Vintage

A101 Conversations with our Keynoter 
A102 "Help! I'm a Youth Leader!"
A103 Ministry Beyond the Comfort Zone
A104 Out of the Box Leadership Options for Small Churches
A105 Read Me a Story: Children's Literature and Nurturing the Life of Faith
A106 The Biblical Model and Mandate for Multiracial Ministry
A107 Singing Into Our Future
A108 The Spirituality of Change: Growing in Faith in Times of Transition
A109 Themes and Theology in the Book of Joshua
A110 Why Presbyterians Are Like That: Ten Things that ALL Presbyterians Believe
A111 Spirituality Center
B201 Becoming a Multiracial Congregation, the Battles and Blessings
B202 Between the Labyrinth and the Abyss: The Blessing of Presbyterian Contentiousness
B203 Change Happens!
B204 Designing the Life of Your Dreams
B205 Global Ministry: Local Impact
B206 Happy 500th Birthday, John Calvin!
B207 Leading and Empowering Youth - "The Prepositional Difference"
B208 Pastoral Care for Pastors
B209 Read a Good Book Lately? Seeking the Sacred in Contemporary Literature
B210 Spirituality Center (Repeat of A111)
B211 Using your HOURS to Make a Lasting Impact!
B212 Worship Music that is Inspired and Inspirational

FOCUS Workshop A Descriptions

A101    Conversations with our Keynoter
This interactive seminar with Dan Kimball will give you an opportunity to learn more about what he has learned about the cultural scene in our world today and how it impacts church as we know it. This is the place to ask your questions about emergent worship, connecting with the arts, equipping leadership teams and what to do when your congregation of young adults starts having kids! So, what are your questions?
Dan Kimball serves the Vintage Faith Church in Santa Clara, CA and is the author of “Emerging Church” and “They Like Jesus but Not the Church.”

A102    “Help! I’m a Youth Leader!”
Wondering what in the world to do with those junior high youth on Sunday nights? Not sure how to make Sunday school engaging for your senior high? Then come hear about innovative and meaningful ways to engage young people and ignite your youth ministry! We will introduce new and exciting resources and share insights from years of experience in both small and large church youth ministry. Whether you are a volunteer youth leader, adult sponsor, or staff, if you are working with young people – this workshop is for you! 
Rev. Caressa Murray serves as Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families at Webster Presbyterian Church, Webster, and has over 10 years experience in youth ministry. Gary Holloman has over 30 years of experience in youth ministry from the local to national level and is currently serving in Grace Presbytery, Dallas, TX.

A103    Ministry Beyond the Comfort Zone
How do you respond when God and the gospel of Jesus Christ call you to do more, or something different, or lead you in a new direction outside your comfort zone? Using an emphasis on prayer and spiritual disciplines that are both personal and corporate, learn the story of the emergence of Ubutu Global Village Mission possible. This is a ministry for children and teens living on the streets of Durban, South Africa. Explore what is happening in your community and context as God calls us to ministry beyond our comfort zones, expectations and imaginations.
Rev. LaDonna M. Sanders, Global Pastor and Mission Executive, shares the transformation story of the South Africa Ubuntu Project and Ubuntu Global Village Mission Possible, which builds bridges between communities across the waters to serve communities that are impacted and affected by HIV/AIDS and children and teens living on the streets in Durban, South Africa.

A104    Out of the Box Leadership Options in Small Churches
Most small membership churches are incredibly strong and focused on the ministry they do in their community. This workshop will explore creative options for leadership in small membership congregations. We will consider expanding the possibilities and models for leadership to strengthen these churches in their unique ministries.
Elder Ron Fleming attends A Community of the Servant Savior, Houston and Rev. Dr. Mary Currie, minister member at-large, and has intentionally served small churches in her ministry. They have both been active in Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly small church work for many years.

A105    Read Me a Story: Children’s Literature and Nurturing the Life of Faith
Reading to young children - and those who are older - is a great act of love extended by caring adults.  The great diversity of children’s literature, both sacred and secular, provides a wonderful starting point for conversations about faith, life and all the other things that really matter. Often these books can be used as a sort of visual parable as well. We’ll take a look at a variety of picture books and consider their many uses with children, youth AND adults.
Mary Marcotte is a Certified Christian Educator who serves as Associate General Presbyter for Discipleship and Leadership Development in the Presbytery of New Covenant.

