{"id":1478,"date":"2021-05-14T15:32:28","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T15:32:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/?page_id=1478"},"modified":"2022-09-08T23:25:28","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T23:25:28","slug":"vibrant-church-conference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/lay-leaders\/vibrant-church-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Vibrant Church Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>The Vibrant Church Conference is for lay leaders of the Southern Ohio Synod (though rostered ministers are welcome as well!). We try to offer a diversity of topics to meet a variety of needs and match an abundance of passions!<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"child-page-indent top-pad-25 bot-pad-50\">\n<h5>We currently offer an online workshop. When you register, you will receive a pre-video early in the week before the scheduled workshop, so that when you join the workshop you will already have some background so you can join in the conversation. We value collaborative learning, so we encourage enSpirited conversation! These workshops are recorded, so that all these resources can be shared with the rest of the Synod afterwards.<\/h5>\n<p>Click on the workshop tab below to register for one or all of the upcoming SOS Vibrant Church Conference events.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019d love to hear your ideas for future workshops!<\/p>\n<p>Email our Director for Evangelical Mission, Pastor Katie Kerrigan with suggestions or questions at <a href=\"mailto:kkerrigan@southernohiosynod.org\">kkerrigan@southernohiosynod.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<ul id=\"conference-tabs\" class=\"tabs c-tabs\" data-tabs=\"\">\n<li class=\"tabs-title c-tabs-title is-active\"><a href=\"#panel2022\" aria-selected=\"true\">2022<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"tabs-title c-tabs-title\"><a href=\"#panel2021\" data-tabs-target=\"panel2021\">2021<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"tabs-title c-tabs-title\"><a href=\"#panel2020\" data-tabs-target=\"panel2020\">2020<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"tabs-content c-tabs-content\" data-tabs-content=\"conference-tabs\">\n<div id=\"panel2022\" class=\"tabs-panel c-tabs-panel is-active\"><ul class=\"accordion\" data-accordion data-multi-expand=\"true\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\"><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item \" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">February 12: Dinner Church in Your Context<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell medium-10 medium-offset-2\">\n<h2 class=\"entry-title single-title bot-pad-25\">February 12: Dinner Church in Your Context<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell medium-10 medium-offset-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-x \">\n<div class=\"cell medium-offset-2 medium-10 top-pad-25\">\n<p>\u201cDinner Church.\u201d\u00a0 What is it?\u00a0 There is a lot of buzz going around about this new\u2014yet ancient\u2013concept.\u00a0 The buzz started, as many things do, on the US\u2019s two ocean coasts.\u00a0 Many of you have probably heard about St. Lydia\u2019s in Brooklyn, New York.\u00a0 There are candles, flowers, music, lots of liturgy (including the Eucharist), and wholesome food cooked by the participants and served homestyle in a reclaimed storefront.\u00a0\u00a0 On other end of the country, Verlon Foster started a group of dinner churches that meet in larger halls.\u00a0 There are praise bands and buffets with copious amounts of food heaped in steam trays.\u00a0 Joy abounds in both types of dinner churches, but neither would necessarily work in YOUR context.<\/p>\n<p>Today, here in the Ohio, we are hearing about dinner church, brunch church, waffle church, and all sorts of variations.\u00a0 Sounds like a good idea.\u00a0 And, it sounds like an easy idea.\u00a0 After all, many of our churches already have \u201cfeeding\u201d ministries.\u00a0 It\u2019s tempting to think that \u201cwe\u2019ll just add a couple of hymns and slap in a Bible reading and some prayers, and we\u2019ve got dinner church.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Is it really that easy, though?\u00a0 If you look behind the first layer of the movement, you will find that setting up and running a dinner church takes a lot of intentional discernment and planning.\u00a0 Who do we think will come?\u00a0 Are we trying to lure people in as a steppingstone to getting them to bolster our numbers at traditional worship on Sunday mornings, or are we open to the Holy Spirit creating a wholly new thing?\u00a0 Are we going to use \u201cchurchy\u201d language that might create a barrier for those who are unfamiliar with it?\u00a0 What kind of food will we have, and who will prepare it?\u00a0 There is a lot to think about and explore.<\/p>\n<p>Join us for this class.\u00a0 We will frame up some of these questions and possible answers to help you start thinking about whether and how your community of faith can take part in the holy experiment that is dinner church.\u00a0 WARNING:\u00a0 We will even be talking about some theology.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a short video introduction! <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/phkxunsouZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dinner Church<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dinner Church Resources can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dinner-Church-Resources.pdf\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>OUR FACILITATOR<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Richard Freudenberger is currently serving in three inner-city churches in Dayton:\u00a0 Christ Lutheran Church in Old North Dayton, First Lutheran Church of Dayton, and New Hope Lutheran Church in the northwest area of the city.