theology only happens here – in rare, old books that were written by really smart people and are pretty hard to understand.
Or here, in sermons preached by pastors with years of expensive and tedious training. Its true, theology does happen in these places.
But theology also happens here . . .
and here, . . .
and here.
Theology is not only done by professors or pastors, it is done by all of God’s people whenever we attempt to try to understand and articulate who God is and what God is doing in our world. Theology happens whenever God’s people wonder about God, whenever we make claims about God or ask questions about God. Theology happens whenever you are speaking about God. That is what the word theology means – “God talk”.
Douglas John Hall defines theology as . . . (read quote) . . . I really like this definition because it brings theology into our contexts, it gives the responsibility to do theology to the entire community, and demands that it be timely and practical. In order for us to proclaim the good news, we have to know and understand the bad news.
Lutheran’s have a particular theology that helps us proclaim Good News and displace Bad News. I want to give you a quick introduction to this perspective by covering some of the primary concepts within Lutheran theology. These include Justification, Two Kingdoms, Simultaneously Sinner and Saint, Law and Gospel, Means of Grace, and Vocation.
And here is where we start. We are created in the image of God. This is the image of a relationship - The Trinity. So, at the center of God you will find a relationship. We were created in this relational image. We were created for relationship – to love God and to love others, and by others I mean other people but I also mean trees and rivers and air. We express our love for God through faith, and we express our love for others through good works.
Sin distorts these relationships making it difficult for us have faith or to love. Sin is our unwillingness to love God or others - both other people and the rest of God’s creation. This is an unwillingness that we all struggle with daily.So, this is the problem that must be dealt with and the whole of Lutheran theology hangs on its solution. The word we use to name the solution is justification. Justification means that it is Christ who restores these relationships. Christ is the one who brings us back into a relationship with God. There is nothing we can do to mend these relationships. It is God, in Christ, who does the mending for us. Again, it is God in Christ who does the mending for us. This is good news because we all know how screwed up we are and how impossible it is to be perfect enough to deserve God’s love. Justification is good news! Okay. So if God fixes all of this for us, then there is nothing else we need to worry about, right? So what now? If Justification is a free gift and there is nothing we can do to earn it, then does it even matter how we live our lives? Does it matter if I swear a lot? Does it matter if I never go to church? Does it matter if I recycle or give to the poor? Does it matter if I work for justice?
These are HUGE questions that our youth are asking and the way we answer them matters. This is why I love Lutheran theology – because it handles these things in a paradoxical or dialectic way that I think is pretty honest about the human condition. See, you and I are always living life in tension between two simultaneous realities, or what Luther referred to as “Two Kingdoms” – the spiritual and the physical . . . We experience life relationally. We are constantly in a relationship with God and with others. These relationships, between you and God and you and others, are different types of relationships and cause us to think about our lives as both a physical reality and a spiritual reality. But these realities are experienced simultaneously. It is dangerous to think that our spiritualness can help us escape our physicalness or vice versa. We can help our youth by helping them think about life theologically, as something that is simultaneously spiritual and physical and that God cares about both of these dimensions (or kingdoms) of our lives.
"We experience life in these two kingdoms as both sinner and saint – at the same time. I’m sure we don’t need to think long and hard for examples of how we experience both of these on a daily basis. The truth is, we never become more saint or less sinner. We are always both."
Some of the youth I use to work with talked about their “Sunday Night Me” and their “Monday Morning Me”. They liked their “Sunday Night Me” who was very accepting of everyone else, patient, peaceful, and full of faith in God. But they really didn’t like their “Monday Morning Me” who was judgmental, impatient, anxious and had a hard time trusting in God. Or maybe your youth return home from camp or a mission trip feeling very “holy” or “saintly” only to become irritated that the feeling doesn’t last. We can help our youth by helping them understand themselves theologically – as always both saint and sinner, as always both “Sunday Night Me” and “Monday Morning Me”. The sinner doesn’t disappear while you’re at camp and the saint doesn’t fade away after you return.
We are always living life in the spiritual and physical kingdoms as simultaneously sinner and saint. This means God must be at work in both kingdoms in order to ensure the future of our relationships. God does this through the Law and Gospel. God’s Law does two things. It tells us what we should do and points out the fact that we don’t always do it.
