Equipping the Saints is a day of workshops, worship, resources and fellowship planned especially to support and equip church members in their ministries.
A Cooperative Effort by the Educational Ministries of Elizabeth, Monmouth and New Brunswick Presbyteries and of Princeton Theological Seminary as a ministry of the Synod of the Northeast, PC(USA)
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2014
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Place: Stuart Hall
Princeton Theological Seminary
This day is for new and ongoing church officers, pastors, worship leaders, educators, and any interested others. Equipping the Saints is organized by the educational ministries of Elizabeth, Monmouth and New Brunswick Presbyteries, in partnership with Princeton Theological Seminary, and as a ministry of the Synod of the Northeast. Workshops are led - almost exclusively - by volunteers. This program is free and open to the public.
Program Agenda
Saturday, January 11, 2014
AGAIN in 2014: Worship will be held following the morning workshop and before lunch. There will be a two-hour session in the morning, worship, lunch session with Resource Fair, then a two-hour afternoon session. The schedule for the day is as follows:
7:30 - 9:00 am Registration and Coffee in Stuart Hall
9:00 - 11:00 am Morning Workshop
11:10 - 11:30 am Worship (Miller Chapel)
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch / Resource Fair (Mackay)
1:00 - 3:00 pm Afternoon Workshop
3:00 pm End of Program
Morning Workshops - 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
I Refuse To Lead A Dying Church: Based on the book by Paul Nixon, this workshop will explore six critical choices church leaders must make, in order to respond to God¹s call to lead healthy, growing spiritual movements. The choices are: life over death; community over isolation; fun over drudgery: bold over mild: frontier over fortress; now rather than later. Come, explore how these choices may inform your leadership and spark transformative practices in the life and ministry of your congregation. Leader: Rev. Cheryl D. Galan, Transitional Leader, Elizabeth Presbytery
Elder as Spiritual Leader: The role of ruling elder in a congregation is expanding in the PC(USA) today. Elders should expect that a call to leadership in the church will not only demand their time and energy in service to the maintenance of worship, education and mission programs, but it will challenge them to grow in their faith. This workshop will explore the demands of adaptive leadership in the church, the sacredness of the call to leadership, and the expectations and possibilities of spiritual growth as an elder (both while actively serving on the session and once rotating off the board). Leader: Rev. Wendy Bailey, Regional Executive Presbyter, Monmouth & New Brunswick Presbyteries
Structuring Terms of Call– Save Money, Save Taxes and the New 2015 Medical Dues Model: Tools You Can Use: Sessions and Teaching Elders need to annually review the terms of call (G-2.0804). This can be confusing! Learn how to structure terms of call to be more effective. We’ll cover the basics and go in-depth, exploring Flexible Spending Arrangements and other Section 125 plans to permit qualified medical expenses to be paid with pretax dollars (and their potential savings of thousands of dollars) as well as considering if your church is eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit (hint: it most likely is!). We'll also look toward the new 2015 Medical Dues Model, and share an overview of resources the Board will provide. Leader: Revs. Raymond Bonwell & Allison Seed, Board of Pensions Representatives
Ready for the Next Time: Congregational Disaster Planning for Local Churches: Churches played crucial roles in their communities following Superstorm Sandy; equally so in communities of human-made disasters like the school shootings in Newton, Connecticut. Congregations with plans in place can be ready to act to preserve, protect, and sustain lives, and serve crucial restoration and recovery functions in their communities. Come and learn how a little getting ready will go a long way! Leaders: Skip Winters, Elizabeth Presbytery Disaster Planning & Response Team; Red Cross Representative
Resources for the Future: Discovering the Genesis Center & Get a Head Start on VBS: The Genesis Center is a new resource and service center for the future. Online and connected, The Genesis Center aims to serve churches and clients by helping them find the resources they need for every occasion including curriculum, leadership, worship, devotions and more! Join us to learn more about how The Genesis Center can be an invaluable asset to your church and ministry, and get hands-on with The Genesis Center's resources and information for a jump start workshop on Vacation Bible School for 2014! Leaders: Emily Allen, Genesis Center Curator, Monmouth Presbytery; Patty Williams, Christian Education Consultant, Monmouth Presbytery
