Workshops

Friday and Saturday, 1:00–2:30 p.m. and 3:00–4:30 p.m.

To Follow and to Serve: Introduction to the 2011–12 Lutheran Woman Today Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark 
The Rev. Patricia Lull

Lull became interested in the Gospel of Mark in childhood. Upon first hearing its stories at St. John Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ohio, she began imagining life in that biblical world. Today, she’s designed the 2011–12 Lutheran Woman Today (LWT) Bible study for both experienced and novice Bible readers, inviting all to become 21st century disciples. Gain insight into Mark’s Gospel and prepare to participate in LWT’s upcoming Bible study. Friday only

Renew, Respond, Rejoice: 2011 Summer Bible Study
The Rev. Catherine Malotky and The Rev. David Engelstad

Philippians 4:4–9 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always … and the God of peace will be with you.” Catherine Malotky and David Engelstad will inspire you to live out your faith by taking a closer look at the Bible passages that inspired this year’s gathering. This moving, three-session summer study explores how we can renew our faith lives, respond to God’s call and rejoice in our many blessings. Saturday only

Prayer in Daily Life
Dr. Jane Redmont 

How can we find time, energy and space for prayer when our daily lives are full and our responsibilities pull us in many directions? Open your mind to new methods of  praying, and you’ll discover ways to renew your spirit and refresh your routines in the midst of our busy lifestyles. Redmont explores practical and gentle paths to prayer, taking into account our varied temperaments and life circumstances. She looks at the ancient Christian practices of prayer as they relate to the Internet age and explores the environments in which we pray. Plus, she will address questions such as these:

• How are our bodies involved in prayer?
• What role does anger, grief and lament play in prayer?
• Do we always need words to pray?
• How is our private prayer connected with our public worship and our household devotions?

Saturday only

Luther’s New Appreciation of Sexuality, Marriage and Family
The Rev. Dr. Jane Strohl

Interested in Lutheran history? Here’s a great opportunity to learn or reacquaint yourself with the teachings of Martin Luther. Join Jane Strohl, professor of Reformation history and theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, who will discuss Martin Luther’s ethics in the realms of church and household. Plus, learn about his evangelical understanding of marriage and sexuality and its theological roots.

On Our Way: A Living Faith That’s Good for the World
The Rev. Susan Briehl and Mary Emily Briehl Duba, mother and daughter

Experience the gathering’s intergenerational connections as this mother-daughter team addresses coming generations’ interest in living in a way that supports our endangered planet, is life-giving to others and is attentive to the presence of God. They’ll also share findings from Briehl’s newly published book on faithful living, On Our Way: Christian Practices for Living a Whole Life, which focuses on young adults’ faith lives. Saturday only

Chocolate-Covered Church: Recipes for Faith-Inspired Giving
Brenda Moore and Kathleen Rehl

What does your faith inspire? Sharing the word of God through your congregation? Feeding a village of children? Providing a missionary to walk alongside a global neighbor? Helping a group of women start their own businesses? Supporting a seminary student through their entire education? Ensuring that Women of the ELCA continue to minister to women and girls of future generations? Leaving a meaningful legacy to your children and grandchildren? Presenters Brenda Moore, a gift planner for the ELCA Foundation, and Kathleen Rehl, a certified financial planner with Rehl Financial Advisors, will share faith-inspired stories of women whose thoughtful estate plans have resulted in generous gifts that have blessed their families and the whole church.

Gospel Music: Enhancing Worship Using Music from the African American Experience
Dr. Thomas Jefferson

An accomplished performer in both the classical and popular genres, Jefferson has collaborated with numerous vocal artists and performed with numerous choral and gospel groups. In this workshop, learn strategies to enhance your worship by incorporating various styles of music from the African American tradition that can further inspire, uplift and unite your congregation! Friday only

Intercultural Competence for Leadership in a Diverse World (Friday)
Stacy Kitahata

As we move further into the 21st century, it’s essential to value our diverse world and have the skills needed to successfully respond within this massive melting pot. Kitahata will help you learn those skills and provide practical tools for effectively communicating with diverse groups of people. Learn how to initiate and deepen relationships across cultural, ethnic and racial divides while developing your own cultural self-awareness. You’ll appreciate this interactive presentation and gain a number of useful fundamentals. 