\u00a0 Pastoring is Richard\u2019s second career.\u00a0 Five years ago, after practicing law for thirty years in the areas of corporate, commercial, and intellectual property law, he discerned that God had a new plan for him and he entered the ELCA\u2019s program called \u201cTheological Education for Emerging Ministries.\u201d\u00a0 He pursued his seminary education through the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, California while serving in a licensed leadership role at Christ Lutheran under the permission of our Bishop.\u00a0 He was ordained during the pandemic in July 2020.\u00a0 Richard has served in many capacities in the church, including bell choir director, worship committee chair, Sunday School teacher, lawn mower, and member of the Southern Ohio Synod\u2019s Council.\u00a0 He helped found the Dayton Urban Lutheran Allies, and is a member of the synod\u2019s newly formed Cultivate team.\u00a0 When the synod\u2019s third Collaborative cohort begins in October, he will be accompanying his third church to be part of that program.\u00a0 Richard is convinced that the Holy Spirit is working new things in our church, and he is looking forward to seeing how we can join Jesus in the restoration of the world in new ways.<\/p>\n<p>Topic: Dinner Church in Your Context (SOS VCC)<br \/>\nTime: Feb 12, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)<\/p>\n<p>Join Zoom Meeting<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/j\/89082084860?pwd=dDBxTTd5WHJCRkpkbHZITjRkUnZyQT09\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/j\/89082084860?pwd=dDBxTTd5WHJCRkpkbHZITjRkUnZyQT09<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Meeting ID: 890 8208 4860<br \/>\nPasscode: 958122<\/p>\n<p>One tap mobile<br \/>\n+13126266799,,89082084860#,,,,*958122# US (Chicago)<br \/>\n+19292056099,,89082084860#,,,,*958122# US (New York)<\/p>\n<p>Dial by your location<br \/>\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)<br \/>\n+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)<br \/>\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)<br \/>\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)<br \/>\n+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)<br \/>\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)<br \/>\nMeeting ID: 890 8208 4860<br \/>\nPasscode: 958122<br \/>\nFind your local number: <a href=\"https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/u\/keyO0tLRER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/u\/keyO0tLRER<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">March 12: Lay Youth Leader Summit<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><p>Attend a Zoom panel discussion on Youth Ministry prepared by Deacon Diane Schwiger-Alexander, SOS Youth Gathering Coordinator, and Gary Pecuch, Youth Ministry Church Coach.<\/p>\n<p>You can even help us tailor the summit to your needs! Send us your questions and requests for topics: <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/ubMUrAVX5Jyeoh1p6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/forms.gle\/ubMUrAVX5Jyeoh1p6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Save the date for this great event!<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meeting Link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/j\/6081257237?pwd=UkZCODlSVnBCdUJCYXdIRXFWYzBhQT09\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/j\/6081257237?pwd=UkZCODlSVnBCdUJCYXdIRXFWYzBhQT09<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Meeting ID: 608 125 7237<br \/>\nPasscode: Together<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">May 14: the Bible, By Heart<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"gmail_quote\">\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>The Bible, by Heart: biblical storytelling as spiritual discipline<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Bible, by Heart: Biblical Storytelling as Spiritual Practice\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7ZfqXKCTcRA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"gmail_quote\">\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><i>Description<\/i><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">Our\u00a0sacred\u00a0stories are meant to be told,\u00a0<i>out loud<\/i>. Dried ink on beloved Bibles carried through the generations remind us of the power of God\u2019s words, yet sometimes keep us from remembering holy scripture\u2019s oral roots. Recovering this ancient practice equips us to bear witness to the\u00a0<i>story\u00a0<\/i>of God and God\u2019s people, not merely chapters and verses.<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">Our Bibles are full of fascinating narratives just waiting to be lifted up off the page and placed down into the midst of God\u2019s people. This workshop will address the\u00a0<b>what\u00a0<\/b>and\u00a0<b>why\u00a0<\/b>of biblical storytelling, its history in the ancient oral traditions, before diving headfirst into the\u00a0<b>how<\/b>.\u00a0We will look at a specific story during our time together, and hopefully participants will be halfway towards learning it themselves (or farther!) by the time we\u2019re done.<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\"><i>Bio<\/i><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">The Rev. Jason Chesnut has been ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 2010, and has been a certified biblical storyteller for more than a decade. He has led storytelling workshops at synod assemblies and in church basements, online and face-to-face. Jason is passionate about telling the justice-centered story of Jesus, and in another life he\u2019d be a wildlife photographer.