Learning Opportunities

Workshops allow you to grow your faith, explore new possibilities and connect with other women. These workshops offer practical, take-home information you can share with others. The 90-minute workshops are offered four times, twice on Friday afternoon and twice on Saturday afternoon. No advance registration is required.

Friday and Saturday

Talking Circle with Native American Urban Ministry (Saturday 4pm only)

Phoenix-based Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) invites you to participate in a talking circle, an Indigenous communication practice and learn about NAUM’s ministries. During all that, you’ll hear of the joys and challenges of being an Indigenous Christian in the ELCA.

Many Indigenous people in the U.S. use talking circles as a form of communication, healing, prayer, or conversation. The talking circle prevents reactive communication and directly responsive communication, and it fosters deeper listening and reflection in conversation. This group intervention/activity provides participants with a structure that promotes self-exploration in an empathic and supportive atmosphere. Through a talking circle, individuals foster respect, model good listening skills, settle disputes, resolve conflicts, and build self-esteem.

Today’s Disciples: Modeling How To Just Love 

The presenter of this workshop believes that the only way that we can transform the hatred that is increasing in our world is through our local and global faith communities becoming intentional about modeling and sharing the love of God. This workshop will focus on highlights from the Women of the ELCA resource Lessons for Today’s Disciples and will also review how our baptismal promises guide us as we strive daily to grow in peace, love, and obedience to God’s will. The Rev. Brenda Smith will present this workshop.