A106    The Biblical Model and Mandate for Multiracial Ministry
It really can happen. The Scriptures have transformed Wilcrest Baptist Church in Alief from an all-white church to a church that is represented by 44 different nations with no one majority racial group.  As God has made us in God’s own image and we will ultimately be gathered around God’s throne, what will the church do NOW, between these two bookends of human history?
Dr. Rodney Woo serves as Senior Pastor of Wilcrest Baptist Church and is an Adjunct Professor at Houston Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His latest book, “The Color of Church: A Biblical and an Experiential Paradigm for Multiracial Congregations” will be published in August, 2009.

A107    Singing Into Our Future
We live in an exciting time for congregational singing! Different styles and traditions spanning the centuries and from around the globe present opportunities for ways to praise God! This interactive workshop will explore congregational song, worship styles, and the denomination’s new hymnal project. 
Rev. Dr. Michael Waschevski is a pastor, musician and educator who serves as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian, Fort Worth, TX. He also serves on the denomination’s new hymnal committee.

A108    The Spirituality of Change:  Growing in Faith in Times of Transition
Change can be frightening, or at least uncomfortable. In our fast-paced culture, change is constant and we may be tempted to look for quick solutions to simply survive. Times of transition can also be fruitful periods of growth and new possibilities. In this workshop, we will look at ways that we as individuals, families, and congregations can thrive in the midst of uncertainty. We will explore issues of letting go, living “between the times,” and embracing new beginnings as we seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, living into new roles and relationships with one another.
Elder JoAnn Currie, Central Presbyterian Church, Houston, is an educational consultant to the larger church.

A109    Themes and Theology in the Book of Joshua
The book of Joshua provides narratives of the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land, accounts of battles with Canaanites, the distribution of the land to the various tribes, and concludes with a covenant renewal ceremony. We will look briefly at the various components of the book and have discussion on its basic themes and theology. We will also discuss how the book fits into an unfolding storyline in the Bible and how it may instruct our faith today.
Dr. Andy Dearman serves as Director of Fuller Seminary-Houston Regional Campus. He served on the faculty of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary from 1982-2009, serving as Professor of Old Testament as well as Academic Dean from 1997-2003. He is currently involved in two Bible translation projects.

A110    Why Presbyterians Are Like That: Ten Things that All Presbyterians Believe
Presbyterians are unique, generous, contentious, and (very) verbal. Through reference to Scripture, the Book of Confessions, and the Book of Order, participants in this course will discuss what makes Presbyterians “like that.” You’ll love this humorous and energizing look at Presbyterians.
Rev. John Williams, Director of Church Relations, Austin College in Sherman, TX.

A111    Spirituality Center
Make an appointment for a pause that refreshes. Spend time in focused reflection, taking advantage of a number of stations that will guide you in a variety of prayer practices. The Spirituality Center is more fully described on pg. 5 of the brochure and will be open for drop-in use throughout the Conference. This is an option for those who wish to intentionally set aside a major portion of the day for this experience. (Repeats as B210)
Webster Youth Team, Webster Presbyterian Church, Webster.



FOCUS Workshop B Descriptions

B201    Becoming a Multiracial Congregation, the Battles and Blessings
What are the practical steps that have been learned through one congregation’s 17-year journey of seeing a slowly dying all-white congregation in a transitional neighborhood be transformed into a little piece of heaven on earth? We will examine the multiple barriers, setbacks, failures, and successes experienced through this transformation process.
Dr. Rodney Woo serves as Senior Pastor of Wilcrest Baptist Church and is an Adjunct Professor at Houston Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His latest book, “The Color of Church: A Biblical and an Experiential Paradigm for Multiracial Congregations,” will be published in August, 2009.

B202    Between the Labyrinth and the Abyss: The Blessing of Presbyterian
Contentiousness
About once per generation, Presbyterians in this country have a big, major argument. Through the last few centuries, those arguments tend to look alike in some ways. Participants in this class will look at how and why Presbyterians argue and why--on the whole--those arguments are a good sign for our church.
Rev. John Williams serves as Director of Church Relations, Austin College in Sherman, TX.

B203    Change Happens!
This workshop is geared to persons over forty who feel there is more to intergenerational success than staying in the “I did that once in my past” bubble. The ideas generated in this workshop will ignite your creativity for transforming your community. Learn where your passion intersects the needs of the world, and put more of your faith into your life. 
Rev. Carol Burgeson is a second career PC(USA) minister, and leads this interactive workshop that will knock your aging socks off.


