Episcopalians Think...A LOT

I meant to write yesterday but by the time I got back to my room it was after 9pm and my mind was on overload and I needed some time to process all I heard and all I learned yesterday.

I'll post later today about today's workshops.

They have a great Spirituality Room here with different stations of activities. One of my favorite stations was about Baptism. The photo to the right doesn't do justice to the serene atmosphere the entire room had (we were allowed to take photos later), but at this station the action posted was to reach into the water,take a piece of shell, make the sign of the cross and reflect on our Baptismal promises (there was a BCP there as well.)

We talk about this a lot in Confirmation class...and if you haven't looked at them lately...they are pretty heavy duty promises. I won't retype them all here, but there is a lot about sin and wickedness and evil and your promise to renounce it and put your whole trust in God. I think it is important to tell our Confirmands that fulfilling these promises can be a life-long journey. That even as adults...we need to be reminded about the promises we made (or that our godparents made on our behalf) and that we are going to stumble and fall, but that God loves us and forgives us no matter what.

We had a really moving Worship service after the first session of Workshops, and I must confess that music can be very, very different from church to church and state to state. There was a combination of traditional, contemporary, praise/gospel--and everyone knew at least one, if not all of those songs. I was not one of them. I knew the traditional one, of course. But I really enjoyed seeing the differences in how we worship--yet are the same.

My first workshop was by Sharon Pearson (formally from the Diocese of CT for children's formation, but now with Church Publishing), called "All Generations Learning Together." What I love about Sharon is that she has some of the best resources to hand out for churches of all sizes. I have a packet of papers from her with some wonderful ideas that I am really anxious to share with our Evangelism and Fellowship committees, especially.

We talked about how, not only it is important for all ages to worship together, but to also learn together in an activity not inside the sanctuary. To connect older parishioners with younger ones through seasonal activities like Advent wreath making or having a grandparent pen-pal (similar to our Prayer Buddy idea, but to have communication going on both ways so that the adult benefits from the connection just as much as the child does).

One idea I really loved, was sending care packages from the Church School to our college students. Once our SYG graduate--we lose contact with them unless they come back to church at Christmas time or on weekends home. I really want to put this into place at Grace to keep that connection with our SYG.

After Worship and then lunch, the afternoon workshop I chose was "Formation Based Youth Ministry" by Andrew Kellner from the Diocese of Philadelphia. Andrew is young man in his 20's and is so dynamic, you can't help get excited about teaching youths. I was a little disappointed there were no real practical suggestions in this workshop, quite honestly. But, we did talk about what role Youth Ministry should be playing in our churches. He talked quite a bit about how many of our Christian Ed programs have fallen into the same trap of what is termed, the "default religion." And it actually has a name for it...Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD). I'm not making it up. It seriously is called that. Google it if you don't believe me

So what is MTD? The easy answer is that it is a watered down faith belief that people fall back on that is more about a moralistic approach to life...not a faith based one.

What does your community want from Youth Ministry, he asked. Are we not attracting families because we are too MTD in our Christian Ed programs? It made me think a lot about our program at Grace and what we can do to improve it.

I had many ideas swimming in my head after these two very full and interesting workshops, so while others had social time, I opted to take the walking tour around the French Quarter and get some fresh air. I will admit that I had preconceived notions of New Orleans as being a rowdy, carousing kind of place. But I really found a wonderful energy in the French Quarter. After a full day of Episcopalians thinking everything to death...it was refreshing to see people living--however it was they chose to do that.

More later about the workshops today and the rest of my stay. I fly home tomorrow afternoon.

Welcome Dinnner, Words and Worship

The theme of NAECED overall goal is the same...to bring Christian Educators together for exceptional workshops, spirit-strengthening worships, opportunties for networking and building relationships with colleagues from all over the country.

In full disclosure...this is also a time to renew spiritual reserves, and to reboot our ideas and thoughts and bring new ones back with us. That means something different for everyone. Outside of the workshops and speakers and resource vendors, there are other things offered here throughout the weekend like, small group meals, morning prayer, silent meditation areas, walking tours of the city, 10 minute chair massages...and yes--cookies. Chocolate chips ones. Right out of the oven.

In the elevator up to my room I ran into Linda Snyder from Connecticut whose title changed a few times at the Diocese of CT after she took over for Sharon Pearson, but Linda was in charge of Youth Formation for the Diocese. She came to Grace a few years ago when I talked to her about feeling burned out and out of fresh ideas. She was encouraging and compassionate and gave me some wonderful ideas to try at Grace. Recently her position was eliminated and for the moment there is no one filling that specific Youth Formation due to budget cuts. She is here as a speaker representing her church, St. John's in Barkhamsted. It was so good to see her again, and we plan to talk more tomorrow. She is anxious to hear about all the wonderful things going on at Grace. Things were pretty grim the last time she and I spoke.

The Rev. Lisa Flores, NAECED President, dropped a bombshell during her opening remarks. After 15 years of struggle to and reorganizations, The Board of Directors of NAECED has voted to change NAECED's name. No longer is this organization just about Christian Education Directors. Represented here are indeed Christian Education Directors, Youth Minsters, Diocean Formation Directors, Resource Formaton Leaders, Youth Group Directors, and more ministries involved with both adult and youth Christian Education.

