Registration Extended Through April 1

Scholarships available

Seeing in the Dark:  

Framing and Testing A Vision in Community

For congregations in the midst of change - and all our congregations are in the midst of change - the ability to frame and test a vision in community is an essential skill.  This mark of ministerial excellence has been found to be significantly related to congregational vitality factors (CARD's report).  During our learning event, pastoral and lay leaders can explore models from various fields and gain new tools with which their congregations can clarify a vision for ministry.  This program fulfills 6 hours towards Associations' continuing education requirements for authorized ministers.

Some key questions we'll engage:

• How are we theologically grounded in this visioning work?
• How are we being accountable to the call of the gospel?
• How are we responding to the Spirit's movement in the change that surrounds us?

Rev. Beth DuBois is a Presbyterian pastor who serves the South Valley Presbyterian Church in Syracuse.  In the course of her ministry in Syracuse, she has had the opportunity to work with several denominations (UCC, UMC, ELCA) and non-profits (L'Arche Syracuse, Interfaith Works and Community Wide Dialogue to End Racism).  She is a Princeton Theological Seminary graduate and lifelong learner, recently participating in  the Trinity Institute's "Listen for the Change."  She co-parents with Kathleen, an intentional interim/transitional pastor; they have two daughters, Katya and Ana; a four month old grandson, Austin; and Mac, a five year old standard poodle.

Tentative Schedule

Friday                                                                                                                          

6:00  Worship                                                                                                                

6:30  Dinner                                                                                                                  

7:15  Session I:  Life Stage Theory and Organic leadership                                                 

9:15  Conversation and Refreshments                                                                              

Saturday                                                                                                                       

8:00  Breakfast                                                                                                               

8:30  Morning Prayer                                                                                                     

9:00  Session II: 1:1s and SMART Goals - Models from Community Organizing and Business    

12:00  Lunch                                                                                                                

1:00   Session III: FROG Design                                                                                        

2:00   Communion Service                                                                                               

3:00   Departure     

Important information

Check in anytime after 3 pm on Friday and take time to relax in this beautiful spot. Participants are asked to bring: bed linen, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, towel and a wash cloth.

The Haven at Star Lake website: http://www.havensl.com/gallery/general-images