Planning a program or retreat? Resources to remember
by Sally B. Sedgwick
So you’ve had your fall planning meeting and are now arranging the programming for a special event. Perhaps your committee has already decided how to feed everyone and the pastor you most want to participate has agreed to do a communion service. Now what?
First, stop a minute and ask yourself these questions: Is your event meant to be supportive, informative, or challenging? (All three?) What do your women need, at this time, to enrich their lives? What do they say they need? Talk to your friends. Talk to some women whose opinions you don’t already know. Where do these ideas intersect?
Where to look
You already have within your women’s organization the leadership needed to have a wonderful event. To find the best program for you, turn to the Women of the ELCA
Resource Catalog 2004-2005. Here you will find dozens of options that can respond to the needs—whether devotional, practical, or challenging—identified above.
Browse through the catalog, paying special attention to the sections “Networks to Embolden You,” “Listening to God and Responding,” “Anti-Racism and Cross-Cultural Resources,” and “Listen, God Is Calling Series.” In the descriptions of the resources found in those last three sections, note which ones are described as a “study,” “resource,” or “program.” This indicates materials that describe in detail the steps, supplies, and time (note that some are as short as one or two hours) required for a successful event, retreat, or workshop on that topic.
Some examples
With the November presidential election approaching, you might decide to offer the two-hour program Called to Be Political (But I Don’t Want to Be Political!) from the “Listen God Is Calling” Series. This workshop on the teaching of Martin Luther on the role of Christians in politics gives participants a focused way of looking at their understanding of
church and state, the historical influences that have affected this understanding, and what its implications are as we live as Lutherans in the 21st century.
Perhaps you want to offer extensive teaching while still engaging women in personal spiritual growth (see the catalog’s “Listening to God and Responding” section). Consider a more in-depth look at Luther’s teaching that could be used for everything from a weekend retreat to a series of one-hour sessions: Feasting at Katie’s Table: A Resource to Help Relate Faith to the Everyday combines videotapes featuring Dr. Norma Cook Everist of Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa) with clear, guided opportunities for participants to personally respond to Norma’s challenge that we are all theologians. The clear leader’s guide and outline includes all the preparation steps and details what is expected of the facilitator. (If you choose to hold a weekend event, more in-depth presentations are required of two theologically trained presenters.)
Looking for an ongoing program? The Witness of Women program offers a proven way for women to connect with their call to discipleship.
And these are only three suggestions! So explore your resource catalog. And have a wonderful event.
Sally B. Sedgwick is director for programs, Women of the ELCA.
Copyright © 2004 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Reprinted from the October 2004 issue of Interchange with Permission. Download
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