There was an audible gasp in the room when she announced it. I think it took people by surprise because NAECED has had to fight some uphill battles to be recognized at the General Convention many years ago and had finally, and firmly, become known and respected.

So the NAECED Board has voted to change NAECED to FORMA. They prayed long, discussed much and decided it was time to move ahead and expand on the foundation NAECED had worked so hard to build. I will get you the particulars of the new tag line when they give us the particulars, but it really made sense to me as they starting talking about it. More and more churches are getting away from the term Christian Education and more are using Christian Formation. Formation--thus the name FORMA. What's the difference between Education and Formation? I like to think that education is more about knowledge. Formation is more about an overall development of knowledge and faith and going out and living those things in God's name. I remember a similar shift when the term Sunday School gave way to the term. Church School.

Tomorrow is a full day of workshops and I crashed and burned somewhere around dessert tonight. I stayed for worship and now I'm getting some rest for the busy day tomorrow. I'll tell you more about my workshops then.

How to go from flat hair to poof-head in a 3 hour flight

When I woke up at 4:30am this morning to fly to New Orleans for the NAECED conference, I left Connecticut with my usual flat-ish coif, took a nap on the flight and when I emerged from the plane in New Orleans a mere 3 hours later, my hair was the volume and size of a small bush on my head.

Yes. It’s kind of humid here.

The weather is expected to be in the 60’s and 70’s while I’m here, which of course I am not complaining about, but since it really hasn’t been too bad at home as far as winter yet…I don’t entirely appreciate it, quite honestly.

I took a nice walk along Canal Street earlier and I’m finding an interesting mix of corporate and historical buildings side by side. This looks like a nice place to explore, although they are going to be keeping us pretty busy with only one late afternoon free for any exploring time.

Anyhow…I am in the lobby of the Double Tree hotel at the moment, waiting for my room to be ready. I’ve seen many familiar faces from other conferences from past years, and we’ve welcomed each other warmly, even if we can’t always remember each other’s names. There are 4 of us here from Connecticut., and over 160 conference attendees. It is quite funny sitting here, while people are checking in, though, checking each other out as we pass by each other to see if the other “looks like a Christian Education Director.” It’s not like we have T-shirts announcing it. Although in retrospect I’m kicking myself for not wearing my Grace Church T-shirt. Once we check in, we get a lanyard and name tag, so that will help tremendously.

There are a surprising (to me) number of men here. I think we all have it in our heads that mostly women are involved in Children's Christian Formation, but I noticed at the last conference I attended in San Francisco, that men are increasing in numbers in this ministry and I think it is wonderful to see. Many years ago one of our SYG teachers was a male and I felt he was a wonderful role model and mentor to our young men in the SYG.

Once I get into my room in a few minutes, I’ll unpack and head down to the NAECED registration to pick up my packet and say hello. At 4:30pm is an ice-breaker gathering and then at 5:30 is a social hour with some appetizers. Dinner is at 6pm, then an opening program, worship service and then by 9pm we can go back to our rooms for the night, or I’ve heard plans of another informal gathering in the lobby. I, for one, will most likely go back to my room to crash since we need to be up early tomorrow for a full day of workshops. I’ll post more about those later once I get my packet. I’m embarrassed to say I can’t remember what I signed up for! All the workshops sounded wonderful and I wanted to attend so many of them, I can’t remember what I eventually chose. I’ll find out as soon as I get my packet. LOL.

All of my meals are included in the this conference except for lunch today so because I was so early I checked my bag with the porter and had a nice lunch in the adjoining restaurant here. The waitress suggested I try the gumbo and a friend shrimp and Cajun coleslaw sandwich. “Do you like spice?” she asked me. “Of course! I love spicy food.” Which I do.

Spicy food in Connecticut, apparently. What us lightweights in CT consider spicy is no match…just trust me. The first several bits of the sandwich were absolutely delicious. And when I can feel my mouth again I will tell you how the rest of it actually was. I’m guessing that will be sometime tomorrow.

I am so looking forward to tonight’s activities and being amongst like minded women and men who have chosen to make Christian Education their ministry and passion—whether by profession, calling, faith, inspiration, curiosity or love.

More later after tonight’s events.

What Sunday School Teachers do when you're not looking

One of the goals of the NAECED conference is to help balance professional development with spiritual enrichment. Yes, it is a place for networking. Yes it is a place for resources. Yes it is a place to hear speakers in the field of Christian Formation. But a very important part of NAECED is an opportunity for Renewal. Refreshment. Re-establishing balance.

I am one of the few at the conference (the number is over 70, I learned...not 50) who is a part-time volunteer. Not that there aren't a lot of us out there, trust me. In fact, I think it is more the norm than the exception. But unfortunately, most churches can not afford, or do not feel it is important enough, to send their volunteer Christian Ed Directors to a conference like this.

I am very blessed mine can and does.