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Provoking-the-Gospel-Mark-10.pdf\">Provoking the Gospel- Mark 10<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Mark-1-Ancient-Apr-12-2022-16-48.pdf\">Mark 1 Ancient<\/a><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Workshop Video<\/h2>\n<p>The video of the workshop can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZPurIMtILuY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">November 5: (RE)imagine Community<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><p>How do we dissolve the lines between our congregations and the community in which God has planted them?<\/p>\n<p>How do we actively measure the engagement between our churches and the communities we serve?<\/p>\n<p>Join us on\u00a0<strong>Saturday, November 5th, at 9:30AM<\/strong>\u00a0for the Southern Ohio Synod\u2019s [RE]imagine Community Conference.<\/p>\n<p>Hosted by <strong>Faith Lutheran Church<\/strong> (730 Collingwood Ave. Whitehall), this one-day laity-focused event will explore both how we reach out into our communities, and how to invite our community partners in to help us.<\/p>\n<p>Bishop Yehiel Curry from the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, will be our keynote speaker sharing his experiences as a parish pastor and community organizer.<\/p>\n<p>Bishop Curry\u2019s comments will be followed by 3 panels. These panels will:<br \/>\n1) Highlight ministries across our synod that reach out and engage with their local communities<br \/>\n2) Ask community partners of Faith Whitehall \u201cWhy do you keep helping out a church with no desire to join?\u201d<br \/>\n3) Provide resources for how attendees can reach out\/invite in to order to build a stronger sense of community.<\/p>\n<p>Lunch is included in your <strong>$15 registration fee<\/strong>, and will be served by Uncle Will\u2019s Wagon, community partner of Faith Whitehall, who provides free meals for Faith\u2019s monthly Taco Sunday program. <a href=\"https:\/\/tithe.ly\/event-registration\/#\/6122445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a> to register!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<div id=\"panel2021\" class=\"tabs-panel c-tabs-panel\"><ul class=\"accordion\" data-accordion data-multi-expand=\"true\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\"><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item \" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">January 16: DIY VBS<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><h5>For those who missed the DIY VBS class, here is the Zoom recording for you to view:<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jD9u51HfsKM\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h5>Please watch the video below and review the PDF materials prior to Saturday\u2019s class. Pr. Hille will use these materials as the basis for his discussion.<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k9UM0wE2H6s\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/diy_vbs_to_go.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DIY VBS To Go<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/jesus_feeds_our_soul__vbs_song__-_full_score.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jesus Feeds Our Soul VBS Song Full Score<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/jesus_walks_beside_us__vbs__-_full_score.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jesus Walks Beside Us VBS Full Score<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/lead_sheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lead Sheet<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/set_my_people_free__vbs__-_full_score.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Set My People Free VBS Full Score<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tired of spending lots of money to buy Vacation Bible School curriculums that are too generic to speak to the specifics of your congregation and context?<\/p>\n<p>Done purchasing crafts, knick knacks, and VBS favors in bulk numbers only to have them gather dust in closets and storage for years after?<\/p>\n<p>Ready to give up on \u201cbig box\u201d VBS programs that are either too big or too small for your community?<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Hille was, so in 2012 he sat down and began writing his own Vacation Bible School programs tailored to his congregation. Since then he has written six VBS curriculums, as well as consulted congregations and international ministries in developing curriculums for their contexts.<\/p>\n<p>In \u201cD.I.Y.: V.B.S.\u201d Pastor Hille will outline how to develop an entire week long Vacation Bible School program in house. By picking themes that speak to your ministry, and developing Bible Studies, games, crafts, and snacks around them, Pastor Hille\u2019s home grown approach to VBS is organic and context reflective, drawing on talents, skills and passions of congregations to create a memorial and fun experience for kids of all ages.<\/p>\n<p>Topics covered will include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Looking for inspiration & themes.<\/li>\n<li>The importance of theme consistency across the VBS.<\/li>\n<li>Surveying and utilizing resources in you context (both people & things).<\/li>\n<li>What VBS might look like during this socially distant time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This course is lead by the Rev. Daniel W. Hille, Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">February 13 : Building a Budget<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><p>Considering how much the budget influences congregational life and ministry, it deserves serious and intentional attention each year \u2013 and not just a simple updating of last year\u2019s version. This workshop is offered for congregational council members, treasurers, stewardship committees, and rostered ministers, and it is offered in February because now is the time to be thinking about how to present next year\u2019s budget!