Workshops
Adult Educational Opportunities
Contrary to some contemporary theories, adults can learn! Yes, adults even want to learn especially about Scripture and issues of faith and life. The Northwestern Ohio Synod Education Team will offer the opportunity to hear about three adult education programs: Alpha, Crossways and The Lutheran Course.

Becoming A Companion Congregation
Presentors: Pr. Dave Bliss, Companion Congregation co-ordinator and Jim Martin, Serbia rep on the synod Global Mission Board
Walk 'hand in hand ' with fellow Christians in far off lands. Learn what's involved in developing a special relationship with one of the congregations in one of our companion synods. .

Centered Life: Connecting Sunday to Monday
Are you passionate about faith and daily life? Are you looking for resources for congregational renewal? This workshop will introduce you to the Centered Life Initiative of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Centered Life is: a rich alternative to the mythical balanced life. It awakens, calls, sets free, and nurtures people for service in God’s World; a practical process for helping your congregation lead lives of daily faithfulness centered in Christ; and a vision for continuing the “unfinished Reformation” (learn what it is and why you should care).

Congregations As A Learning Community:
How are we equipped to live a FULL Christian life beyond Sunday Worship?
Presentor: Brenda Gibson, Director of the Lay Academy for Mission and Panel
We will look at ways to reinforce the connection between "service on Sunday" and "service to the world" and how to become a congregation that is truly an effective "learning community." This workshop will be hosted by the presenter and a panel of people who are making a difference in and outside of their congregations. Get ready to discover and identify effective ways congregations are connecting with their people and the world.
Available – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Communication & Technology Tools
Presenter: Suzanne Wagner, NWOS Communications Coordinator
Web sites, PDF newsletters, e-mail lists, blogs and podcasts – What are they and how can we use them?
Available – all three sessions

Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Presenters: Members of NWOS Evangelical Lutheran Worship Task Force
Review the contents of the new worship book and a discussion of how the contents were decided.
Available – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Evangelism
Presenters: Members of NWOS Evangelism Task Force
How to talk about Jesus in a world that sometimes is not ready to hear the story. The presenters will show taped skits of situations that replicate situations in our everyday lives that would show us how we could easily respond in a Christian manner. Information will also be shared on how you can begin such a program in your congregation.
Available 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Natural Church Development and Asset Mapping
What is Natural Church Development and how can we use this program in our congregation to address the issues we face? Participants will discuss how congregations can use these tools to review and plan their mission and ministry. In addition, asset mapping will be explained, as well as how this tool can be used within each congregation, the synod and the ELCA to help the church determine strengths and weaknesses.
Available – all three sessions

Planning Mission Trips
Presenters: The trip experts at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maumee, and Zoar Lutheran, Perrysburg, and Pr. Dave Bliss, who has planned many trips to Tanzania
What better way to build enthusiasm for world missions than to visit fellow Christians in Honduras or Serbia or Tanzania and help them with a project. Learn what's involved in planning such a trip and how you can become part of a mission work team.

Resources for Congregational Treasurers and Bookkeepers
Presenter: Tom Basinger, NWOS Accountant
A summary of ELCA guidelines. Each year congregations elect treasurers to serve this key role in the leadership of the congregation. Often times the treasurer is told little to prepare them for this position. The presenter will review the latest guidelines that describe this position and will answer your questions.
Available – all three sessions

Speaking the Truth in Love
Presenter: Kathleen Lemmerbrock, NWOS Administrator
How congregations and individuals can use conflict resolution skills in the congregation and in their life. Conflict is a normal situation in any congregation; the key issue is how to use situations that create such conflict and the conflict created to learn how we can grow in servant-hood and discipleship through addressing such situations openly in a Christ-like manner.
Available – all three sessions

Stewardship Resources
Presenters: Members of the NWOS Stewardship Committee
What’s new and what’s available for congregations to support the spiritual transformation necessary for true stewardship to take place and flourish in a congregation and ministry setting. The committee will present various resources, perhaps some you have never thought of, to strengthen this important ministry.
Available – all three sessions

Volunteer Background Checks
Presenter: Zoar Lutheran Church Volunteer Screening Committee
How to set up and maintain a program to screen all volunteers of congregational programs, particularly those programs that allow volunteers to interact with and supervise youth and the aged. This workshop reviews Ohio laws, as well as how such a program will meet insurance and legal requirements.
Available – all three sessions