The Greatest Story Ever Told
Province VIII Stewardship,Evangelism and Congregational Development
Conference 2008
June 24th 2008-June 26th 2008
At the Monarch Conference Center * Portland, Oregon
Welcome to our 2nd annual Province VIII Stewardship, Evangelism and Congregational Development Conference. This year our theme is the Greatest Story Ever Told. We hope that you will join us and share your stories. We invite all of our members to join us and are providing a program (and childcare) for our younger church family to participate with us. All of our Gatherings, Eucharists and evening programs are for all generations.
ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY!
Featured Speakers
Fred Vegara
"Fred" Vergara is the Director of Ethnic Congregational Development for the Episcopal Church. Educated at Trinity College, Philippines (BA), University of the Philippines (MPA), St. Andrew's Seminary, Philippines (MDiv), Southeast Asia Graduate School of Theology (STM) and San Francisco Theological Seminary (DMin) he is the author of several books, including "Mainstreaming: Asian Americans in the Episcopal Church" and "Contemporary Filipino American Worship." He has taught widely on church planting and church growth as well as ecumenical theology. He has also been instrumental in several international and ecumenical events, such as Asia-America Theological Exchange Forum and the Condordat of Full Communion between the Episcopal Church and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.
Rebecca McClain
Rebecca McClain is the executive director of Godly Play Foundation and past president of the Board for the Theology of Childhood. She has been actively involved with Godly Play for almost twenty years and committed to the power of story to equip children with the language of the Christian people. Prior to this position, Rebecca served as Executive Director of the Church Deployment Office at the Episcopal Church Center, Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona and Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Arizona.
Raised in Houston, Texas, Rebecca was ordained in the Diocese of Texas in 1985 before moving to Arizona in 1989. She served the diocese for fifteen years, the last ten actively engaged in the revitalization of the cathedral community in downtown Phoenix. Her commitment to the spirituality of the child was an essential part of this renewal and her passion for storytelling deepened after a massive fire destroyed the newly renovated cathedral nave.
McClain says, “We are profoundly shaped by our stories; they anchor us in time and space, and evoke meaning upon reflection. Godly Play is a spiritual practice that gives words to our deepest thoughts and sets us free to wonder about this God who laughs and plays.”
The Godly Play Foundation, now anchored at Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel, California is entering the second decade under Rebecca’s leadership. As the Godly Play movement spreads globally, we see the power of stories to reshape our understanding of Jesus’ call to let the little children come to him. The children (and the child in each of us) may indeed show us the way to God’s reign on earth.
Mark MacDonald
Bishop MacDonald was born on Jan. 15, 1954, the son of Blake and Sue Nell MacDonald. His formal education includes a B.A. in religious studies and psychology at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, an MA in Divinity from Wycliffe, and post-graduate work at Luther-Northwestern Theological Seminary in Minneapolis.
Bishop MacDonald has had a long and varied ministry, holding positions in Mississauga, Ont., Duluth, MN; Tomah, WI and Mauston, WI; Portland, OR; and the Southeast Regional mission of the diocese of Navajoland. Immediately prior to his ordination to the episcopate, Bishop MacDonald was Canon Missioner for Training in the Diocese of MN and vicar of St. Antipas' Church, Redby, and St. John-in-the-Wilderness Church, Red Lake, Red Lake Nation.
He has served on the board of The Indigenous Theological Training Institute; the faculty of Leadership Academy for New Directions (Land XXVIII); and, a trustee of the Charles Cook Theological School in Tempe, AZ; and is the Board Chair for Church Innovations, Inc., member of the Episcopal Council of Indian Ministries, Member of the Governor's Council on Suicide Prevention (AK), President of Alaska Christian Conference. He is also a Third Order Franciscan.
Among his published works are "Native American Youth Ministries," co-authored with Dr. Carol Hampton and published in Resource Book for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults, the Episcopal Church Center, New York, NY, 1995; "It's in the Font: Sacramental Connections between faith and environment," Soundings, July 6, 1994, Vol. 16, No. 5; and A Strategy for Growth for the Episcopal Church: Joining Multiculturalism and Evangelism, Inter-Cultural Ministry Development, San Jose, CA, 1994. He co-edited Liturgical Studies IV, just released by the Church Publishing Company.
Married on Nov. 11, 1989, Mark and his wife, Virginia Sha Lynn, have three children: daughters Rose May Li (born November 15, 1991), Brenna Li (born October 23, 1993), and one son, Adrian Blake (born May 21, 2000).
The Rev. Eric Law
The Rev. Eric H. F. Law is the founder and executive director of the Kaleidoscope Institute for Competent Leadership in a Diverse Changing World. He has been a consultant and trainer for building inclusive community for over 20 years working with religious, healthcare, educational and civic organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. He was the Missioner for Congregation Development for the Diocese of Los Angeles (2000-2005) and the Congregation Development Officer of the Diocese of New Westminster of British Columbia, Canada (1996-2000). He is the author of six books, including Finding Intimacy in a World of Fears, published earlier this year
Hotel Info
Monarch Hotel & Conference Center
12566 SE 93rd Ave
Clackamas, OR 97015
503-652-1515
1-800-492-8700 Toll Free
503-652-7509 Fax
- Location
The Monarch Hotel & Conference Center is located on I-205, 12 miles from Portland International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Portland and the Oregon Convention Center, Memorial Coliseum and Rose Garden Arena. We are also convenient to I-5 and I-84. - (A) Traveling North on I-205
Take Exit 14, Sunnyside Road/Sunnybrook Blvd. Turn left onto Sunnybrook Blvd. and cross the overpass. Turn right onto 93rd Avenue. The first driveway on the right leads into the hotel parking lot. - (B) Traveling South on I-205
Take Exit 14, Sunnyside Road/Sunnybrook Blvd. Turn right onto Sunnyside Road. Immediately work your way to the left lane. At the first light, turn left onto 93rd Avenue. The third driveway on your left leads into the hotel parking lot. - (C) Traveling North on I-5
Take I-205 North and follow directions above (A). - (D) Traveling South on I-5
Take I-205 South and follow directions above (B). - (E) Traveling West towards Portland on I-84
Take I-205 South and follow directions above (B). - (F) Traveling East on I-84 from Portland
Take I-205 South and follow directions above (B) - Arriving by Air
The Monarch offers complimentary airport transportation. Due to Port of Portland restrictions, we are not able to arrange to meet flights. Upon arrival, please collect your luggage, and call us at 1-800-492-8700. We will direct you to the hotel pick up zone, and advise you of the approximate wait. Alternate transportation is available by taxi at an approximate cost of $30.00. For flight information for Portland International Airport, - Arriving By Train
The Monarch will gladly pick up guests at the Oregon City Amtrak Station, which serves the Amtrak Cascades route. This station is approximately 5 miles from the Monarch. Upon arrival, please call the Monarch at 1-800-492-8700 for pick up information. There are no public telephones at the station, but directly across the street at the End of the Oregon Trail Visitors Center. For their operating hours, please call 503-657-9336 or visit the website Contact Amtrak directly at for train travel information information.
Due to the distance from the main Amtrak Station in downtown Portland, we are not able to provide transportation service. Taxis would be the most convenient. - Rental Car
Enterprise Rental Car will deliver cars to the Monarch. Our Reservations or Front Desk staff would be happy to make arrangements for your needs.
Public Transportation Information
Contact Tri-Met 503-962-6441 - Oregon Travel Cameras and Road Report
Registration
Priority/Early registration is due by April 1, 2008
Fee schedule -- $280 for adults (over 21), $150 for 12 to 21 year olds, $75 for 4-11 year olds, children under 4 are free.
All other registrations are due by May 1st
After April 1, the adult fee goes up to $300; after May 1st, adult fee goes up to $325. Other fees remain constant.