<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Peter Rudowski offers expert guidance on developing a budget that reflects your congregation\u2019s values and supports its mission and then introduces the most effective strategies for presenting the budget to your congregation in a way that encourages member engagement, participation, and support. Despite what you might assume from Pastor Rudowski\u2019s years of experience, he is not talking about your grandparents\u2019 congregational budget!<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Peter Rudowski is a \u201cretired\u201d pastor with more than 30 years of experience in parish ministry who continues to serve the church as a consultant and educator in a variety of areas, including parish administration, leadership, stewardship, congregational planning and development, and \u2013 most recently \u2013 excellent online Bible studies.<\/p>\n<h5>Below is the recording of the Building a Budget workshop from February 13, 2021.<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TMqwZjKy8S8\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h5>Watch Pr. Pete Rudowski\u2019s into video prior to the session on Feb 16.<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_2Zql9nwI_w\" width=\"1137\" height=\"640\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>These materials will be used during the Budget class:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/for_the_health_of_it__stewardship__for_the_health_of_it__stewardship_.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">For the Health of It: The Joy, Art, and Science of Financial Stewardship<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/synod_budget_ppt_video_3_pdf.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Building A Budget Powerpoint<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Apr 10 : Advocacy in our Congregations<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><h5>Advocacy in our Congregations: Can we end hunger in our communities once and for all?<\/h5>\n<p>Yes, we can, but it will require us to be advocates as well as servants in our communities. During our time, we will discuss what advocacy means for us as people of faith. Learn to be effective advocates in our congregations and communities alongside those who hunger and thirst.<\/p>\n<h5>Training led by Deacon Nick Bates, J.D.<\/h5>\n<p>A graduate of Capital Law School and Trinity Lutheran Seminary (2012), Nick Bates has nearly two decades worth of non-profit advocacy experience on issues related to homeless children and youth, state budget and tax policy, hunger, voting rights, and other anti-poverty efforts. He serves as the director of the Hunger Network in Ohio, an ecumenical ministry, that works to end hunger by addressing the root causes of poverty through public policy advocacy. HNO is Ohio\u2019s state advocacy ministry for the ELCA.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The workshop video can be found here: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uq3uvr2s0gs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/uq3uvr2s0gs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">June 19 : A Story Worth Telling<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><h5>YOU Have a Story Worth Telling<\/h5>\n<p>We will explore how to discover and tell our unique faith story of how God has been present in our lives. We will explore our personal stories in relationship to God\u2019s story as captured in the pages of scripture.<\/p>\n<p>Harold \u201cJake\u2019 Jacobson is an ordained Lutheran (ELCA) pastor who has served for the past 38 years at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarion, PA. For the past 13 years he has also served as Assistant to the Bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod and as Director of Evangelical Mission for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is a practicing certified Spiritual Director. He is also a former campus pastor and hospice chaplain.<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Jacobson holds degrees from Jamestown Community College (Chemistry), Gettysburg College (Religion\/Biblical Studies) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and a certification in Spiritual Direction from College of the Holy Cross.<\/p>\n<p>He is the author of Front Porchin\u2019, a guide to faith sharing in the Appalachian Context, Building Missional Tables, a guide to creating congregational mission strategies, and two books: Holy Talk: An Introduction to Scripture for the Occasionally Biblically Embarrassed (2018 Lulu Press), and Rockin\u2019 the Front Porch, (2020 Lulu Press), a guide to faith sharing in today\u2019s new normal.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Intro video:\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/W2qsvYQMCUs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/W2qsvYQMCUs<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Recording of Zoom session:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5kFM4Kaulwg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/5kFM4Kaulwg<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">August 14: Community Gardening<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><div class=\"kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q\">\n<h3 dir=\"auto\">Vibrant Church Conference- Community Gardening<\/h3>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Vibrant Church Conference workshop on Community Gardening: \u201cHands-on Creation Cultivation as Evangelism.