Power Analysis: From Pentecost to TG11 (Saturday)
Stacy Kitahata

Building on the fundamentals presented in Friday’s “Cultural Competence for Leadership in a Diverse and Changing World,” you’ll explore perspectives on power  and privilege. This workshop delves more deeply into the personal implications for leadership and present methods for managing in different situations. Attendance at the Cultural Competence workshop on Friday is recommended.

Chemical Craze: Detoxifying Your Home
Danielle Welliever

With increasing frequency, we hear about studies linking chemicals in everyday household products to negative effects on our health. In fact, your children bear the greatest burden of these health hazards. Learn about today’s top 10 chemicals of concern and how they can affect your health. Plus, understand the meaning behind the Toxic Substance Control Act and how it will impact the health of generations to come. 

Words Matter: The Power of Language
The Rev. Ann Tiemeyer

Words, symbols and pictures define, motivate and inspire. Like a puzzle, when pieced together just right, these three communication elements hold the keys to an important message that can alter your thinking or greatly change your life. Tiemeyer will explore the power of language and its life-giving ways to extend the church’s mission to your local church and community. Plus, explore how the power of language impacts your life, faith community and relationship with God. Friday only

Walking in Solidarity with Your Global Sisters
Meagan Manas

“A Walk to Beautiful,” one of the feature film screenings, tells the devastating tale of five Ethiopian women with fistula, a medical condition resulting from severe or failed childbirth, and their walk to a far-away hospital for help (see the Schedule at a Glance section for film viewing times). Meagan Manas, who works in women’s ministries at the National Council of Churches, will lead this powerful workshop on raising awareness of obstetric fistula, commercial sexual exploitation and maternal health. Educate your community about women’s health around the globe. Put faith into action by praying for the well-being of your global sisters. Saturday only

Spirituality of Anti-Racism
Romi Pierce and The Rev. Violet Little

As God’s people, we are called to unite and work together to achieve the world’s goals. Yet we are all different, so how can we work together for the common good? Today’s Dream: Tomorrow’s Reality (TDTR) is a network of peer educators commissioned by Women of the ELCA to “claim and practice an anti-racist identity.” How does anti-racism education connect you to the power of Christ’s resurrection? Pierce and Little will help you understand the deep spirituality that emerges within a wounded healer as she seeks wisdom and applies it to everyday life and the world around her.

Sacred Space as Metaphor
Inez Torres Davis

The mysteries of God’s grace confront us throughout our lives because we each remain a sacred dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, which is God. Our care of self is an intentional and essential sacred work of growing into Christ as a bearer and reflector of God’s grace and love for the world. This workshop, based on Women of the ELCA’s Sacred Space as Metaphor resource, explores ways we can prepare and care for ourselves as part of the sacred work of all Christians: growing into Christ. Saturday only

Power and Sexism: What Does Faith Have to Do with It?
Mary J. Streufert, Ph.D.

What does it mean to have power? How do systems of power, particularly sexism, affect our daily lives? A theology of the cross—Luther’s contention that God is revealed in the cross—is a rich resource for people of faith. Through the anchor of a theology of the cross, participants will work on social and interpersonal tools for living out the power of the gospel when it comes to systems of power. Friday only

Our Spiritual Gifts: Lessons for Today's Disciples
Valora Starr

Discipleship can be a chore or a joy depending on how well we know and practice the marks of discipleship: praying, studying, worshiping, inviting, encouraging, serving, and giving. Jesus modeled these marks, or practices, for the early disciples and for us. Daily practice is essential to effectively accomplishing Jesus’ great commission in today’s world. This workshop will introduce each of the marks, a self-assessment tool and practical ways to incorporate these marks in everyday activities. Friday only

Building the Organization with Creative Programming
Elizabeth McBride

Does your women’s group consist of the usual suspects? Do you want new women and younger women to participate? Elizabeth McBride will share creative ideas about expanding your group. From networking events to advocacy to going beyond church walls, there are easy ways to create and sustain an intergenerational group. We will also share the experience of Jessica Gill, a young adult mom who is active in the Women of the ELCA unit in her congregation. She will explain how she started a Café group to increase the participation of young adult women.
Friday only