Sep 23, 2016

Deep Faith Conference - October 6-8, 2016

Elsie Rempel, Mennonite Women Canada's Secretary-Treasurer, is chairperson of the working group which is planning the DEEP FAITH CONFERENCE being held at AMBS (Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) October 6-8, 2016 in Elkhart, Indiana. Elsie is also one of the worship leaders and one of the workshop presenters. MW USA and MW Canada are sponsoring a display table and a break at the conference. You can find more information at the website CLICK HERE.

Here are a few of the workshops that might be of interest to you!

BOOMER FAITH: DROP IN OR DROP OUT
We will explore the life stage of Baby Boomers, along with their unique challenges, realities and expectations. What helps them connect with Christian faith? What draws them away? How can paying attention to their distinctive perspective on life help them be formed in their faith? Presenter: Marlene Bogard, director, Mennonite Women USA 

WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN: FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE 
We will explore the power of women's friendships as a way to nurture faith in other women of all ages. Together, we will imagine how friendships offer wisdom, encouragement and companionship and serve as a catalyst for Christian discipleship. Presenter: Marlene Bogard, director, Mennonite Women USA 

SPIRITUAL GRANDPARENTING 
It has become uncommon for congregations to include three generations of family, and many grandparents and their grandchildren have to make the best of long-distance relationships. But congregations often have lots of older and younger people who would do well to form deep friendships with each other. Come and explore the rich possibilities of spiritual grandparenting, whether or not it is biological. Presenter: Elsie Rempel, faith formation consultant, Winnipeg, Manitoba 

COME TO THE TABLE 
Faith formation happens around our tables and around The Table when we recognize Jesus as meal host. Come and explore the meals that Jesus hosted in the Bible and consider their potential for enriching the faith-forming potential of your congregation or camp’s tables. Presenter: Elsie Rempel, faith formation consultant, Winnipeg, Manitoba 

LATE-LIFE SPIRITUAL FORMATION 
Late life is an intense and varied experience, often evoking new questions and challenging deeply-held beliefs. How might we develop a robust spiritual foundation that can help us face realities such as dependency, frailty and mortality and at the same time experience the joy of life as a graceful gift from a loving Creator? Presenter: Marianne Mellinger, coordinator of applied studies, theological studies, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ontario

GENDER AND FAITH FORMATION 
This workshop explores the ways in which our worship and faith formation are shaping our understanding of ourselves, our gender, our calling and our worth in God’s eyes. Genesis 1 affirms that all people are created in God’s image. Therefore, the gifts and attributes that both women and men bring are equally important to the life and ministry of the church, as well as to the witness that the church has within creation. This workshop seeks to give practical ideas for worship and faith formation that are affirming and life-giving for all who are created in God’s good image. Presenter: Katherine Goerzen, associate pastor, Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, Kansas, and coordinator, AMBS – Kansas Center 

MAKING ROOM FOR FORMATION 
Using the theme of hospitality toward those outside of majority groups, how do we stay attentive to faith formation? Connecting with the text Making Room (Pohl), we will discuss the practices of Christ with attention to contemporary examples of hospitality and faith formation. Presenter: Shannon Dycus, co-pastor, First Mennonite Church, Indianapolis 

WE PROCLAIM AND EMBODY THE GOSPEL: FORMATION IN THE MISSIONAL CHURCH
In the way we create programs and hire staff, churches often seem to separate formation and mission. In the missional church, formation and mission are easily integrated. Drawing from the writing of Lois Barrett and John Driver, we will consider the practical implications of Christian formation in a missional frame. Presenter: Shana Peachey Boshart, Conference Minister for Christian Formation, Central Plains Mennonite Conference.

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