\u201d Led by Rev. Michael D. Oakley, this workshop will introduce you to how your outdoor space \u201ccan be leveraged into an outreach and evangelism pathway that will connect you to your neighbors, community, the hungry and more.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">If you\u2019ve been wondering how you can connect with your neighbors and witness to the abundance of God\u2019s creation and provision, you won\u2019t want to miss this!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">August 14, 10am to 12 noon, online!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Vibrant Church Conference Community Garden Pre-video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/DFWH7EcJZeU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/DFWH7EcJZeU<\/a><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Video of the workshop: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/SUKMXaHyUXw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/SUKMXaHyUXw<\/a><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Materials for the workshop: <a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Garden-Network-Diagram.pdf\" class=\"pdfemb-viewer\" style=\"height:800px;\" data-width=\"max\" data-height=\"800\" data-toolbar=\"both\" data-toolbar-fixed=\"on\">Garden Network Diagram<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Garden-Vision-Form.pdf\" class=\"pdfemb-viewer\" style=\"height:800px;\" data-width=\"max\" data-height=\"800\" data-toolbar=\"both\" data-toolbar-fixed=\"on\">Garden Vision Form<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Vibrant-ELCA-SOS-Preparation.pdf\" class=\"pdfemb-viewer\" style=\"height:800px;\" data-width=\"max\" data-height=\"800\" data-toolbar=\"both\" data-toolbar-fixed=\"on\">Vibrant ELCA SOS Preparation<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Vibrant-ELCA-SOS-Resources.pdf\" class=\"pdfemb-viewer\" style=\"height:800px;\" data-width=\"max\" data-height=\"800\" data-toolbar=\"both\" data-toolbar-fixed=\"on\">Vibrant ELCA SOS Resources<\/a><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">September 18: Creation Care and Community<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><blockquote>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Participating in God\u2019s creative and sustaining work-<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Your congregation can experience first-hand the awesome power of God\u2019s ongoing creative force while healing the earth and engaging the community. Sound exciting? It is! September 18, 10am to 12 noon, online!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">During this interactive workshop we will discuss one congregation\u2019s awakening to earthkeeping through monarch butterfly conservation and the how the Spirit spiraled on from there. We will learn how these actions engaged the surrounding community and why congregations should fearlessly embrace the numerous scriptural references to creation care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The presenters are all members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in West Chester, Ohio. Donna Pellegrin is the founder of Youth for Monarchs and a certificated Permaculture Designer. Laura Zajac is the Ministry Coordinator at Christ the King, and the director of Monarch Fest.\u00a0Susan Fox is the Elder of Outreach as well as gardener for the church and a registered landscape architect.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Intro video: <a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7aPnu0ODAI8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">youtu.be\/7aPnu0ODAI8<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Workshop materials:\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/JLE\/Articles\/1074\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.elca.org\/JLE\/Articles\/1074<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Vibrant-Church-Creation-Care-Resources.pdf\">Creation Care Resources<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"caret-color: #000000;\">You can view the workshop here: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yKfb5EtL6VA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Creation Care and Community<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">November 13: Dinner Church in Your Context<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><p>\u201cDinner Church.\u201d\u00a0 What is it?\u00a0 There is a lot of buzz going around about this new\u2014yet ancient\u2013concept.\u00a0 The buzz started, as many things do, on the US\u2019s two ocean coasts.\u00a0 Many of you have probably heard about St. Lydia\u2019s in Brooklyn, New York.\u00a0 There are candles, flowers, music, lots of liturgy (including the Eucharist), and wholesome food cooked by the participants and served homestyle in a reclaimed storefront.\u00a0\u00a0 On other end of the country, Verlon Foster started a group of dinner churches that meet in larger halls.\u00a0 There are praise bands and buffets with copious amounts of food heaped in steam trays.\u00a0 Joy abounds in both types of dinner churches, but neither would necessarily work in YOUR context.<\/p>\n<p>Today, here in the Ohio, we are hearing about dinner church, brunch church, waffle church, and all sorts of variations.\u00a0 Sounds like a good idea.\u00a0 And, it sounds like an easy idea.\u00a0 After all, many of our churches already have \u201cfeeding\u201d ministries.\u00a0 It\u2019s tempting to think that \u201cwe\u2019ll just add a couple of hymns and slap in a Bible reading and some prayers, and we\u2019ve got dinner church.