Welcoming People Affected By Mental Illness: Some of the biggest barriers to working with people affected by mental illness are our own perceptions, stereotypes and fears. This workshop will help participants identify and process these barriers. It will also present different scenarios of encountering people with this disability in church. A starting resource list will be provided. Leaders: Walter DeGunya, Seminary Intern, and Ann Renee Hansard, M.Div., Plainsboro Presbyterian Church
Deacons/Caring Ministers 101: An Introduction to the Work of the Deacon in the PCUSA: This workshop will focus on learning about the exciting responsibilities of the deaconate with possibilities for other caring ministries. Exercises, case studies and role-playing will help participants explore the varied ministries of the deaconate/caring ministries and strengthen their skills in listening and caring, and being a non-anxious presence in an anxious environment. Learn various creative opportunities that deacons/caring ministers have to faithfully demonstrate their faith beyond the walls of the church. Leader: Rev. Kathryn Mustaro, Flemington & Deacons' Moderator Jamie Evans, Flemington
Treasurers' Roundtable: Best practices and resources for church treasurers and finance committees. Leader: Nancy Tindall, Treasurer, Monmouth Presbytery; Dave Bomgaars, Treasurer, Elizabeth Presbytery
Best Practices in Supporting, Encouraging and Evaluating Church Staff and Pastors: One of the most valuable assets any congregation possesses is its staff. Church staffs and pastors are healthiest when a culture of support, positive communication and constructive evaluation exists. How do congregations develop this culture? What are best practices for church personnel committees in encouraging a healthy culture, and practices to support it - especially prior to any situation of conflict that may arise? How does the congregation evaluate and provide feedback to the pastor? And what role does the pastor have in creating a healthy staff culture? Participants will explore these questions and more in a workshop meant to equip church personnel committees as well as pastors, who will also be invited to share their experiences in supporting and managing staff. Leader: Rev. Jeffrey Vamos, Lawrenceville, with Sarah Jane Kennedy and Pat Schaeffer
Re-Thinking Confirmation: A presentation and conversation regarding Confirmation in the Church: Is your church looking for a new way of teaching Confirmation? Are you seeking new ways to engage your Confirmands with the church? Would you like to see parents become more involved in their adolescent’s faith development? Would you like to hear about a program that will engage your youth’s entire being – heart, mind, body, soul? Would you like to learn about a program that integrates the best research in theology, sociology, psychology, and pedagogy? Free resources for preparing your own confirmation program will be provided. Your feedback will be welcomed! Leader: Joshua Noah, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, Trinity/East Brunswick
Becoming a Disciple-Making Congregation Learn about the disciple making process. The Great Commission doesn't happen by accident. Leader: Rev. Jake Kim, Director of Alumni Relations, PTS
From Death to Resurrection: The Old Testament Lectionary Texts for Lent 2014: This workshop will involve a study of the six Old Testament texts from the Revised Common Lectionary for Lent 2014. These Lenten texts feature six key turning points in the larger story of God and God’s people in the Old Testament centered on the theme of death and resurrection. Join us for this Lenten journey through the Old Testament. Leader: The Rev. Dr. Dennis Olson, Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Glory to God: A Guide to Resources in the New PC (USA) Hymnal for Musicians: In this interactive workshop, participants will be making lots of music together as we look at the treasure of new responses, hymns, choruses, and chants in the hymnal to introduce to your congregations. We’ll also explore creative ways to utilize the hymnal for choirs and praise ensembles of any size. Choir members and directors, praise team leaders, soloists, instrumentalists, and all who make a joyful noise Sunday after Sunday are welcome. Leader: Noel Werner is the Director of Music at Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton.
When the Time Comes: What You Need to Know About End-of-Life Issues for Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Learn about personal and legal choices you can make now that will communicate your wishes to those who love you as you face health and aging issues; discuss how to care for others facing difficult medical choices or a final illness; and find out about how hospice can make a final illness a time of grace, dignity, and greater quality of life for individuals and their families. Leaders: Mary Ellen DuPree Leonard & Donna Hollenbach, Community, Sand Hills, and Dawn Neglia, Miller/Monmouth Junction
If you need more information, please visit to http://ptsem.edu or call 609.497.7990.