Registration forms (along with payment) can be sent to:
Joanna Shreve 26750 Alamaden Ct. Los Altos, Ca 94022
Questions? Call 831-212-1638
The Greatest Stories Ever Told!!!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
11:00 a.m. Registration begins
1:00 p.m.Gathering #1 - Native American Ministry Team
1:30 p.m. Opening Eucharist Opening Eucharist
.
Concurrent children and Youth programs 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.Welcome and introductions
Plenary #1 – “Óur Story”
The Rev. Fred Vergara.
Asian Missioner, Episcopal Church of the USA
4:15 p.m.Break
4:30:- 5:30 p.m. Story Groups Meeting #1
6:00 p.m.Dinner
7:00pmPlenary #2“A Personal Story”
The Very Rev. Rebecca L. McClain
Executive Director, Godly Play Foundation
Fran McKendree, Musician
8:30 p.m.Compline
Friday, June 27, 2008
8:00amBreakfast
9:00 a.m.Gathering #2 –African American Ministry Team
9:30 a.m.Plenary #3 – Storytelling and Transformation
The Rev. Eric H. F. Law
Founding and Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Institute for Competent Leadership in a Diverse and Changing World.
Concurrent children and youth programs – 9:30 to noon
10:30am Break
10:45am-12pmBreakouts/Workshops Workshop Session #1
1) Small Group Ministry (Covenant Groups) – Small group ministry has proven to be an excellent way of growing and strengthening congregations. They are places where participants can tell their stories and share in shaping their spiritual journeys. Small group ministry is much more than simply scheduling small groups with time to meet together A typical format can include a trained facilitator to lead a group in sharing their personal triumphs and trials, a short Bible study, a discussion about applying the learning from the Bible study to one’s daily life, and praying for each other. Getting to know each other’s stories becomes a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship. (Julie Nelson, 2008 graduate of General Theological Union)
2) Lectio Divina an Ancient Practice on Reflecting on the Stories -- The practice allows individuals to engage the story and reflect on its bearing on life today. Practitioners spend time in intercession, internalizing scripture, and in contemplation, sitting in God’s presence. Lectio Divina is thrivingin Base Communities in Latin America, African Bible Reflections from South Africa, and Gospel Based Discipleship, as reflected in A Disciple's Prayer Book, here in the US. Learn how an ancient practice can serve your congregation today. (The Rev. Paul Colbert, Las Vegas, Nevada)
3) Knitting: Creating the Fabric of our Story – “Parallel activity” (busy hands as an accompaniment to story sharing) is a time-honored mechanism for promoting story telling with a group of people, men, women, and children of all ages, languages, and cultures. Knitters of all abilities – beginner to professional – AND non-knitters are most welcome. Bring your own project-in-process or learn to cast on and begin a simple project, OR just come and enjoy the textures, colors, and camaraderie. You will come away with ideas for how to engage people in a way that allows community. You will also learn why knitting is not about the stitches but the spaces between and how knitting is both a spiritual practice and an act of stewardship. If you have not knitted before and want to try, please pre-register so that we can have sufficient materials available for you to begin. (Toni Marie Sutliff, Minister of Finance, Diocese of Utah).
4) Sacred Dance for All Generations. “When you dance, you tell your story to yourself so it can be clear to you. When you allow your body to move freely you reflect God’s story…” Beyond Words, 15 Ways of doing Prayers by Kristen Johnson Ingram. Come to explore and step into the history of sacred dance that flowed from early Christianity throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Learn such dances as the tripudium, a processional dance that was done in Europe for centuries. Through very simple steps and movements discover your own story and connect to this rich, little known tradition. People of all abilities are welcome!! (Jane Ricenbaugh, MA, dancer and choreographer.)
