Nebraska Synod ELCA
Event
Are you feeling the nudge in your discernment to do something new and refreshing in your call to serve God? Are you experiencing a distancing in your relationship with God? Are you thinking about a new perspective in your spiritual journey?
In this 5-week book study “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen, Henri presents his spiritual journey in hopes that it will enrich your personal journey in your relationship of faith with the God we all serve and love. That journey for Henri helps us find our way home to the Father’s unconditional love for us. It leads us on a spiritual journey of sharing the Father’s love with others along their own personal journey home. This study is a 5-week study is for Pastors, Deacons, Parish Ministry Associates (PMAs) and Spiritual companions. Join me in using “a personal spiritual workout designed by Henri Nouwen enabling each one to personally embrace and enter the story of the prodigal son and Rembrandt’s painting for yourself!” (Sue Mosteller, Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, August 2007)
A new handout of the Spiritual Practice will be sent to you before each session. It will contain some questions for you to think about and journal for our discussion. On our first session you do not need to have the practice prepared because it will be completed during our first session.
Deacon Rick Strong says education is an important part of his life. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Wayne State College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Dana College in Business and Computers. Beyond his degree programs, he was a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer for several years. He is currently a Minister of Word and Service and was ordained as a Deacon by the ELCA with educational studies through Trinity Lutheran Theological Seminary and Wartburg Lutheran Theological Seminary in August of 2009. He has studied spiritual formation with the Seeking the Spirit Within Institute through the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA to become a spiritual director. He has been certified in 2012 as a spiritual director and has membership in Spiritual Directors International. He has companioned several individuals in spiritual direction and enjoys leading groups in spiritual directions. He is currently leading congregations in their transitional journey with spiritual leadership while in transition looking for new pastoral leadership.
Deacon Rick retired from call in the Nebraska Synod of ELCA having served in five congregations in the Nebraska Synod as the Director of Youth and Family, as Director of Faith Formation, and as Director of Pastoral Care. He continues to be involved in Synod work as a volunteer member of the Budget and Finance committee and Emmaus Leadership team.
Rick and wife Sharon have two grown children. Nicole is married to Todd with a daughter Abby who is eighteen years old. They live in West Des Moines, IA. Their son, Nathan a Pastor in the ELCA and currently serves as Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Carrollton Texas.
Format: Online via Zoom – Zoom link will be send to those registered the week of August 20.
Dates: Thursdays, August 24, 31, September 7, 14 and 21 7:30-9:00pm Central/6:30-8:00pm Mountain
Registration Deadline: August 17, 2023.
Target Audience: This Emmaus course is for pastors, deacons, PMAs and Spiritual companions. This course does qualify as continuing education for PMAs.
Cost: $20/person. No refunds after August 17, 2023.
Participants will need to have a copy of “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen. Available at fine books stores. We encourage supporting local businesses.
Please purchase one of these two copies.
Publisher : Image; Reissue edition (March 1, 1994) 
Language : English
Paperback : 151 pages
ISBN-10 : 0385473079
ISBN-13 : 978-0385473071
Publisher : Darton,Longman and Todd Ltd;
New edition (January 1, 1994)
Language : English
Paperback : 151 pages
ISBN-10 : 023252078X
ISBN-13 : 978-0232520781