Nebraska Synod ELCA
Event
In today’s American society, a faith community is often the only institution that has the opportunity to consistently gather all 7 living generations into one space and time. But the moment the elder and child enter most churches, they are whisked away to different rooms. Congregations have a vast, untapped potential for bringing the generations together to accompany one another through life’s milestones, challenges, celebrations, and in the mission of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this Emmaus Cross+Generational Ministry course we will explore what Cross+Generational Ministry is, what it is not, and how a congregation can look for ways to implement this ministry into the life of their congregational community.
Week 1: The course will look at what is, and is not, Cross+Gen ministry.
Week 2: The course will explore ways a congregation can begin a Cross+Gen ministry in their Sunday school, VBS, Confirmation and other areas of ministry.
Week 3: The course will explore ways a congregation can bring Cross+Gen elements into worship.
This would be a great course to attend if you’re reimagining what Sunday school, youth ministry, or adult education looks like in your context. Cross+Gen ministry might be an opportunity to revitalize these ministries encouraging everyone to grow in faith.
Pastor Emily Dalen: Pastor Emily has always been deeply involved in the church. From a young age, leaders and pastors asked her to use her gifts of leadership, visioning, and caring for young people in our midst. Seeds were planted for callings to faith formation roles in 4 congregations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska over the last 22 years. She has served on synod leadership teams in each of these states and is a trained ELCA Level 1 Coach, certified children’s yoga teacher, and 200 hour certified, adult yoga teacher. She currently serves as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran church in Treynor, Iowa. Pastor Emily is passionate about:
Deacon Kristin Johnson: Originally from Oregon, Deacon Kristin serves as Deacon of Faith Formation at First Lutheran church in Fremont, NE. With an MA degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary (2003) and 24 years of Youth Ministry experience, she has had the privilege to serve in several different denominations, including ELCA Lutheran, United Methodist, and Presbyterian. She has a heart for cross+generational relationships being at the church’s core. She has a passion for helping connect the wisdom of the elder to the wonder of the child in the same sacred space. Kristin has led Confirmation programs, Children’s and Youth Ministry programs, and Cross+Generational ministries. Kristin is married to Bishop Scott Johnson, and they have two teenage daughters, Ainsley and Alanna, and a dog named Rocky.
Dates: Tuesdays – January 14, 21, 28, 2025
Times: 7:00-8:30 PM Central/6:00-7:30 PM Mountain
Format: This course is offered online using Zoom to allow participation from anywhere in the big Nebraska Synod. The Zoom link and additional course information will be emailed after January 7, 2025.
Materials: Participants will want notetaking supplies.
Target Audience: Everyone! Sunday School leaders, Christian Education Committees, pastors, deacons, PMAs, and other adults who take seriously the call to grow disciples of all ages.
Continuing Education Credit: This course constitutes 4 hours of continuing education credit for church staff, pastoral leaders, and PMAs per the PMA handbook.
Costs: $30 with a special group deal to encourage you to bring a team with you. Register one person, bring as many as you want to this great learning opportunity. The registered person will receive the Zoom link and course-related information provided by Deacon Kristin and/or Pastor Emily.
Registration Deadline is January 7, 2025. No refunds after January 7, 2025.