2007 Creative Ministry Gathering - Registration Information

Creative Ministry Gathering:

No Longer Aliens

January 22-24, 2007 at the Holiday Inn International Drive, Orlando, Florida

Introduction:
Have you ever had the feeling that you were different? That you saw things differently than those around you? That your language and culture was somehow different, even at odds with the mainstream culture around you. That is a common experience of immigrants to the United States but it is also a common experience of many creative pastors and congregational leaders. The sense of the mission of the church, the perspectives on worship and creativity, the connections made between faith and the world seem alien to many of your colleagues to the point where you feel “alien” within the Church.

The Creative Ministry Gathering is an opportunity for “alien” leaders to come together to discover companions steeped in the same culture of creativity, who walk the same spiritual journey of mission and discipleship. Bringing together several networks of some of the most creative pastors in the ELCA – the College of Developers, the Transformational Leaders Gathering, students from Luther Seminary and others – you will have the chance experience that you are not alone, that here you will find you are no longer alien.

What To Expect:
The Creative Leaders Gathering is unlike any “conference” you have attended before. We don’t contract with experts or do long presentations. We have fine tuned this year’s gathering to have large group “potstirring” presentation limited to 20 minutes which then shift into small group activities. All breakouts and small group sessions will be limited to 10 people per group to maximize your opportunity to interact with other leaders who are actually engaging in their topic area in a local congregation. Worship, reflection, and interactive elements will leave you energized to use the creative gifts for ministry that God has placed within you and a network of mentors to walk with you into the alien world of the 21st Century Church.

Schedule

Monday, January 22
4:00 PM Registration and Check-In
6:00 PM Dinner at the Hotel
7:30 PM Opening Time – No Longer Aliens
8:45 PM Worship
9:15 PM Adjourn

Tuesday, January 23
8:30 AM Morning Prayer and Meditation
9:00 AM Potstirrer Session 1 – Leadership and Visioning (Charlotte Roberts)
10:30 AM Break
11:00 AM Small Group Sessions1 – Planned and Spontaneous topical discussions
12:00 Noon Adjourn for Lunch
1:30 PM Potstirrer Session 2 – Missional Bible Study (Luther Seminarians)
3:00 PM Break
3:30 PM Potstirrer Session 3 – Changing Church For A Changing Context
(Ruben Duran and Dave Daubert)
5:00 PM Dinner and Evening Out on Orlando
 Different options will be offered so groups can go out together via car pool or walking to enjoy an evening out and developing friendships.

Wednesday, January 24
8:30 AM Morning Prayer and Meditation –
9:00 AM Potstirrer Session 4 – Gift Oriented Ministry (Lou Forney)
10:30 AM Break
11:00 AM Small Group Sessions 2
Noon Adjourn for Lunch
1:30 PM Potstirrer Session 5 – How Do We Measure Success (Ernie Hinojosa)
3:00 PM Break
3:30 PM Potstirrer Session 6 – Panel Reflections and Closing Q & A
5:00 PM Adjourn to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church for Closing
6:00 PM Postively Non-Kosher Hog Roast Dinner at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Orlando
7:30 PM Sending Worship at Spirit of Joy

Invitation to Host Your Own Spontaneous Breakout
Don’t see a topic that rocks your world? Is there an issue of mission and ministry that you really want to wrestle with or find kindred spirits? We will also offer the opportunity for spontaneous breakout groups during the pre-gathering and main gathering. We just have a couple of groundrules:
1. No breakouts on ELCA social statements, full communion agreements, etc… The Gatherings have typically been a place where the arguments of the larger church are left at the door and we find our common agreement and purpose in fulfilling the Great Commission with conviction and creativity. If you want to debate those things, go to your nearest Synod meeting or the Holiday Inn Lounge.
2. Run it past Tom (you can also email me in advance at tom@wiredjesus.com ) before you post it on the bulletin board in the main meeting room in advance.
3. You are on your own to find gathering space but feel free to go anywhere on site or even nearby the Holiday Inn (Buffalo Wild Wings has lots of tables and space).
4. Only hold these breakouts during the designated breakout times, not during a large group presentation or other time.

Questions:

Go to the following web pages to learn more about the 2007 Creative Ministry Gathering, download registrations and schedules, and come join this unique gathering of leaders from across the ELCA. A registration form has been attached to this email for your use. You may also contact our Lead Coordinator, Tom Lyberg at tom@wiredjesus.com.

Creative Ministry Gathering Home Page
Wired Jesus Podcast Home Page

If you have questions or like more information, you can contact this year’s lead coordinator, Tom Lyberg, at tom@wiredjesus.com or cmgathering@gmail.com.

What Does It Cost?

Main Gathering :
Rate: $100 (includes dinners Monday & Wednesday, snacks between sessions, and registration)

College of Developers Post Event - January 25-26
College of Developers (Thursday and Friday): $50 Registration Fee
(Includes Lunch on Thursday and snacks between session Thursday and Friday and Registration)

To attend both Main Gathering and College of Developers: Total Registration Fee $150.00

All registrations must be received by January 10, 2006.

*** Regisration Form - October 26, 2007 ***

Click here to download a registration form in Microsoft Word format.

Registrations should be sent with a check to:
Patricia Schmitt
Program Assistant for New Congregations
ELCA / DO
8765 W. Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631

Questions regarding registration can be emailed to patricia.schmitt@elca.org.

The ELCA Division of Outreach is graciously handling the registration logistics for this event for the second year and we greatly appreciate their support (Thank you, Pat! )

Housing:

All of our meeting will be at the Holiday Inn International Drive and they have provided some of the best rates available in Orlando as our hosts. While you are free to seek other housing offsite, we highly encourage everyone to stay at the Holiday to take advantage of the mixing and fellowship that takes place on sites outside of the normal schedule. Also, it increases the discount we receive on our meeting rooms and amenities.

When you call the Holiday Inn at to make your reservation, please ask for the discount rate of $89 per room per night for the rooms reserved for the ELCA. There are a limited number of rooms, so please make your reservations early at 1-407-351-3500.

Meals

Breakfasts and lunches are not included and are a excellent time to get out to enjoy International Drive, the Florida sunshine, and your new friends at the Gathering. Dinners are included on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. With such a variety of restaurants so close the hotel, we often divide up into groups to explore International Drive and continue our discussions over good food. Dinners are included on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Free Time

We try and build in free time into the Gathering. Many of our discussions take place outdoors (even in the hot tub) to enjoy the warm Florida sunshine, since many of us come from the cold, cold north. We have blocked out all of Tuesday evening so you have an evening to enjoy one of the many special opportunities for dinner, night life, or the evening rates for the theme parks. Also, because we end on an evening, you can schedule an extra day before or after for some fun in the sun. Between the hotel and our local hospitality team, we can help you find some refreshing r and r.

How To Register

You can register online by download the registration form on the link above. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation, an initial schedule, and be added to our 2007 Gathering email list for further updates. You can mail your payment in with your registration form. If you have any questions, contact our registrar, Pat Schmitt.

Questions:

If you would like to learn more about the Creative Leadership Gathering at our mirrored web sites listed below. Check the web pages for updates and a complete schedule in coming weeks, as well as all the other resources they have to offer.

Creative Ministry Gathering Home Page
Wired Jesus Podcast Home Page

If you have questions or like more information, you can contact this year’s lead coordinator, Tom Lyberg, at tom@wiredjesus.com or cmgathering@gmail.com.

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