The Law is not a bad thing. For those of you who live where it snows, this example might help. Think of the lines in a parking lot. They show us where to park and they point out how badly we miss the mark sometimes. These lines are valuable.
When it snows, and those lines are covered, it is almost impossible for people to park their cars appropriately, right? This is how God’s Law works. It provides us an appropriate way to live with one another. With out it, our lives become a mess – like the church parking lot after a snowfall.
The Gospel, or God’s good news, doesn’t tell us what we should do or what we’ve failed to do. Rather, it tells us clearly what God has done. Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again! So, in this physical reality, God has desires and expectations for us. Expectations that we, as sinners, often resist. God’s law reminds us of these expectations so that we will continue to work for the good of others. But God does not expect us to do good works for the sake of our relationship with God in the spiritual reality. There the gospel reminds us that Christ has redeemed us and has made us saints by bringing us back into a relationship with God. Again, the two kingdoms, the sinner and the saint, the law and the gospel are not diametrically opposed to one another. These are all ways we describe how God works in our world. They work together for God’s purposes.
Two more “Lutheran” terms will help us understand how this happens. The Means of Grace are the ways in which God’s grace comes to us on a regular basis and mends the relationship between God and us. We talk about this happening in three ways: the word, the sacraments and the mutual conversation and consolation of the saints. First, the Word. God’s grace enters our lives whenever God’s word is revealed to us – in sermons, in hymns and maybe even in pop culture? Second, the Sacraments. God’s grace enters our lives when God’s promises of forgiveness are joined with the physical stuff of this world – bread, wine, and water – for the sake of reconciliation. Lastly, Conversation and Consolation. God’s grace enters our lives whenever we find ourselves truly hearing or being heard by our brothers and sisters. This might happen in church and worship, but it also happens on van rides to retreats and in coffee shops. The Means of Grace are ways we experience Christ’s presence and activity in our lives. They are the ways in which our faith in God is restored and strengthened.
Vocation is another way we experience the weaving together of our two realities. Vocation is our call from God to serve our neighbor; it mends the relationship between you and the other. In a sense, it changes our understanding of the Law so that we serve our neighbor, and creation, not due to force and guilt but out of freedom and love. God’s grace comes to us through the gospel making us “saints”. But we still also live as sinners in need of God’s guidance and call. God calls us to serve our neighbor for our neighbor’s sake – not for God’s sake. If we serve our neighbor in order to praise God, then we’ve turned our neighbor into an object or tool that we use to make God happy. God doesn’t want our good works; God wants our faith. But God also knows that our neighbor is in desperate need of our good works.
This diagram that we’ve created can be thought of as a simplified expression of justification – or how a relational God is at work in the world for the sake of restoring the relationships between you and God and between you and others.
In some research I conducted a few years ago, I found three ways in which our youth talk about how God is at work in their world. I asked them to describe a time when they thought God was particularly present and active in their lives. Overwhelmingly, I heard these youth tell stories about times when they experienced being cared for by God through others or in moments of solitude, about times of experiencing a deeper sense of responsibility for their neighbor and times of realizing that they were stewards of creation. Here are just a few examples of the many stories I heard.
One student talked about seeing the Milky Way for the first time. She lives in the city and never sees the starts. She took a trip to the mountains and saw the Milky Way for the fist time in her life and felt really, really small – and this made her feel really, really good. She knew – maybe for the first time ever – how significant she was to God who had created this vast cosmos and still cares about her.
Another student talked about volunteering at a homeless shelter. He had spent most of our time together telling me how no one understood him or cared for him. He volunteered at the homeless shelter and had his stereotypes of homeless people shattered. And he said, “You know what the best thing was? They liked me. They really liked me! And they wanted me to come back.” He had experienced God at working in the act of connecting deeply with another persons common humanity and need to belong.
Another student talked about sitting on her rooftop above the Puget Sound and how the smell of the trees and the water seemed to call out to her to be their advocate. It was almost as if she was becoming aware of their suffering through all of her senses – and she interpreted as God calling her into a life of service to creation.
Our call is to help our youth see, hear and experience God’s love for them through Word and Sacrament and the Common Consolation of the Saints. AND to help our youth hear God calling them to be responsible for their neighbors and stewards of creation. God works in both of these ways – freeing us through the Gospel and calling us to serve our world – not for God’s sake, but for our neighbor’s sake.