EYE Teaser: Exploring Your Expectations
Harrison D/E

Speaking As Lutherans Together (S.A.L.T.)
Jefferson B

...a tried and true mission project that is unique and empowering to the ends of the earth. Come learn about our synod's global partnership with the HKBP church of Indonesia and the work being done. You will hear and see the work of the SALT team. . . a creative and fruitful endeavor of equipping teachers and pastors by teaching English speaking skills and of mutual learning as together members of our synod and the Huria Kristen Batak Protestant church work side by side. Why does this matter? How will we benefit? Explore this and more encouraging insights in a theology of accompaniment that makes a difference. Leaders: Norma Gruen and Kathleen Lutz, members of the 2006 SALT Team.

Multimedia/Multi-Sensory Worship
Calhoun Ballroom A

Many churches today use a screen in worship and George Barna calls media worship one of the most important developments in church life in the past 30 years. With the introduction of the new Lutheran hymnal this is a great time to introduce the excitement and flexibility of a multi-sensory worship that better engages the attention of the congregation, unites worshippers, improves singing, and enthralls children. This breakout session will: explore needed equipment and costs; address some common fears of media worship; show that media worship is ideal for liturgical churches; preview how to place your videotaped sermons on your website; demonstrate how to use Powerpoint to enliven hymns, scripture & sermon. Leader: Pastor Paul Hegele, Ascension, Louisville, where media worship has been a celebrated part of worship for 6 years.

Investing in Mission
Harrison A

This breakout will provide an overview of the ministries available through the ELCA's Mission Investment Fund, including options for loans, building consultation, endowment grants and grants for those facing poverty. Leader Brenda Dembroski will also discuss investment options for individuals, institutions and congregations, and will provide personal stewardship education and motivation for all participants along the way. Leader: Brenda K. Dembroski, Associate Vice President in Marketing for the Mission Investment Fund.

Celebrating Campus Ministry
Jefferson C

For 100 years Lutheran campus ministries have invited people in academic settings more deeply into Jesus Christ and the community that bears his name so that they can discover and fulfill their vocation as disciples. Come meet some of the folks engaged in this exciting and essential ministry in our synod and learn a bit about what effective ministry with young people is like today. Leader: Rev. Mitch Phillips, Chair, I-K Campus Ministry Committee, and campus ministers.

A Ticket to Ride on the Faith-Forming Express
Jefferson B

Take an express trip through a newly developed handbook for faith formers, intended for any rostered or lay leader involved in education in their congregations. The conductor will point out the important sites along the journey and will make stops along the way for questions. Travelers will receive a copy of the "Faith Formers Handbook" to carry back to their congregation. Leader: Mr. Ed Seykowski, member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Christian Education Team and veteran faith-forming volunteer leader in his congregation, Christ, Valparaiso, Ind.

Gutenberg to Google:Theological Publishing for the 21st Century
Calhoun Ballroom B

A representative from Augsburg Fortress will examine how the use of media to proclaim the Gospel has changed from the time of Martin Luther and the Reformation to the beginnings of the 21st century, and how we-like Luther- utilize technology to proclaim the Gospel in new ways. Augsburg Fortress is only beginning to understand the implications of these changes for the ministry of publishing. In the last 18 months they have launched three major online resources with great success, thanks to the participation of hundreds of congregations. And more are on the way! But the challenges and opportunities of proclaiming the Gospel through new forms of technology are only beginning. This breakout will introduce the topic and cover some resources as examples, but more importantly, open up the conversation to attendees to share their insights and experiences in this area of technology, change, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Leader: Will Bergkamp, Sales Director for Stores and Events at Augsburg Fortress Publisher.

Have You Heard? Yes, Lutherans Can Talk about Sex!
Jefferson A

How can you make the best use of the third ELCA study on human sexuality, "Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality"? Rev. Roger Willer will provide an introduction to the study and highlight its key themes, such as the reading of Galatians, attention to freedom and responsibility, the commercialization of sexuality, and more. He will also share suggestions gained from those who have led the study for effective leadership, such as setting the tone and dealing with time limitations. Participants in the workshop will also have an opportunity to share tips and ideas with one another. Both those who have already participated in the study and those who would like to know more about using it are encouraged to attend. Leader: Rev. Roger A. Willer, Co-Director of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality.

Say YES! to Stewardship
Harrison D/E

The Indiana/Kentucky Synod Stewardship team offers this interactive workshop with overviews of their newest resource "YES," a year-round educational stewardship guide for congregations. It is being offered on CD and will be available on the I-K Synod Web page. This breakout session will also give overviews of the many resources available to congregations through the ELCA and Augsburg Fortress. We will guide the participants through processes in which they can grow stewardship in their congregation all year. There will also be a time for questions, answers and conversation. Leaders: Brenda Dembroski and other members of the I-K Synod Stewardship Team.

Do Something Wonderful for Ministry through Charitable Gift Planning
Harrison A

Discuss estate planning and planned giving opportunities to assist members of congregations to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and make wonderful gifts in support of ministry. We will include a look at the many gift vehicles available to our members to accomplish their desired gift for ministry. Leaders: David P. Novak, J.D., Associate Director for Planned Giving, ELCA Foundation, and Sven Schumacher, MSW, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of The Foundation for Lutheran Child & Family Services, a 124-year child welfare agency and Foundation in Indianapolis, Ind.

Bigger Isn't Better, It's Just Different
Jefferson C

The presenter writes, "I work primarily with larger congregations, but each and every congregation has been 'gifted' by God in special ways. The size of your congregation has some impact on the types of gifts you have to share as a congregation. Understanding the nature of the differences between larger and smaller congregations can help us to appreciate the unique ministries and blessings of each, and what we can learn from one another." Leader: Rev. Mark A. Grorud, ELCA Director for Relationships with Large Membership Congregations.

Leadership for Such a Time as This
Calhoun Ballroom A

This breakout will focus on the ways in which contemporary culture suggests we are moving into another apostolic era and reflect on the forms of discipleship and leadership characteristics called for in this exciting time. Leader: Rev. Ruben Duran, Executive for New Congregational Development in the ELCA's unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission.