During this five-day cluster of workshops participants will actively engage in writing, developing, leading and creating worship expressions for current, alternative worship design.  Pastors, worship leaders, and educators will find that the experiential style of these workshops provides them guidance, while they practice and prepare materials for use in planning and designing worship in their home settings.  You may register for all or for part of the five-day cluster listed below.  Discounted registration for the full five days:  $500 (includes meals designated in each day’s description.)

You may register any of these workshops individually, or participate in all of them as part of

“Practicing Skills for Alternative/Emerging Worship”

Telling the Story/Crafting the Connections

(day one and two of PSfA/EW)

            Since ancient times, storytelling has been the link between holy words and the life of faith, between members of different generations, and between peoples of differing cultures, histories, and faiths.  Stories are foundational to community identity and formation; almost half of our Christian scriptures are comprised in story genre.  In this workshop pastors, educators, and church leaders will develop skills in the art of storytelling.  Upon registering, participants will be given a short list of things to bring with them.  First day: 10am-9pm.  Second day: 9am- 4:30pm.  $225 includes two lunches, dinner, and second day breakfast.  

          Picturing the Story/Creating Metaphor

(day three of PSfA/EW)

            Communication patterns have shifted dramatically in the past ten or more years.  Today, learning how to create clear visual images is key to one’s ability to communicate with groups.  In this workshop pastors, educators, church/worship leaders will practice building and using metaphorical language, both verbally and visually.  9am-5pm.  $99 includes all instructional materials and lunch.  

            Living the Story/Experiential Bible Study

(day four of PSfA/EW)

            Designed for pastors, educators, and church leaders this workshop will introduce and practice three models for study that engage persons with the biblical text in ways that help them draw insights for daily living.  Participants will leave the workshop with fresh perspectives about how experiential models speak uniquely to this postmodern time, and with many models and suggestions for ways to transform current, church, group opportunities into active, spirit-filled opportunities for growth.  9am-4:30pm.  $99 includes instructional materials and lunch.

            Renewing the Story/Practicing Ritual

(day five of PSfA/EW)

            In our church congregations rituals mark significant moments, bring spiritual presence to times of change and transition, and transform ordinary actions into holy, intimate, spiritual meaning. Ritual, artfully expressed, provides a lens through which persons ‘see God’.   Rituals remind us; rituals help us remember significance in our lives; rituals help form communities.  This culminating day of the five-day “Practicing Skills” cluster combines storytelling and metaphor as participants develop and practice new rituals to use in worship and other ministries.  8:30am-2pm. $99 includes breakfast and lunch.