Upcoming Workshops, Discussions and Forums in the SOC

Saturday, March 20, 10-4 pm Voices and Vocations, Trinity Reformed UCC, Conover, NC

In this workshop, Rev. Stephen Lewis, National Director of the Fund for Theological Education’s Calling Congregations Initiative, will assist pastors and lay leaders in understanding the congregational ethos and practices that encourage people to discern their vocations and become “communities of call”.  Cost, which includes lunch, is $25 for the first person from a church, $15 for additional persons from that congregation.  Rev. Margot Pickett at 919-493-2722 or Margot.Pickett@gmail.com to register.

Friday, April 9, 2-5 pm, Beyond Open and Affirming, First Christian UCC, 415 S. Church St., Burlington, NC

While many churches have yet to welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians into their communities, some have taken on a mantel of being an open and affirming congregation. What comes after the decision to become an open and affirming congregation? Does becoming an open and affirming congregation finally put this “issue” to rest? Or, can it open a congregation to deeper conversations and explorations about what it means to be Christian and about the ways in which human beings flourish? Join the discussion of what we can learn from our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christian theologians led by Dr. David Mellott, Director of Ministerial Formation and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary. Dr. Mellott has provided 2 chapters of preparatory reading from the anthology Queer Theology which you may receive by emailing Margot Pickett at PLDdirector@verizon.net or call her at 919-493-2722.

Friday, April 16, 10-4 pm, Preaching in Times of Crisis, Umstead Park UCC, 8208 Browleigh Drive, Raleigh, NC

Dr. Joseph Jeter, Professor of Homiletics at Brite Divinity School and author of Crisis Preaching, Personal and Public, will lead a day long discussion of how to be ready to speak a faithful word to anxious and searching congregants when there has been a crisis in your congregation, your own life, or the world at large.  Jeter’s thesis is that a preacher must prepare for such moments, understanding the questions that crises raise for people and exploring your own theological responses, in order to provide a meaningful and effective message at the critical moments of life.  Cost (inc. lunch) is $50. Please send a check (made out to Southern Conference) to Margot Pickett, 252 W. Fifth Street, Burlington NC 27215, or email or call her. (See address and phone above.)