Spring 2013 Academy for Vital Christianity Class Offerings
Class Details
 Deepening the Spiritual Life of a Congregation
In every congregation there are competing needs, especially in a time of scarcity and change. Too often our response is to do more and pray less, when in fact the opposite is much more helpful. To be successful in ministry we must nurture the spiritual wells of our own lives and the lives of others in order to keep our call fresh and focused. In this one-day experiential class, we will be still before God and participate together in a variety of spiritual practices, old and new, designed to deepen the spiritual life of a congregation.
Barbara Anne Keely is Schilling associate professor of church and economic life, and leadership of the congregation, as well as faculty officer for master’s admissions, teaching in the areas of religious leadership, church administration, Christian education, and spiritual formation. She is also a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and an oblate of the Order of St. Benedict, affiliated with St. John’s.
Date: Saturday – February 23
Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
Location: Plymouth - Plymouth Presbyterian Church
3755 Dunkirk Ln N
Plymouth MN 55446
Cost: $98.00 (includes lunch)*
Register: Register online
Downloads: church bulletin insert OR poster
*A discounted rate of $83.00 per person is available for two or more people who register as a group. Online registration offers group registration and payment by check or PayPal. To pay by credit card, call 651.255.6138.
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 How the Congregation Can Empower Its Laity for Ministry
Churches struggle to find better ways to live out the priesthood of all believers. This class will offer an organized way to empower laity for ministry that goes beyond time and talent forms. The information is adaptable for different size churches and various ministry contexts.
Note: The class is being held twice - once in Rochester and once in St. Paul.
Jean Morris Trumbauer has provided leadership in establishing gift-based shared ministry systems as a consultant, trainer, and author, as well as in her roles of director of shared ministry in a Twin Cities congregation, executive director of an ecumenical agency, and lay minister in her own church. Jean also serves as director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at United and has made presentations at dozens of national and regional conferences of religious denominations and ministry professional groups.
Date: Saturday – March 9
Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
Location: Rochester - Christ United Methodist Church
400 Fifth Ave SW
Rochester MN 55902
(507) 289-4019
Cost: $98.00 (includes lunch)*
Register: Register online
Downloads: church bulletin insert OR poster
*A discounted rate of $83.00 per person is available for two or more people who register as a group. Online registration offers group registration and payment by check or PayPal. To pay by credit card, call 651.255.6138.
- OR -
Date: Saturday – March 16
Times: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
Location: St. Paul - St. Paul's United Church of Christ
900 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
(651) 224-5809
Cost: $98.00 (includes lunch)*
Register: Register online
Downloads: church bulletin insert OR poster
*A discounted rate of $83.00 per person is available for two or more people who register as a group. Online registration offers group registration and payment by check or PayPal. To pay by credit card, call 651.255.6138.
Academy FAQ
What will I get out of an Academy class?
You will gain confidence in your ability to work in the church, a deep and more vital faith, and the skills to enhance your congregational participation.
What is the learning environment?
United is an ecumenical seminary of the United Church of Christ offering a progressive, intellectually rigorous, and spiritually rich learning environment.
What is involved?
Classes total anywhere from 2 to 10 contact hours, depending on the class. A book list (if required) is provided prior to the first session. Written assignments may be given, but will not be handed in or graded. Dialogue and interaction are an integral part of each class.
Who are the teachers?
United’s outstanding and dedicated regular faculty, adjunct faculty, and retired faculty, as well as subject-matter regional experts.
What does it cost?
Academy classes are designed to provide substantive educational experiences of the highest quality in affordable and accessible form. Fees range widely depending on contact hours. Registration fees do not include costs for reading materials (most classes will have a recommended book list) or occasional incidentals. Discounts for multiple registrants who register as a group are available. Scholarship funds may be available through your denomination or church.*
*For United Church of Christ clergy: Limited financial assistance for clergy continuing education is available through the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ. Inquiries should be sent to Rev. Dr. Karen Smith Sellers, conference minister.
For United Methodist clergy: Clergy can access their local church continuing education funds or their MEF funds through the Board of Ordained Ministry (MEF form is in the library on the conference website). Return the form to Sharon Hegele at the address on the form.
For United Methodist laity: Laity may request a 50% scholarship by contacting Vivienne Pierce, giving your full name and address, your local church, and the class you will be taking.
Who should attend?
The Academy classes are designed for:
- Individuals who want to deepen their faith and broaden their knowledge of Christianity.
- Church members eager to enhance their participation in their church.
- Religions leaders (clergy and lay) who want to expand or renew their skills for ministry.
Where do classes take place?
Classes are held at churches in convenient metro locations around the Twin Cities (north, south, east, west, and downtown) and in Alexandria, Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester.
How do I register?
Academy registrations can be completed online or via a printable registration form. To receive the multiple registrants discount, you must register with Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.
Who do I contact for more information or to ask questions?
Renee K. Flesner, 651.255.6138. |