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Is it really that easy, though?\u00a0 If you look behind the first layer of the movement, you will find that setting up and running a dinner church takes a lot of intentional discernment and planning.\u00a0 Who do we think will come?\u00a0 Are we trying to lure people in as a steppingstone to getting them to bolster our numbers at traditional worship on Sunday mornings, or are we open to the Holy Spirit creating a wholly new thing?\u00a0 Are we going to use \u201cchurchy\u201d language that might create a barrier for those who are unfamiliar with it?\u00a0 What kind of food will we have, and who will prepare it?\u00a0 There is a lot to think about and explore.<\/p>\n<p>Join us for this class.\u00a0 We will frame up some of these questions and possible answers to help you start thinking about whether and how your community of faith can take part in the holy experiment that is dinner church.\u00a0 WARNING:\u00a0 We will even be talking about some theology.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a short video introduction! <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/phkxunsouZ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dinner Church<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dinner Church Resources can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dinner-Church-Resources.pdf\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">OUR FACILITATOR<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Richard Freudenberger is currently serving in three inner-city churches in Dayton:\u00a0 Christ Lutheran Church in Old North Dayton, First Lutheran Church of Dayton, and New Hope Lutheran Church in the northwest area of the city.\u00a0 Pastoring is Richard\u2019s second career.\u00a0 Five years ago, after practicing law for thirty years in the areas of corporate, commercial, and intellectual property law, he discerned that God had a new plan for him and he entered the ELCA\u2019s program called \u201cTheological Education for Emerging Ministries.\u201d\u00a0 He pursued his seminary education through the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, California while serving in a licensed leadership role at Christ Lutheran under the permission of our Bishop.\u00a0 He was ordained during the pandemic in July 2020.\u00a0 Richard has served in many capacities in the church, including bell choir director, worship committee chair, Sunday School teacher, lawn mower, and member of the Southern Ohio Synod\u2019s Council.\u00a0 He helped found the Dayton Urban Lutheran Allies, and is a member of the synod\u2019s newly formed Cultivate team.\u00a0 When the synod\u2019s third Collaborative cohort begins in October, he will be accompanying his third church to be part of that program.\u00a0 Richard is convinced that the Holy Spirit is working new things in our church, and he is looking forward to seeing how we can join Jesus in the restoration of the world in new ways.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Topic: Southern Ohio Synod Vibrant Church Conference: \u201cDinner Church in Your Context\u201d<br \/>\nTime: Nov 13, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)<\/p>\n<p>Join Zoom Meeting<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/j\/86748850590?pwd=d3FWaTVsbnN5clY3TE9GaksxV1lKZz09\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/j\/86748850590?pwd=d3FWaTVsbnN5clY3TE9GaksxV1lKZz09<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Meeting ID: 867 4885 0590<br \/>\nPasscode: 065534<br \/>\nOne tap mobile<br \/>\n+13017158592,,86748850590#,,,,*065534# US (Washington DC)<br \/>\n+13126266799,,86748850590#,,,,*065534# US (Chicago)<\/p>\n<p>Dial by your location<br \/>\n+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)<br \/>\n+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)<br \/>\n+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)<br \/>\n+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)<br \/>\n+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)<br \/>\n+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)<br \/>\nMeeting ID: 867 4885 0590<br \/>\nPasscode: 065534<br \/>\nFind your local number:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/u\/kd3QI8whe3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/u\/kd3QI8whe3<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<div id=\"panel2020\" class=\"tabs-panel c-tabs-panel\"><ul class=\"accordion\" data-accordion data-multi-expand=\"true\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\"><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item \" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Digital Ministry<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><h5>Zoom on Sept 26th 10am \u2013 12pm<\/h5>\n<h5>Digital Ministry:  How to use live-streaming, social media, your website and email to build community and live into God\u2019s mission.<\/h5>\n<hr>\n<p>Building community starts with making connections. During this time of pandemic and social distancing that is harder than ever. This session will teach you how to foster community and mission by building digital tools that create opportunity for face-to-face interaction and consistent meaningful experiences. Designed with your church in mind, this session is for churches of all sizes and resources.<\/p>\n<h5>Topics Include:<\/h5>\n<p><strong>People & Purpose<\/strong>: Who are you talking to and what do you want them to do?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t Sweat It<\/strong>: How to have a vibrant digital presence without working 24\/7<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Work of the People<\/strong>: How Lay Leaders can create interactive liturgies and other community building experiences.