ministries - christian Formation
Adult Formation

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March 11 - 13, 2010

IMAGINING with Dianna Butler Bass

“Imagine, for a moment, a new story about mainline Protestantism.
What if the story wasn’t about decline, division, and spiritual dismay? What if the story was about imaginative congregations reaching back to their native stories, drawing out practices known to their ancestors and finding new ways of being faithful in a fragmented, de-traditionalized world”?
Diana Butler Bass. The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church

THREE EVENT WEEKEND
The Office of Life Long Christian Formation in partnership with St. James Cathedral, Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and the Congregations Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is sponsoring a series of conversations and presentations at three locations around the diocese for clergy, lay leaders, parishioners and general public.

For more information or registration issues contact Barbara Rasero, 312 751-4206

 Download the Flyer and Poster for the event.

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Annual Programs

Leadership and Ministry Fair

held each spring offers a rich and changing set of workshops. This day of learning and sharing brings together (on one day and in one place) several programs which had been held separately in the past.  The best of VESTRY SCHOOL, MINISTRY DAY, and several facets of STEWARDSHIP workshops are mixed with other offerings designed to inform, inspire, encourage, and enliven individuals and congregations. There is something for everyone, lay and ordained.  In 2007, we offered a track of workshops in Spanish which drew many from our Hispanic congregations. This year the fair will be on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at The Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

See  Sample Workshop Schedule

Whose Church is it Anyway?

is a two-day learning experience offered in collaboration with the Office of Youth, Campus & Young Adult Ministry.    What began as an event for youth ministers in our diocese has become a gathering of those who work with children, youth and adults not only in our own diocese but in the other dioceses of Province V.  The theme for the plenary sessions varies.  This past year, we concentrated on the current generational mix (5 generations spanning 2 eras) and what it means for our work in the area of Christian Formation and the previous year we focused on our rich liturgical tradition and how we might make our liturgy accessible to all ages. Learning experiences are interactive and include workshops, hands-on use of resources, experiencing a portion of a specific curriculum or program, brainstorming sessions for exploring questions and exchanging ideas and experiences. In 2009, this programwas held August 28 - 29 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. 

Diocesan Convention

Learning opportunities have become a vital part of each Diocesan Convention.   Adults can choose from a rich variety of workshops each year on topics such as evangelism, cooperative ministry, Christian formation, peace and justice, leadership development, antiracism training, stewardship, fundraising, spirituality and mission.  Children ages 3-11 and Junior High students have parallel programs of their own based on that year’s convention theme.  The 2009 Annual Convention will be held November 20 and 21 at the Westin Hotel and Conference Center in Lombard.

Journey to Adulthood Leader Training

Congregations using this youth program will want to send new and current leaders, program coordinators, and clergy responsible for youth ministry to this one-day training. The session includes an introduction to the full program; introductions to each of the three segments (Rite 13, J2A-Journey to Adulthood, YAC-Young Adults in the Church); practical work on implementation (e.g., preparing the congregation, planning a pilgrimage); and opportunities to meet with other J2A leaders.  The training is held each year in the fall and at different congregations in the diocese.

Faith X-plorers (Confirmation Camp)

another collaboration with the Office of Youth, Campus & Young Adult Ministry, is a weekend event designed to allow Senior High youth the space and opportunity to grow as a Christian in a fun-filled outdoor setting.  The program is all about forming a relationship with oneself, others, and Jesus Christ, all as the participants prepare to accept the radical claim that they are Christ’s body on earth; in other words, that they are the church.

Keeping God’s People Safe

Offered through the Office of Pastoral Care, this training is required for all those who work with children, youth, and adults in our congregations. Learn more about Keeping God's People Safe.