A tool, training (and more) is simply anything that is designed to help empower YOU or your CONGREGATION. Examples include webinars, conferences, online or in-person learning events (continuing education), special groups offering help for a cause, or financial assistance opportunities. Of course, these are just a few examples. It is up to you to use your best judgement when submitting materials.
2.) What should I consider when submitting materials?
a.) When submitting materials, the first thing to consider is whether or not it is designated for rostered ministers only, or if it's open to anyone in our congregations. If it is open to rostered ministers only, it will be posted on this page. If it is open to anyone, it will be posted below.
b.) The second thing to consider are the benefits and opportunities for growth. Is this something that is going to help enhance your career, personal growth, or congregation? Example of an appropriate submission: "Help your congregation grow and thrive! Join our upcoming webinar on congregational enhancement."
3.) Where do I submit materials? You can submit information via the form posted at the bottom of this page.
The Sharing Congregational Resources presentation created by your Synod Council representatives is ready to go! All NEO conferences, clusters and congregations are invited to secure this unique opportunity. The Northwest Conference participated, spurring lively discussion and helpful thoughts. They are already benefiting in many important ways by sharing their congregational gifts in community with other congregations. To reserve a date on your calendar for the Sharing Congregational Resources presentation, please contact Susan Frantz (susan.frantz@yahoo.comor 937-725-0969, please leave message).
Churchwide Social Media Resources for Congregations
Did you know that our Churchwide website has resources you can use on Social Media? There are camera-ready resources you can download for your social media sites. There is also a guide called, "Social Media and Congregations: Planning and Procedures" to give you ideas for use. And the best part? They are free! Here is the link: https://elca.org/Resources/Congregational-Communications-Tools#SocialDigital
Opportunity for Congregations Without a Pastor
Is your church currently without a pastor? Are you preparing the worship space and/or the bulletin each week? Where do you go to find all the different prayers for each season? A few simple changes in the words used can enhance the worship experience. You can confidently plan engaging worship services using Sundays & Seasons, a fantastic resource available at Augsburg Fortress for around $50/year. The Rev. Lor Breyley loves worship, and is volunteering to schedule a gathering of worship planners from congregations currently without a pastor, to hear their needs, frustrations, and joys around this important ministry you graciously attend to each week. Let’s spend time working through segments of the S&S book to become familiar with what is available and useful for your congregation. Interested? Email Rev. Lor Breyley atsunshinedancer2@gmail.com or call her at 248-850-6357.
TRAININGS
Excellence in Leadership
From Rev. Sarah J Moening, Rocky Mountain Synod The mission of Excellence in Leadership is to grow authentic and effective leaders— free from fear, free to love for the sake of the world: Deepening emotional capacity, growing effective leaders, and fostering authentic relationship.
Registration is open for the fall and winter cohorts of Excellence in Leadership. We would love to have more DEMs and the rostered and lay leaders from new and renewing congregations. We believe that this type of leadership development is critical for the future of the Church and the proclamation of the Gospel, and their voices would be a great addition to the conversation. With more voices comes richer conversation. To learn more and to register, please click here.
ELEA Innovative Leadership Summit: Developing the Leader Within 2023
ELEA Innovative Leadership Summit is intense training for leaders of ELCA Schools and Learning Centers who are interested in building a network for themselves, developing new skills and innovative strategies, and re-inspiring passion for your mission. We encourage Pastors and Administrators to attend together and will offer ways to connect if that is not possible. Click herefor more information.
ELCA Vital Congregations Training
Is your congregation ready to take some steps (even small steps) toward renewal or revitalization? Are you ready to try some new things, share some ideas, gain a greater understanding of the broader mission, bring clarity about your own congregation’s mission, acquire knowledge on how to live that out in community, gain confidence to share what you have learned with the world, and find new allies from within a cohort of congregations?
Did you say "yes" to some or all of the above questions and have already completed the ELCA Vital Congregations Training, Part 1?
Then you are invited to attend the 2023 Fall Session of the ELCA Vital Congregations Training, Part 2! Please click below to download the informational handout. If you have any further questions after reviewing the handout, please reach out to Pr. Julianne Smith, jsmith@neos-elca.org.
In addition, if you have already participated in a previous Congregational Vitality Training, including Re-Boot, you are eligible for Part 2. Thank you! PART 2
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United Protestant Campus Ministries in Cleveland, Inc.
Do you know... someone just beginning or returning to college for a new year?
Encourage them to discover United Protestant Campus Ministries – an ecumenical, affirming, inclusive student group at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State and Tri-C Metro Campus and Tri-C Western Campus. To learn more about UPCaM contact Rev. Shelley Nelson-Bridger, Executive Director, at shelley@upcam.org or complete our referral form.
Over the next months this page will provide opportunities to learn the true history and current realities of Indigenous people. It is these truths, truths that have been ignored by most for hundreds of years, that will bring healing for both Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people.
Some of these opportunities will be calls to individual action, and some will be activities that congregations and small groups should coordinate and participate in together. All these opportunities can be easily promoted by sharing links on social media or other communication platforms.
Watchthis page as well as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for opportunities to engage.