FRIDAY WORKSHOPS
Morning Plenary
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Hibiscus Hall
The State of the Diocese
The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf will share how our vision, mission, and the four pathways are serving the greater diocese. What has strengthened us, what challenges we face, and the ways we are living into our baptismal covenant in Southwest Florida.
Afternoon Workshop
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Myakka A & B
Forming Disciples
The Village It Takes
This panel brings together leaders with experience in youth ministry, young adult ministry, and campus ministry to explore what it means for the whole Church to participate in the formation of young people. Together, the panelists will share different perspectives and experiences about how congregations can engage young people and families, build meaningful partnerships, and create pathways for discipleship, even when they do not have a traditional youth program of their own.
Rather than asking, “Do we have youth ministry?” this conversation invites congregations to ask, “How are we part of the village that forms young people in our community?”
The panel will highlight the ways congregations, diocesan ministries, campus ministries, schools, families, and other communities can work together to create a culture where young people are known, supported, invited, and formed as disciples of Jesus.
Panel:
Emily Canady, Diocese of East Carolina, The Rev. Bill Pardy, Madeline Bradsher, The Rev. Bryan O Carol , and Jackie Overton. Panel Moderators: Caitlin Martin, and Morgan Brownlee
Afternoon Workshop
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Peace A & B
Embracing Differences
Many Communities, One Witness
What does it look like for our churches to embrace differences not simply as an idea, but as an essential part of our shared mission and witness?
This panel conversation brings together leaders from the Global Partnership Commission, Racial Reconciliation Commission, and Hispanic Latino Commission to share how their ministries are building relationships, honoring the dignity of every human being, and expanding the Church’s presence within and beyond the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
Panelists will offer a glimpse into their current work, from connecting congregations with global mission opportunities and creating programs centered on reconciliation and human dignity, to supporting and raising up Hispanic and Latino worshiping communities across the diocese. Together, they will explore practical ways congregations can participate in and nurture these ministries in their own communities and consider why embracing differences is vital to serving our neighbors and strengthening the Church’s witness throughout Southwest Florida.
Panel:
Global Mission Commission, Racial Reconciliation Commission, & Hispanic & Latino Ministries
Afternoon Workshop
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Myakka A & B
Transforming Communities
Transforming Companions, Congregations, & Communities
That the world around us has changed dramatically over the past 20 years is a fact that we’re all living into. This includes the dramatic changes in our parishes where we worship and the communities where we serve. Join a lively discussion that invites us to explore Transformation Pathway where we not only learn a bit about where we are, but also about how to follow the Spirit’s lead and join Jesus in changing the world.
Speaker:
The Rev. Canon Timothy Hodapp
Ret. Canon for Congregations & Transitions, The Episcopal Church in Connecticut
Afternoon Workshop
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Peace A & B
Developing Leaders
Mental Health and The Church
Drawing on his work as a therapist, priest, and songwriter, Josh Bales will explore what Christianity has to say about trauma, grief, identity, anxiety, depression, and addiction — including the often-overlooked place of the body in our psychological life. Through original songs and reflection, this workshop makes the case that Christianity offers far more here than we typically assume.
Speaker:
The Rev. Josh Bales
Rector, Incarnation Oviedo
