News from Saturday

Session 2 Saturday, 2:30 pm

Water, Water Everywhere

The purchasing and consuming of bottled water in the United States has damaging effects on the availability of fresh drinking water in counties across the world. This consumption hinders those who are unable to stand up and speak for themselves. Bottled water is not the only issue. Companies who use other countries’ water in their products, such as Coca Cola, are adding to these damages and problems.

Congregational Mission Interpreters

A fun exercise was done to show how St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo has reached out to its community by using culture and history. Through sewing classes in Egypt many are able to earn an income that supports themselves and their families, while also allowing many to receive an education. Those who participate in the classes (both male and female) are becoming more self-sufficient and are gaining hope in the future.

Book of Faith

Kent Lutheran Church shared examples and ideas of classes and study groups they have used to teach and engage folks in the process of a lifelong learning.

Session 1 Saturday, 1:30 pm

"These Bones Gonna Rise Again"

A discussion on the struggles, successes, and the not-so-successful ways in which Renton Lutheran Church looked at the changing community around it. By looking at the community, the church changed its inward community to interact and reflect the changes that were happening in the outer community.

"Apple Theology"

Leonard Sweet continued the conversation of "Apple Theology" by approaching the stories in the Scripture organically and as a whole instead of taking them apart. One example was God's first and last commandment. God's first commandment to Adam and Eve was to eat freely of every tree in the garden except one. The last command was to come and drink from the water of life. Everything in between is the meal.

Technology Celebration

Demystifying use of video and technology in worship. Some of the great tips given were the use of simplicity and the ability to "do" video technology without breaking the budget. A few examples were to use a simple hand held camcorder and a simple tripod. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Maple Valley (the presenters in this session) suggested using Pinnacle Studio software and a wired microphone that feeds directly into the camcorder. An invitation by the congregation to assist other congregations in reviewing their technology today with their vision of tomorrow was extended to all.

Practicing our Faith in Salmon Nation

Salmon Nation is not just a place; it is a state of mind and a gift. This presentation explored how we are unique here in the Pacific Northwest and how we can do ministry in the "None Zone." Some tips included listening to and eliciting the stories of this place and our congregations and then proclaiming them; offering a peaceful refuge, community and opportunities to serve others; and not equating church attendance with faith. Our religious landscape is one in which people have left behind old ways of doing things and thrown us into a post-Constantinian/post-Christian trajectory and we should value this. We are on the cutting edge of ministry.