I am inspired by these women and men (yup...there are a few of them here too) here who are full time in this ministry and who have devoted their lives to the faith foundation and formation of our young people.

And you know what? Full time, part time, paid, unpaid...we all face the same issues. Small churches and big churches. How do you get children/teens to attend? How do you keep them inspired? How do you stay inspired yourself? How do you avoid burning out and taking time for yourself? How do you convince Vestry/Finance Committee that you need more money in the budget?

Just being together with these people and sharing common experiences, quiets my mind and reassures me that I have support. They understand the pressures I feel, the frustration and the burn out. It is renewing to attend worship together, to share a meal together, to sing together.

More later.

Workshops

Youth Ministry Today: Navigating Statistics, Trends and Popular Culture

Led by Lisa Kimball, the Director of the Center of Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary. What a dynamic and energetic person she is! After listening to her talk, you feel like you can go out and change the world. This workshop focused on the complexity of the world Youths live in today and that just showing up at Youth Group is not helping them in the long term, studies are showing. That being involved with their community and be altruistic and compassionate is all good and well, but are our Youths graduating from our programs feeling the two most basic teachings of the Gospel: 1) That they are loved 2) That they are forgiven.

I found this a fascinating analysis of how, in the pursuit of being free thinking "cool" Epsicopalians, are we failing our kids at church and in life by not being more specific about what it is to be a Christian and how faith can help you in your darkest hours? This generation of young people are living in a world where they are being shown to believe that what we buy and what we have is how they define themselves.

Media in Ministry

This workshop talked about creating movies using free software (such as Windows Movie Maker) to promote your Christian Ed and Church events. That if we don't get on the superhighway of technology we are going to lose our young people to archaic ways of doing things. We talked about Facebook and Twitter and digital cameras and pocket size video cameras. How having Internet access for your program space is becoming essentional for older teens especially because it can be utilized in a hundred different ways. In ways that SPEAK to teens. I loved this workshop. The ideas were flowing at all that you could do if your church was willing to embrace technology.

Keeping Up with The Times Without Sacrificing Quality

Ways to Grow your Minitry was focused on. Keywords were:

Connect, Explore, Trim, Rediscover, Choose, Overcome, Be, Praise, Build, Celebrate.

Christian Ed should always be changing, always be updated, always be building...it should never be stagnate. We explored LOTS of great ideas on how to invigorate the congregation to become a part of the Christian Ed process.

More on other activities...

Workshops & More

When I have some free time I'll recap the workshops in detail...they are keeping us very busy here and free time is scarce. Up at 6am and activities, workshops and worship straight through until 8pm or 9pm.

Some photos of Vallombrosa:

Tapestry Conference: Come Away to the Vineyard

I arrived at the Vallombrosa Center in Menlo Park, right outside of San Francisco, yesterday afternoon. Not exactly sunny California. The rain has been going on all week long here, but today promises to see a break of it and temps in the high 50's. Only 10 degrees warmer than home, but somehow it is enough to warm the Connecticut bones.

I had hoped to blog yesterday, but Internet is sketchy here and the only place we can definitely get online is in the center lobby, so here I sit with my coffee. Morning prayer begins in the Chapel at 7:45am.

We learned that Vallombrosa has been owned by the Catholic Diocese since 1947 as a retreat, but the land and original mansion on site was owned by E.W. Hopkins beginning during the Civil War period.

The name Vallombrosa means "Shady Glen" in Italian, in reference to the beautiful forested area of south east of Florence Italy that Mr. Hopkins visited often.

We counted 5 of us from Connecticut...a noble feat considering the distance to travel. There are about 50 attendees this year from Episcopal Dioceses all over the country. I see familiar faces from last year and have met many new educators already.

Yesterday our host church, Holy Trinity had an open house where we toured their Godly Play rooms. Wow! This is an incredible program. It is being used more and more by Epsicopal Churches and I was so impressed. More on that later.

They also had a beautiful labyrinth chapel. The wooden floor has a carved labyrinth for walking meditation that is a very moving experience. With the soft lights, candles and soothing music, you get lost in your thoughts as you walk it. I almost didn't go over to that building, but I am so glad that I did.

Food is included in this conference, and unfortunately it is incredibly delicious and plentiful. It is served cafeteria style with lots of healthy options as well as not so healthy ones. They even offer wine with dinner :). Coffee, bottled water and fruit are available all day long between workshops.

Last night after dinner was an evening Eucharist led by Bishop Marc Andrus. I have made a mental note to ask David about a few things that were different (like the Lord's Prayer) in this service and is there a "standard" form of it that Episcopal Churches use.

After the Eucharist there was fellowship by the fire at the mansion house, but us East Coasters who had been up at 4am had crashed and burned somewhere shortly after communion and needed sleep badly. My roommate is from the Diocese of Oregon so she stayed to visit while I and the other time change challenged folks, limped off to slumberland.

Today are the workshops. My first one is: Youth Ministry Today: Navigating Statistics, Trends and Popular Culture for the Sake of the Gospel.

Morning prayer is about to begin...I'll check back in later today and let you know how things are going.