Training opportunities for deacons, stewardship, intercultural ministry, Children's Disaster Services, youth ministry.

A number of upcoming workshops and training events are offered by or recommended by Church of the Brethren staff in the areas of deacon ministry, stewardship, intercultural ministry, serving children following disasters, and youth ministry:

Three training sessions for deacons will be hosted by Pacific Southwest District this fall. The first will be at Tucson (Ariz.) Church of the Brethren on Sept. 25, followed by identical sessions at the Empire and Glendora Churches in California on Oct. 2 and 9, respectively. Each session will include opening and closing worship, the workshops "What Are Deacons Supposed to Do, Anyway?" and "The Art of Listening," as well as a light lunch. To register, complete the form found at www.brethren.org/deacontraining or contact the district office at 909-392-4054 or secretary@pswdcob.org. For information about other fall training sessions for deacons visit www.brethren.org/deacontraining or contact Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren's Deacon Ministry, at 800-323-8039 or dkline@brethren.org.

"Intercultural Competency/Competencia Intercultural: Being an Effective Leader in a Diverse Changing World" is the theme for a workshop on Nov. 11, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., led by Eric H.F. Law. The event is offered in both English and Spanish, jointly sponsored by the Church of the Brethren's Intercultural Ministry, On Earth Peace, and Mennonite Central Committee. It is designed for pastors, church members, and district leaders. Law is adjunct faculty for the Doctor of Ministry program at McCormick Theological Seminary, ACTS Doctor of Ministry program in Preaching, and the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas. He will speak on viewing intercultural communities of faith through the lens of theology and explore the questions: What is culture? Why are there intercultural conflicts? How do racism, power, and privilege affect the way we can be effective leaders in a diverse community? The $25 registration fee includes lunch with a vegetarian option. A continuing education credit of 0.5 is available for $10. Online registration is at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_intercultural_EricLaw2010.

Children's Disaster Services (CDS) is offering a volunteer workshop Nov. 12-13 at Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio. CDS volunteers provide a calm, safe, and reassuring presence following disasters by setting up and operating special child care centers in disaster locations. Parents are then able to apply for assistance and begin to put their lives back together, knowing their children are safe. The information learned at this workshop can be beneficial to anyone working with children. Cost is $45 for early registration, $55 after Oct. 22. The local contact is Carrie Smith at 937-836-6145, or contact the CDS office at 800-451-4407 ext. 5 or cds@brethren.org.

"Teaching and Preaching Christian Stewardship," the 2010 Leadership Seminar offered by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center, will take place on Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at the Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete's Beach, Fla. Denominational leaders from across North America will share their insights, research, and inspiration in teaching and preaching stewardship in an event that blends workshop sessions, worship, and fellowship for pastors and stewardship leaders. To learn more about content and leadership, visit www.escleadershipseminar.com. To receive an early bird registration discount and a Church of the Brethren scholarship ($100 for the first five registrants; $50 for the second five), contact Carol Bowman, stewardship development coordinator, at 509-663-2833 (Pacific time) or cbowman@brethren.org before Oct. 18.

The Youth Worker Summit, a once-every-four-years ecumenical youth ministry training event, takes place Dec. 1-4 in Orlando, Fla. The summit is a chance for youth pastors and youth workers to strengthen ministry skills, network, and re-energize. Rodger Nishioka is this year's keynote speaker, Phyllis Tickle will speak at the opening worship service, and Celia Whitler will lead the music. The schedule includes worship, workshops, plenary sessions, and time to spend with youth ministry colleagues. Visit www.youthworkersummit.org for details. "Because this event includes high quality leadership, it is an expensive conference," said an invitation from Becky Ullom, the Church of the Brethren's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. "In order to make it more affordable for you to attend, I have set aside some budget money for scholarships." The Youth and Young Adult Ministry office will be able to pay the entire registration fee ($275) for the first 20 Church of the Brethren youth pastors who indicate they would like a scholarship. Individuals or churches will pay for lodging and travel to the Orlando area, although some money for travel may be available. As soon as possible (or by Oct. 8), e-mail bullom@brethren.org if you plan to participate.

Source: 9/9/2010 Newsline