<\/p>\n<p><strong>From Consumer to Community<\/strong>: How to incorporate digital tools for discipleship, small groups, outreach and more.<\/p>\n<p>This course is led by Ben Morris, a member of the Congregational Renewal Team (Collaborative) of the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is a Church Council Member and Chairperson of the Inviting and Welcoming Ministry at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been particularly active in the congregation\u2019s online ministry.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1137\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fnYQnH1vYY4\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Coursework for registrants:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/vibrant_congregations_digital_ministry_quick_start_guide.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vibrant Congregations Digital Ministry Quick Start Guide<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/vibrant_congregations_digital_ministry_cheat_sheet.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vibrant Congregations Digital Ministry Cheat Sheet<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/vibrant_congregations_digital_ministry_resources.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vibrant Congregations Digital Ministry Resources<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Christmas During COVID<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><h5>Zoom on Oct 10th 10am \u2013 12pm<\/h5>\n<h5>Christmas During COVID:  How to make an amazing pageant with resources you already have<\/h5>\n<hr>\n<p>Christmas will be here before we know it, and with it the joyful Christmas Pageant! But how can we even consider a pageant with social distancing, CDC guidelines, and a future that is uncertain at best?  Join Pastor Hille as he discusses how to create a \u201cDo It Yourself\u201d Christmas Pageant, building on the strengths and resources that you already have in your congregation. <\/p>\n<p>Pastor Dan Hille is pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Columbus.<\/p>\n<h5>Materials for Saturday\u2019s workshop:<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5FDB1LWbBro\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Handouts: <a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/christmas_during_covid_notes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christmas During COVID Notes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"accordion-item ct-acc-item\" data-accordion-item><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Neighboring\u2013Building Relationships<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content ct-acc-content\" data-tab-content><h5>Zoom on Nov 14th 10am \u2013 12pm<\/h5>\n<h5>Neighboring\u2013Building Relationships:  How congregations can be part of a movement to Love Our Neighbors<\/h5>\n<hr>\n<p>\u2018Neighboring\u2019 is about simply loving our neighbor.  Neighboring means different things and takes on many different forms of actions in our congregations and homes. From formal outreach ministries and invitations, to the informal \u201chello\u201d at the end of the driveway or over the back-yard fence, neighboring is happening. But what would it look like if each congregation, joined with civic leaders, and social service agencies, and crossed denominational divides to actually work together to learn from one another and teach one another about loving our neighbor? What if we could form a collaborative, that helps create a community-wide neighboring movement? Tune in to learn more about how to start a neighboring movement in your congregation and community. We will talk with Pastor Joel Seymour and Deacon Diane Schwiger-Alexander about how the movement came together in the Lancaster area and how it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of one community, even in a global pandemic.<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Joel Seymour is Lead Pastor of the Lancaster Vineyard Church and founder of the Art of Neighboring Team in Lancaster, OH.  Deacon Diane Schwiger-Alexander is a rostered minister of the ELCA, and former interim pastor of St. Peter\u2019s Lutheran Church, Lancaster.<\/p>\n<p>This session is based on the book, The Art of Neighboring. It is highly recommended that you read the book and check out the authors\u2019 website at: <a href=\"http:\/\/artofneighboring.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">artofneighboring.com<\/a><\/p>\n<h5>Pre-work video. Please watch before 11.14.20 class.<\/h5>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SiFKTKSd-1A\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Vibrant Church Conference is for lay leaders of the Southern Ohio Synod (though rostered ministers are welcome as well!). We try to offer a diversity of topics to meet a variety of needs and match an abundance of passions! We currently offer an online workshop. When you register, you will receive a pre-video early<a class=\"excerpt-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/conferences\/neighboring-building-relationships\/\" title=\"ReadNeighboring&#8211;Building Relationships\">&#8230; Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2269,"parent":53,"menu_order":76,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-child-pages.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1478"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1478"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1478\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8003,"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1478\/revisions\/8003"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/southernohiosynod.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}