A. Values and Vision : By Rev. Daniel L. Wilt
B. Creative Dislocation and the UMCRM: By Rev. Kevin Witt
Our Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries is entering an incredibly exciting era of development and growth. Come and learn about the power of love and faith formation that already empowers these life changing pathways of faith and discipleship. Discover the “Not Yet” blessings on the horizon through the new masterplan and creative changes on the horizon for this important shared ministry. The Spirit is moving and new possibilities are coming to fruition.
C. Tech Solutions for Small(ish) Churches: Pastor TJ McCabe
D. Building Connection and Strengthening the Collective for Justice and Advocacy: By Rev. Ryan Giphart
There is so much in the world right now that needs a Christian voice to speak out for justice. This workshop will equip participants with skills to effectively build connections and teams that can speak the Biblical voice for Justice & Advocacy in our world. Participants will sharpen their individual advocacy skills as well as learn how to connect to the various resources & teams we have in our UMC connection throughout the Conference & Northeast Jurisdiction. Topics such as One-On-One Communications, Stakeholder Mapping, Coalitions/Partnerships, Grounding & Vision, Structure, and Context Mapping will be covered.
Rev. Ryan Gephart is the pastor at Trinity UMC, Roaring Spring, PA. He has been a pastor in the Susquehanna Conference UMC for 24 years as an ordained elder. He is the Peace with Justice Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference and was selected as one of ten Peace with Justice leaders in the UMC to serve on the General Board of Church & Society’s Advisory Team for Justice and Peace. He has vast experience in justice & advocacy work in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, PA along with local advocacy with his state representatives. He leads the Susquehanna Conference’s Justice & Advocacy Team where he has helped plan General Board of Church & Society Seminar trips with advocacy to our U.S. Senators. If you are interested in joining the conference’s justice & advocacy team or participating in future conference or Northeastern Jurisdiction events, please contact him at rgephart@susumc.org
E. Where Christianity Is Growing – Christianity in Kenya: By Rev. Faith Gatwiri
F. Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood: By Rev. Jason Schwartzman
Just as faith can’t remain “in a bubble”, just as we can’t be Christians on Sundays only, our churches cannot be used for an hour on Sunday and then sit idle for the rest of the week! Let’s brainstorm some ways that the church can truly be a part of the community. Hear some great success stories and come ready to share your own. Together, we’ll think about ways your church building can be used as a community asset AND we’ll talk about ways our congregations can think outwardly.
G. Church Marketing & Livestreaming: By Wesley Bealla
In this workshop we will talk about everything church communications, marketing, websites, video/livestream production, AI and more. We also will go over best practices of video and audio production. At the end of the workshop for those who are able, we will tour Elm Park’s sound/video booth.