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October 2009

In This Section:

• Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s School for Leadership Training
• Five-year project reveals issues important to pastors and professors
• !Explore begins recruitment for summer 2010
• Fall and winter events at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
• Pastors Week to focus on hospitality and mission
• Interterm at AMBS next January
• Like a quick overview of Gather ’Round Sunday school curriculum?
• Inspirational magazines for members and friends:
• Is your congregation prepared for crisis?

Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s School for Leadership Training

January 18-21, 2010
Staying Centered on Christ in a Left and Right World

From national health care debates to churchwide discussions on homosexuality, our world is increasingly polarized around issues. If we look closely at our environment we witness an increasing desire to separate and protect our own beliefs, rather than cooperate with or learn from those who are different. How do we stay centered in Christ, as people and as congregations, in a world that pulls us toward extremes?

This year’s School for Leadership Training at EMS will help church leaders learn how to remain centered and help congregations center on Christ. Special features include:

• Plenary Sessions from Greg Boyd, pastor of Woodland Hills Church and author of “The Myth of a Christian Nation”
• Sermon and Plenary input from Jennifer Davis Sensenig, pastor of Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Special Training: “Beyond Avoidance: Congregational Dialogue on Difficult Issues” with David Brubaker, professor at EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding
• Workshops on topics like: Missional Preaching, Immigration, Poverty and Racism, Communion, Inter-religious Dialogue, and Spiritual Formation.

Registration is now open. For more information or to register online visit: www.emu.edu/seminary/slt.

Five-year project reveals issues important to pastors and professors

Engaging Pastors is a five-year project, coordinated by Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, that brought together pastors and professors for sustained conversation and collaboration. The interactions have already helped to strengthen seminary teaching and congregational ministry. Now AMBS invites pastors to join an online discussion of the themes emerging from the Engaging Pastors experiences. Read the enclosed brochure in the Equipping mailing for the beginning of this conversation; then join the conversation online: www.ambs.edu/engagingpastors.

!Explore begins recruitment for summer 2010

Which young people in your congregations are asking questions of faith and theology, looking for how they can use their gifts in the church? The enclosed flier, in the Equipping mailing, encourages you to consider whether your congregation could support and encourage someone in next summer’s !Explore: A Theological Program for High School Youth. Watch for full program details next month or see www.ambs.edu/explore.

Fall and winter events at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Information about upcoming continuing education events at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary is detailed in an enclosed flier in the Equipping mailing. Online registration and more information is available at www.ambs.edu/workshops.

Pastors Week to focus on hospitality and mission

Luke’s Gospel, in its themes of hospitality and mission, will be the focus of Pastors Week at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, January 25–28, 2010. Mary H. Schertz, AMBS professor of New Testament, will be the primary presenter. For more information, see the enclosed brochure in the Equipping mailing. Visit www.ambs.edu/pastorsweek to register.

Interterm at AMBS next January

Five courses will be offered next January at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Browse the enclosed flier to find out more or check online at www.ambs.edu/academics/courses/interterm. AMBS graduates may take courses for a reduced fee of $75 per credit hour.

Like a quick overview of Gather ’Round Sunday school curriculum?

Check out the12-minute introductory video at www.mpn.net/gatherround, for information on Gather ’Round’s age groups, materials, and teaching approach. Gather ’Round is a story-centered curriculum nurturing children, youth, and adults in becoming followers of Jesus. Share this information with your education team and take some time to talk about your Christian formation program and goals.

Inspirational magazines for members and friends:

Filled with inviting articles, illustrations, and verse Purpose offers a practical guide for daily Christian life. It includes regular columns on food, peace, humor, and resources for faithful living. Published monthly.

Rejoice! is a daily devotional magazine offering encouragement for individuals, families, and groups. Each day's entry includes a scripture reading, a short inspirational message, and a prayer of response. Prayer requests representing Mennonite mission workers, schools, and church agencies, are also included. Published quarterly.

Find sample sessions and order information at www.mpn.net/periodicals

Is your congregation prepared for crisis?

Beyond Our Fears: Following Jesus in Times of Crisis offers four study sessions and worship resources to help Christians know how to be God’s light in the midst of pandemics, natural disasters, and other crises. Read the introduction, see the table of contents and leader’s guide, and learn how to use this book at www.mpn.net.