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RE: Formation

RE: Formation – Nebraska Synod Leadership Summit 2021
October 18-20, 2021 ⎮ Holiday Inn in Kearney and Online

Reformation means making changes to something with the intention of setting it back on the right path. (vocabulary.com) As leaders in the church, we know, and boldly preach, we are always being re-formed by a creative and loving God who calls us to grow disciples, walk together and serve the world. God leads the way with re-formation, molding us to do the work of the Christ’s church.

After a year and half of weathering the storms of the pandemic, it is time to gather! It is time to name the hurts, disappointments and learnings of the pandemic. It is time for us to acknowledge the changes, inertia, fears and lean into hope and opportunities. You are invited to share your experiences, hopes and dreams October 18-20 at RE: Formation – Nebraska Synod Leadership Summit 2021.

This is a time and place for pastors, deacons, parish ministry associates, faith formation directors and other key church staff to gather for learning, fellowship and renewal. The Holiday Inn in Kearney will host our in-person event. Zoom links will be provided for those choosing to participate online.

 

Bishop Michael Rinehart acknowledges leadership is challenging enough during normal times. Leading through a crisis, especially a global crisis, is a special kind of challenge. He will walk with us and process along-side us as we process the past eighteen months. How do we lead during anxious times? How do we keep our sanity, and find joy in the midst of the storm? How do we rebuild after the storm? Together we will recount where we’ve been and lament the losses, then imagine together a way forward when the winds have died down and the morning breaks.  Bishop Mike will join us in Kearney. He is Bishop of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, professional musician, loving father and husband and a very excited new grandpa.

 

Rev. Dr. Karoline M. Lewis is a teacher, preacher, and leader. “Blessed Are Those Who Believe” is her title for the Tuesday keynote. She writes, “…that what was spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled” completes Elizabeth’s confession (Luke 1:45). Against all odds and unprecedented circumstances, Elizabeth trusts in God’s promises and possibilities. As we anticipate Advent/Christmas amidst the continuing upheaval of Covid-19, what advents might God be working? How might the lections for Advent/Christmas speak into our waning trust, reminding us of just how near the kingdom of God truly is? We will imagine what a difference it can make to come alongside Mary (and Elizabeth) and cry, “my soul magnifies the Lord!” Dr. Lewis isDirector DMin, Professor and The Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary.

 

Bishop Brian Maas will share what he has heard and learned and what he sees as challenges and opportunities across the Synod.

Monday’s workshops will help us process our own feelings and experiences related to the pandemic, political unrest, cultural shifts and fears. We lean with hope into Tuesday with skill building workshops. Wednesday will provide extended time for learning with longer workshop times. Pre-registration is required for the Wednesday workshops. Devotional resources, a Monday prayer service and fellowship times round out our time together. Workshop descriptions, presenter bios and schedule updates will be posted on the RE: Formation Google Site. Zoom links and the Google Site information will be provided participants in October.

Register at the link below. Registration closes October 1. Participants are required to be fully vaccinated OR have had a negative COVID test within 24 hours of start of event. Early bird registration ends August 20.

Contact: Deacon Sunni Richardson, Director for Leadership Development at sunni@nebraskasynod.org

* Rooms are available at the Holiday Inn for a discounted rate of $109.95. Please contact the Holiday Inn to make your reservation.

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