Presbytery Learning Opportunities June 2020

As a presbytery ministry team, we have been planning as range of resourcing opportunities pertinent to these complex times.

Here are some events happening in the next two months. We hope that they are helpful for you. Please pass on those that are relevant to your leaders and congregations.

Recovery after lockdown: Pastoral Considerations

Zoom conversation with Dr Tanya Wittwer, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology at the Adelaide College of Divinity and Flinders University, Adelaide.

Friday 19 June, 10.00-11.00m on Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/772050752

Tanya recently published a paper called ‘Pastoral Considerations for a Pandemic’ and will reflect with us on the pastoral challenges after Lockdown as we reopen our buildings and re-engage in face to face contact. In the seminar we will explore strategies for ministry leaders and pastoral carers that may help the communities and individuals in their care as we move into the next phase of managing the impact of the pandemic. We will briefly look at research into measures that predict well-being in communities following a disaster and share ideas on how storytelling, liturgical action and other traditions of the Church can help promote healing and a sense of well-being for us and people we care for, in and outside the Church.

Spirited Generosity

Four online seminars on financial giving and developing a budget for mission

July 8, 15, 22, 29 - 10.30am-11.45am

Financial giving and church budgets have been challenged in recent weeks. How can we move beyond just coping to a healthier financial future for churches?

The sessions will be led by Dr Craig Mitchell and Rev Duncan Macleod.

Cost $20 includes workbook. 15 people per seminar.

Register at tinyurl.com/ppe-events Registration by 1 July.

For more info contact Craig Mitchell at [email protected]

Mental Health First Aid

Around 1 in 5 Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year. Yet many people feel uncomfortable and unprepared when thinking about starting a conversation with someone they are concerned about. Having mental health first aid skills means that you can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This online training program helps leases gain essential pastoral skills. Learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

The Training includes 7-8 hours of self-paced online learning plus two 2.5 hour online group Zoom sessions.

Online learning starts in July.

Led by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia, a national not-for-profit organisation focused on mental health training and research.

Cost $225 includes printed Manual

Registration at tinyurl.com/ppe-events Limited places available,

Hosted by PPE, Yarra Yarra and Gippsland presbyteries.

Digital Storytelling in Faith Formation

Zoom Conversation with Dr Mary Hess, Professor of Educational Leadership at Luther Seminary in Minnesota, USA.

Friday 3 July, 10.00-11.30am on facebook.com/ucappep.org

What stories will you tell of recent months?

What stories have disturbed you?

What stories have brought hope?

In the digital realm we are bombarded by multiple truths. In our daily world we are delighted, challenged and transformed by stories, remarkable and ordinary. In the digital world we can explore, connect, share, empower, celebrate and be changed through stories, local and global. This conversation is about the possibilities of growing people's faith through storytelling in the digital world. Part of our series on Blended Faith Formation.

Sacraments in the Uniting Church (Online Course)

Wednesdays 1 July to 19 August, 7.00-8.00pm

Leaders: Rev Anneke Oppewal and Rev Duncan Macleod

During the COVID-19 restrictions we've had to ask significant questions about why we celebrate communion, the role of the presider, and the issue of where and when we celebrate. Here's a great chance to explore these questions and more. Sacraments in the Uniting Church is an invitation to explore the meaning of baptism and communion, and discuss what God offers us as we participate in them.

The course is offered to all people interested in learning more about our experience of God in the sacraments. People who are hoping to be authorised as lay presiders will need to complete the five assignments associated with this course.

The $30 fee covers a pack of printed UCA resources for communion, baptism and thanksgiving for a child.

Registration at tinyurl.com/ppe-events

Lay Leadership Resources

Just a reminder that the Synod has a range of leadership resources that can be accessed online or downloaded for local use.

https://victas.uca.org.au/community-learning/leadership/lay-resources/

And don't forget the excellent courses at Pilgrim. Check out their Semester Two offerings at https://pilgrim.edu.au/

Peace

Craig

Dr CraigMitchell Presbytery Minister - Church Development Port Phillip East Presbytery

PresbyteryLearningOpportunitiesJune2020 (last edited 2020-06-16 04:04:45 by DavidMorgan)