Greetings from the
Office of Christian Formation!
September 2019 - a publication of the Office of Christian Formation
What's happening at the Formation Leaders Retreat Day?
Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg
When: Saturday, October 26th from 10:00am - 3:30pm
Cost: $15 for a single registration, or $30 for up to four people from the same parish

LUNCH PROVIDED from Potbelly Sandwich Shop!

Registration open now!

PLENARY SPEAKER
Bill Campbell
Executive Director of FORMA
& co-author of the "Way of Love" resources

Last year, the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invited us to join him in adopting the Way of Love, a rule of life for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement. This program draws individuals, congregations and groups into the spiritual practices and disciplines of Turn – Learn – Pray – Worship – Bless – Go – Rest
 
Our plenary session will explore the Way of Love program and how each of us might individually connect with the practice of a rule of life. We will look at how various churches and groups have engaged this call, and will identify ways that you can introduce and encourage the Way of Love in your own context. Resources will be shared, brainstorming will happen, and you will leave with some tangible take home ideas!
WORKSHOPS
"It's All About the Story You Tell:"
Communications Basics Toolkit for Formation Leaders
led by Megan Nolde, Christian Formation & Camping Ministry Associate at the Diocese of Virginia

Together we'll tackle the beast that is communicating and marketing your formation program! We'll cover email marketing options and best practices, graphic design principles and recommendations, social media best practices and ideas, and website content. We'll provide resource lists, examples, and some sharing time for successes.



"Leadership Instead of Management"
How to Work with Your Peers When You're All Volunteers
led by Paris Ball, Minister of Christian Formation & Director of Camping Ministry at the Diocese of Virginia

Paris will lead a discussion on how to recruit, equip, and empower your volunteers to better support your programming goals and follow your lead! She'll also cover some troubleshooting for when things don't go as planned. You'll leave with tips and strategies for helping create community within your volunteer group, and how to support them when they walk into their classrooms, events, and other parish activities.



TITLE TBD
Youth Ministry Toolkit and Information Session
leader TBD

This will be an informative workshop geared toward all persons in youth ministry, supplying informative tips and ideas on how to approach working with youth and young persons.



"Living in a Post-Sunday-School World:"
Faith Formation for Families and Children in the 21st Century
led by Bill Campbell, Executive Director of FORMA

People's understanding of church membership is changing, and the numbers of families who actually attend church regularly is decreasing. How can we, as formation leaders, continue to support families and individuals in their life and faith if they aren't in the building on Sunday morning? Join Bill Campbell and learn techniques and tools that will expand your offerings beyond the traditional Sunday School model.
SCHEDULE
9:30 - 10:00 am
Arrival and On-site Registration

10:00 - 11:30 am
Plenary Session & Workshop with Bill Campbell

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch

12:45 - 1:45 pm
Workshop Block 1: Choose one of the four workshops listed above

2:00 - 3:00 pm
Workshop Block 2: Choose a different one of the four workshops listed above

3:00 - 3:30pm
Closing Message and Prayer
The Staff of the Office of Christian Formation!
Paris Ball, Director of the Office of Christian Formation & Director of Shrine Mont Camps

Megan Nolde, Camp Registrar & Communications Assistant in the Office of Christian Formation

Sierra Gore, PYM Program Director