Fall Fest 2018 Re-Cap and Resources
You would never have known that it was cloudy and misty outside this past Saturday, as more than 100 saints from around the Presbytery of Philadelphia gathered for our first Fall Fest – Ministry on the Edges. Our opening devotional time focused on the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6, as Jesus asked his disciples to gather up together the fragments of bread. We were challenged to reflect on combining what often feels like insignificant fragments in our churches in an effort to focus on the abundance of what we have as opposed to focusing on what we do not have. Our morning devotional time was followed by a keynote presentation by the Rev. Dr. Shane Berg, Executive Vice President from Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. Berg reflected on the beatitudes and the reversal of blessing Jesus preached, which countered the cultural norms of his and frankly, our time. He reflected on the call of the church and its leadership to be a place of hope and transformation, subversive cells working towards the common good.
After some questions and answers, participants went on their way to a morning and afternoon of equipping workshops. Throughout the day the energy was palpable as those who both taught and participated were encouraged by the engaging conversations. Local leaders and ministry practitioners, our colleagues faithful witness, facilitated discussions on preaching with relevance, prophetic and public witness, emerging movements in children and youth ministry, the impact of entrepreneurial ministry, developing local and global mission partnerships, reimagining sacred space, and discovering ourselves and one another through the enneagram. Along the way, the playful and curious spirit of those who attended made it clear- there must be a second annual Fall Fest to bring us together again in 2019.
With Gratitude,
Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace, Executive Presbyter
Bios of All Worshop Presenters
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Growing Up the Next Generation: Emerging Movements in Youth and Children’s Ministry
- From Pulpit to Pavement: The Preacher as Relevant Voice in Church and Society
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We Never Did It That Way Before: Nurturing Entrepreneurial Spirit within Established Structures
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Understanding Ourselves as We Lead Others: The Enneagram Is More than a Number
- Book Resource: The Wisdom of the Enneagram
- The Enneagram Institute Website
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Prophet, Priest, Pastor: The Complex Call of the Church for a Time Such as This
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Transforming the Ordinary into the Holy: Reimagining Sacred Spaces for Worship
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Finding Partners for Mission and Ministry: Expanding the Reach of God’s Kingdom