Better Together: A Faith Formation Mini-Conference
We know how difficult this last year has been for the church and how you've had to adapt and innovate to provide a virtual offering in lieu of being in-person. So let's come together to reflect on what we've accomplished, share best practices, and also consider what the future might look like once the pandemic subsides.
Better Together is for those of us who are deeply involved with faith formation in its many aspects -- programs, special events, curriculum, liturgy, music, arts, service, outreach, social justice and community building.
This conference-in-a-day event is designed to provide inspiration, education, resources, and opportunities for collaboration so you can return to your church invigorated and hopefully challenged to try something new and out of the ordinary.
This might seem like another long day at your screen... However, our promise to you is that we will keep Better Together fun, lively, inter-active, and full of options. Check the Better Together webpage for more details about schedule and timing.
Keynote Speakers...
Morning:
Jeff Chu - is the author of the acclaimed book, Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America—which earned the cover of the New York Times Book Review— and features his reporting on Christianity and sexuality across America. A graduate of Princeton University, the London School of Economics, and Princeton Theological Seminary, he is now co-host of the annual Evolving Faith Conference which was founded by the late Rachel Held Evans. Evolving Faith drew over 7,000 people to its virtual iteration last October including an enthusiastic contingent from the Diocese of Olympia.
Afternoon:
Iyabo Onipede - is a community builder who works with organizations that are ready to eliminate racism, dismantle oppressive systems and grow successful communities of belonging. Shaped by her biracial and multicultural immigrant background, Iyabo’s number one priority is dissolving the harm that Black, as well as Non-Black people experience as a result of racism and white supremacist culture. Iyabo graduated from Goucher College, Georgetown University Law School (J.D.) and Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M.Div.). She currently serves as the co-director of the nonprofit organization, Compassionate Atlanta.
Workshops...
Check the Better Together webpage for a detailed schedule covering topics and speakers for nearly 20 workshop offerings! Workshops fall under the following broad categories:
~ Faith Formation for Children & Families
~ Faith Formation for Youth
~Adult & Intergenerational Faith Formation
~Music, Liturgy & Arts
~Social Justice & the Church
~ Faith Formation & the Virtual Church
~ Self-Care
Lunch & Networking & Closing Service...
Halfway through the day we'll break for lunch with some optional opportunities for networking. Affinity groups will meet including virtual gathering spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ participants.
We'll close with a simple service -- complete with music -- to send you back into the world, refreshed and ready to take on faith formation in 2021!
Registration...
$25/person includes a gift book of your choice. Scholarships are always available; contact faithformation@ecww.org Proceeds from your registration will be directed to the following ministry partners:
> Chaplains on the Harbor/Harbor Roots Farm
> Edible Hope
> La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurreccion
> Mission to Seafarers
> Refugee Resettlement Office
Thank you!
Many thanks to Fabrizia Lima for lending her image to the background of the Better Together banner. Fabrizia guides the Contemplative Creativity offering at Christ Episcopal Church, Anacortes. (Check out her workshop in the Better Together line-up!)