B204    Designing the Life of Your Dreams
Come and experience a fun, playful and profoundly meaningful process to seek vision for your life.  Created by Dr. Lucia Capacchione in her work with Walt Disney’s Imagineers, visioning ® uses both sides of the brain to find your heart’s desire and discern God’s will.  Bring four or five magazines with quality color pictures and get ready to cut and paste, dream and pray.
Rev. Patricia Clark, Pastor of the lively St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, Houston, is currently training with
Dr. Capacchione.

B205    Global Ministry: Local Impact
How can global partnerships revive and energize your local impact? How can your local church witness and ministries impact the globe? Whether you have been involved in global ministry for a long time or are considering new partnerships, together we will explore ways that engaging globally impacts your local ministries, witness and outreach. 
Rev. LaDonna M. Sanders, Global Pastor and Mission Executive, South Africa Ubuntu Project and Ubuntu Global Village Mission Possible. 

B206    Happy 500th Birthday, John Calvin!
Sometimes thought of as a cold and stodgy intellectual, John Calvin had a side that often goes neglected, namely, his spirituality (or “piety”, as Calvin would have called it). In this workshop we will look at Calvin’s piety and discover in him a pastoral theologian of joy. We will also discuss the difference between Calvin and Calvinism, which has often led to some serious misunderstandings of the man and his theology. Although we won’t have 500 candles, we might have a piece of birthday cake to celebrate this remarkable person’s life!
Dr. James Currie serves as Associate Dean of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Houston Extension.

B207    Leading and Empowering Youth - “The Prepositional Difference”
In youth ministry, we seek to educate, equip and empower young people to grow in their faith and become who God has called them to be. But this can be a “tall order” - whether you have the training or not! This workshop will explore techniques and approaches for leading youth, as well as how to empower young people to lead in their church. Both adults AND youth are welcome to attend! 
Rev. Caressa Murray serves as Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families at Webster Presbyterian Church, Webster and has over 10 years experience in youth ministry.
Gary Holloman has over 30 years of experience in youth ministry from local to national level and is currently serving in Grace Presbytery, Dallas.

B208    Pastoral Care for Pastors
Pastors are called to care for their flock, but who cares for pastors?  Join us for a lively discussion of how we can help our pastors not only give but receive the best pastoral care.  We will bring information regarding multiple resources to help pastors get the care they need. We will discuss ways that the pastors of our Presbytery can facilitate care for our pastors. 
Rev. Mike Cole serves as General Presbyter of New Covenant Presbytery and has previously served four congregations.
Rev. Jim Gill serves as Designated Pastor of First Presbyterian, Tomball, and is chair of the Care of Church Professionals subcommittee of the Committee on Ministry.

B209    Read a Good Book Lately? Seeking the Sacred in Contemporary Literature
Where do you look for glimpses of God? One of the most unexpected and rewarding places may be in the contemporary fiction on our bookshelves! In this workshop, we will discover spiritual themes such as redemption, salvation, love, grace, and forgiveness in seemingly secular books. We will also explore creative ways that congregations might use contemporary literature in Sunday morning classes, mid-week, and monthly gatherings, including practical suggestions for starting a book discussion group. 
Elder JoAnn Currie, Central Presbyterian, Houston is an educational consultant to the larger church.

B210    Spirituality Center (Repeat of A111)
Webster Youth Team, Webster Presbyterian Church, Webster

B211    Using your HOURS to make a lasting impact!
It’s plain and simple – it is crucial for children to have significant voices in their lives to help them to have an everyday faith. Creating opportunities for kids to have transformational relationships is the most important thing we can offer children and families and is foundational to a child’s faith. The hours in the church are not enough to provide an everyday faith. It is our job to help parents maximize their sphere of influence with their own children to create a life long faith. Let’s examine how we can use the hours inside and outside the church to truly impact the lives of children and families.
Keeke Hartis serves as Associate Director of Children’s Ministries at Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, and will be joined by other members of the Grace Children’s Ministry Team.

B212    Worship Music that is Inspired and Inspirational
What happens when we select music that is not limited to a particular genre but leads to faith-filled worship? Come take part in a conversation filled with insights from top practitioners of multiple genres of music as they discuss music selection that builds up the body of Christ and honors God and as part of a cohesive plan for vibrant worship. Move beyond “worship wars” and celebrate the great range of music in the church today.
Ben Kuykendall, Grace Presbyterian’s Director of Contemporary Worship; Keith Weber, Director of Music, St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Houston, and Rev. Dr. Michael Waschevski of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth, TX.