Welcome to the newsletter for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington's School for Christian Faith and Leadership. Here, we offer resources for individuals to grow in faith and leadership, and for congregations to be vital bearers of the good news of Christ. This issue features our Winter 2021 online offerings and information about the Tending Our Soil revitalization initiative.

Jan 8 - 22 | Feb 5 - 19 Center with simple, uplifting yoga & prayer. A time for congregational leaders and others to close each week with self-care. 6 weeks with the Rev. Diana V. Gustafson.

Jan 13 - Feb 10 Explore praying with and without words, including contemplative prayer, praying with Scripture, praying for others, and sharing reflections. 5 weeks with Kathy Staudt.

Learn more & register >>

Jan 14 - Feb 18 Reimagine a response to poverty that transforms lives and restores communities. Learn from two dozen thought leaders and practitioners. 6 weeks with the Rev. Richard Weinberg. Learn more & register >>

Jan 14 Learn about Discover-Embrace-Become, a modern-day catechumenate program and consider either piloting the first six-week segment in your congregation or joining a diocesan cohort.

Learn more & register >>

Find Your Spark (Feb 23-Mar 30) Gather with others to identify your core values and vocational gifts. Be inspired by the stories of biblical figures and modern-day saints living out their purpose. With Daring-Way trained facilitator, the Rev. Callie Swanlund. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (EST) Cost: $125 | Early-bird: $100. Learn more and register >>

Grace in the Wilderness: Lenten Practices for Times of Disruption (Feb 22 - Mar 17) Explore the traditional Lenten disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, as relevant and powerful gifts for drawing closer to Christ at a time of profound change in the church and wider society. Attend as a congregation. Consider making this your community's Lenten study. With the Rev. Mark Michael, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. (EST). Learn more and register >>

Faith Formation in a Changing Church (Mar 11 & 18) Learn about how models of Christian formation have shifted across the generations and tips for effective formation now and into the future. Connect with fellow practitioners in EDOW. With Sharon Ely Pearson, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. (EST). Learn more and register >>

Gather Us In: Transformational Small Groups (Mar 17 & 24) Learn strategies for leading transformative small groups grounded in the life stages of small groups. Come with your questions about how to navigate small group dynamics. With Dr. Angela Schaffner, author of Gather Us In, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (EST). Learn more and register >>

Discover (Feb/Mar) On the six-week journey of Discover, you will share your story and explore the spiritual truths that make us human and give our lives meaning. EDOW will be piloting this program developed by the Diocese of Colorado. Register to attend an information session on Jan 14th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Email the Rev. Jenifer Gamber for more information or to participate. Begins the week of February 21st.

~ This media kit will help you. ~

Seeking to revitalize your congregation? Applications to participate in Tending Our Soil, a thriving congregations initiative will be available on February 1, 2021. Information sessions will be hosted in February. Look for dates to be announced soon. For an overview of the initiative, please see this document >>

Interested in serving as a coach? Coaches will accompany participating congregations through the Tending Our Soil process. Please see this description of coaching in Tending Our Soil. Applications to serve in this paid capacity will be available on February 1, 2021. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to attend a one-hour information session held by the Holmes Coaching Group on either February 10 at 12 noon or February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Register here >>