2023 Workshops
District Conference will feature 10 Workshops on Saturday, November 11. Two sessions will be offered in a Spanish and English format. All sessions can be translated into English or Spanish if you check the translation box during registration. You will choose your Workshops during registration. Workshops that have a Zoom participant registered will be streamed (links will be sent the week of the conference).
Divide the possibilities among your church’s attendees so you can return to your congregation with a wide range of experience and information.
- (1) The Value and Joy of Disaster Service: Brethren Disaster Ministry & Child Care —An overview of the process for responding to disasters including training, time lines, covering costs, and working with a team. (by Mary Kay Ogden & Dot Hess (La Verne))
- (2) Casting our Internets as we fish for people — Technology is ever-changing and often churches are struggling to figure it out – should we use the Internet and social networking as part of our mission and if so, how can we do that successfully? Come to this seminar to hear what two churches in the District have done to increase their presence online. As we share our stories, we’ll invite you think about some easy and tangible steps to bring back to your own communities. There will be time for discussion and Q&A afterwards. (by Jon Chubb (Papago Buttes) & Juan Pablo Plaza (Conexión Pasadena))
- (3) Do Justice Today: An Exploration of Micah 6:8 — We will explore the biblical context of Micah 6:8 and then spend time imagining what its call looks like in our communities today. (by Amanda Bennett (La Verne))
- (4) Organizing Against Gun Violence — Learn about the newly formed Gun Violence Prevention Action Team. Explore ways that you and your congregation can help bring about meaningful changes to save lives. Resources will be provided. (by Gail Heisel (La Verne), Linda Himes (La Verne), & Linda Williams San Diego))
- (5) DC Business & Conversation with District Leaders – An opportunity to talk about the conference business items and other questions you might have for District Leadership. (by Erik Brummett (Live Oak), Jonas Funderburk (Glendale), & Russ Matteson (District Executive)).
- (6) The wisdom of Jesus according to James / La sabiduría de Jesús de acuerdo a Santiago — This interactive bilingual Spanish English bible study on James is designed to develop a unique understanding coming from the wisdom of a small group experience. This is a chance to delve into James and discover another treasure. The goal of our time together is for each of us to find something new from James to share with others in a way that gives life to the teachings of Jesus! We hope you will like this participatory and dynamic session. / Este estudio del libro de Santiago es una forma interactiva, bilingüe para que el sabio aporte de cada persona en grupos pequeños, promueva un mejor entendimiento de esta carta de Santiago. Esta es una muy buena oportunidad de profundizar en la enseñanza de Santiago para encontrar otro Tesoro. El objetivo de nuestro tiempo conjunto es para que cada una/uno de nosotros encuentre algo nuevo para compartir con otras personas, de forma en que le trae vida a las enseñanzas de Jesús. Esperamos que les gusta esta sesión tan dinámica y con mucho de su participación. (by Carrie & Alfredo Cesar, Gloria Diaz (San Diego))
- (7) Introducing Dr. Pardis Mahdavi New ULV President— As the University of La Verne enters the 2023-2024 academic year, it does so under the leadership of Dr. Pardis Mahdavi. President Mahdavi is the 19th president for the University and its first woman of color and president of color. She brings a rich history of innovation and this session will highlight some of the forward initiatives on which the university is embarking and opportunities to engage in our alumni and Brethren communities. (by Dr. Pardis Mahdavi, President and Dr. Eric Bishop, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management)
- (8) Loving God with Your WHOLE Self! — We are told to love God with, heart, mind and soul – our WHOLE selves! But for many the body connection has been lost. In this workshop we will explore the practice of noticing and nurturing our own body’s wisdom in order to discover how an embodied spirituality adds to our faith experience. (by Dawna Welch (La Verne))
- (9) Standing with People of Color — Part of the Annual Conference study/action process, this time will be filled with conversation and working towards how PSWD might lean into this work in the years to come. – (by Russ Matteson & others)
- (10) Conversation with the General Secretary (David Steele) — The General Secretary will provide updates regarding the Mission and Ministry Board and Staff’s work and ministry related to their strategic plan, and some general updates on our life together in the Church of the Brethren. – (by David Steele)