Uplifting workshops at Christian Formation Conference
04.30.2015 - Adult Conferences, Our Programs
Seeking inspiration and gathering tools to build a strong foundation for Christian education, approximately 125 attendees are expected to participate in Kanuga’s 87th annual Christian Formation Conference, June 8–12.
With “Hope in the Midst of Crisis” as the theme, keynote speaker Lyndon Harris will share his inspiring story of being thrust into the center of tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001 while serving as a priest at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City, just beside the World Trade Center. He will speak to the power of forgiveness in a society focused on retaliation.
The conference also offers 35 compelling workshops with topics as diverse as creating an emergency preparedness manual for your church, learning to live in the now and how to create an amazing vacation bible school program.
“Participants can expect to walk away refreshed and ready for another year of formation,” said Adult Conferences Program Director Chris Lynn. “We’re honored to have Lyndon speak at this powerful and timely conference. We’re also very excited about the wide range of workshops being offered. There truly is something for everyone, from the novice Christian educator to a returning conference participant who has been attending for 20 years.”
A sample of the workshops include:
- Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: Challenging the Epidemic of Violence: In April 2014, Episcopalians came together in Oklahoma City to renew their commitment to the Gospel call to make peace in a world of violence. Continue the deep conversation, prayer and skill building at Kanuga as we focus around four pillars: advocacy, education, liturgy and pastoral care. Walk away with tools that can help you make a difference in your home, church and community. Taught by: Sharon Ely Pearson, an editor and Christian Formation specialist with Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) with 35 years’ experience in Christian formation on the local, judicatory and church-wide level.
- A Light Shines in the Darkness: Christian Formation and Healing After a Tragedy: When your community is affected by a disaster or tragedy, people flock to their houses of worship for comfort, solace and healing. Hear what Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, Conn., used for Sunday School curriculum, worship, enrichment, support and long-term ongoing healing after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.Taught by: Sue Vogelman, first grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School for 11 years prior to becoming Church School director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, Conn.
- Nurtured in the Circle: A Godly Play® Session for Adults: Come sit in the Godly Play® circle! Experience a full session of Godly Play® as a reflective and creative place to make meaning of this conference in the context of Scripture, wonder and play. Taught by: Christen Erskine, a certified Godly Play Foundation trainer with more than 20 years’ experience working with children in Christian education.
See list of workshops from 2015.