14) Congregational Ministry in a Diverse World – Has the Pentecost community come to your town? Christians come in all sizes, colors, ages, languages, and cultural heritages. Creating congregational communities that can share the Gospel story (not to mention our own diverse stories) with each other and the world outside the church doors is challenging but offers some exciting possibilities. (The Rev. Patricia Sanchez Millard, Chaplain, St. Vincent Hospital, Portland, OR)
16) Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship and Story -- The Spiritual Gifts or charismata we receive through our baptism, only have meaning and purpose when they are used within the context of our faith story. As we discover and strengthen our Spiritual Gifts, our participation in our faith story expands. As our participation expands, our faith deepens. As our faith deepens, we become better stewards and evangelists, eager to share our story with others. Together we will learn what spiritual gifts are and what they are not; what the New Testament tells us about the use of spiritual gifts; discover the spiritual gifts already in our congregations and explore a process for discerning our own spiritual gifts. (The Rev. Marcia Engblom, Diocese of Northern CA.)
11) The Gospel in Four Directional Thinking: A Spirituality curriculum constructed from the Navajo (Dine') cosmology and a Scriptural, Theological and Episcopal conversation. This curriculum was prepared in anticipation of the needs for more indigenous perspective of our faith journey as Christians and Episcopalians. You are invited to review the curriculum and determine if you might use this resource in your ministry. Province VII Indigenous People’s Ministry is involved in the development of several liturgical celebrations that reflect Native spirituality. This panel will speak about the development of these liturgical resources and their preparation for publication in a compilation. Coordinated by The Rev. Debbie Royals, Province VIII Missioner for Native Ministry Development)
12:00pmLunch
Concurrent children and youth programs – 2:00 to 4:45 p.m.
2:00 -3:00 p.m.Story Groups Meeting #2
3:00pmBreak
3:30 pm-4:30pmBreakouts/Workshops Session #2
5) Quilting: Art as spiritual practice. Creating community, cultivating creativity, reaching out to others, exploring art as spiritual practice, teaching skills and continuing the intergenerational communication within your church community have all been the fruits of the ministry of St. Mary’s Guild at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church. Now in the fifth year, this ministry has proven to be a meaningful place for women to gather, explore their talents and build new skills, to find fellowship while at the same time offering comfort and healing to those in need. It can also be a way to bridge cultural, language and ethnic differences in a non-threatening way while learning more about the fiber arts of other cultures. There will be a chance to explore your creativity with paper and fabric to build a collective piecing to be enjoyed by participants of the conference and then to be taken home as a sample of what can be done. (Ann L. Schneider and Mariann Koop-McMahon, members of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, Portland, Oregon.)
6) Word Show – Telling the story with drama. This workshop takes participants through a process of birthing a story and giving it a form that invites the audience to connect. You need not be an actor to enjoy this session. The ultimate presentation is potentially richer if the writer, director, actor, set builder, costumer etc. are all aware of and involved in the whole process of telling the story. (Mark Turner, Horizon Gate Productions, a community of writers, filmmakers and performing arts which draws people to God, Julian, CA)
7) Web Design – The Web – and consequently your website – is about communication. Focusing on good/artistic design is important but it is also about good information design, about how people interact with your site. The presenter has been shaped by Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori’s piece entitled “Evangelistic Listening.” Join him and hear tips on how to shape your web site to be a strong communication of your parish’s information and vision as well as a dynamic tool for your members. (J. T. Quanbeck , Graphic/Information Designer with 25 years of experience, Portland, Oregon)
8) Telling Our Story – Learn how to tell your story of your own faith journey in a succinct and meaningful way. This is an essential step in letting you story shape your life and becoming able to share that sotry in the way that Jesus asks us to do. (The Rev. Canon Britt Olson, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Northern California)
12) Celebrating and Caring for Creation. This workshop will provide a theological basis and tools for making congregations and individuals more aware of God’s gift of Creation and our role as active participants in caring for Creation. The workshop will include theological reflection, discussion of examples of greening actions congregations can take. Resources for participants will include the Catechism of Creation and checklists for energy use, conservation, and food security. (The Rev. Deacon Phina Borgeson and Dr. Jim Jordan, officers of the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council Committee on Science, Technology, and Faith)
17) That We All May Be One, All Cultures -- A panel discussion.
4:45pmBreak
6:00 p.m.Dinner
7:00– 8:00 p.m.Campfire – The Greatest of the Greatest Stories