F-11 General Synod 101
The Rev. Libby Tigner
An introduction to "all things General Synod" - what it is, what happens, and why YOU should go and perhaps volunteer when the UCC gathers in Long Beach in June of 2013.

F-12 The Power of the Present Moment
Ms. Elsa M.J. Seifert , M.A. (View Bio Here)
An experiential workshop in which those who attend can enjoy the present moment, without distraction. Find out what heightens your sense of spirituality and brings you closer to God.

F-13 Spiritual Exploration
The Rev. Dr. James Findlay
We will examine and practice various ways to enliven and deepen spiritual experience in worship service planning and execution. Elements will include design of liturgies, uses of music and song, approaches to Scripture, and the practice of movement, stillness, posture, and silence, all to enhance our awareness and celebration of God's Presence in the Gathered Faith Community.

F-14 Thinking about developing a Hispanic mission? Before you do anything: Learn the Hispanic idiosyncrasies
The Rev. Dr. David Alicea
This workshop will facilitate a clear understanding of our Hispanic heritage and theidiosyncrasies which will enhance and assist any Hispanic church growth development. We shall see different Hispanic cultural and social behavior patterns in order to understand and learn how to improve our communication between ethnic groups while building church together.

F-15 Visions of Change
The Rev. Mary J. Scifres
Explore the reality of change in the church and learn skills for leading in times of change. Envisioning change and guiding the church into new ventures takes courage, but churches that adapt and interact with the shifting sands of a changing culture can provide powerful and meaningful ministry.

F-16 Achieving Presence: The Spirituality of De-Stressing
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Miner and Mr. Joel Rieke
In the first of a two-part series on Achieving Presence, this workshop offers practical ways of spiritual de-stressing. When your schedule is so busy that you can hardly breathe, how do you cope? Rev. Dr. Barbara Miner will not only talk you through but also walk you through six easy steps to achieving a higher level of spirituality and consciousness. No matter how busy we get, we can each learn to stay connected to a place of meditative spirit.

F-17 Putting Flesh On Our Call To Unity
The Rev. Jeffrey Utter
The UCC has long been on record as committed to ecumenical dialogue and Christian unity--especially with the Disciples of Christ. The question is why more hasn't happened in this area during the last ten to twenty years. What economic or bureaucratic or theological factors might have hindered the two bodies in coming closer together and doing more together? If "charity begins at home" (a biblical idea), how can these sister denominations model their commitment to the unity of the Body of Christ unless they are talking more and working more with one another? What is it, in 2012, that the UCC has to offer the Disciples, and vice versa, which will increase faithfulness to Christ on both sides? This workshop will invite creative ideas and frank discussion, including with Disciples guests, on these questions.

F-18 Increasing Giving To Your Church
The Rev. John H. Pomeroy
We will discuss the highlights of J. Clif Christopher's book Not Your Parent's Offering Plate and the keys to motivate giving to not for profit organizations. We will also look at simple ways to create a Narrative Budget to tell the story of your church's ministry and how and where to use such a document. There will be time to share best practices around giving, too!

F-19 Shower the People with Spiritual Practices & Tools to Enrich the Life of a Congregation
The Rev. Dr. Joe McGowan
There are many different ways to bring spiritual practices into the life of a congregation to enhance and deepen member’s lives and the life of a congregation. Many examples will be shared as a way for you to think of how you might implement one or more of these at your home church setting.

F-20 Reclaiming the Public Narrative through Community Organizing
The Revs. Jane Quandt & Misi Pouena Tagaloa
Good public policies created Medicare, Social Security, the GI Bill and mortgage interest deductions. Bad public policies created predatory lending, bank deregulation, voter suppression and for-profit prisons. Examine how public policies affect our churches. This workshop promises to lift your awareness, invite participation and strengthen your voice in the public square.

S-21 General Synod and You
The Rev. Paul Kittlaus and Ms. Janet Vandevender
General Synod 29, the 3,000-person-strong national gathering of the United Church of Christ, will be held June 28 - July 2, 2013 in Long Beach. Local Arrangements Committee Co-chairs, the Rev. Paul Kittlaus and Janet Vandevender, will describe our conference's role as host, present the volunteer and service opportunities in which you can participate, and invite you to sign up to be part of this exciting event.

S-22 Thinking about developing a Hispanic mission? Before you do anything: Learn the Hispanic idiosyncrasies
The Rev. Dr. David Alicea
This workshop will facilitate a clear understanding of our Hispanic heritage and idiosyncrasies which will enhance and assist any Hispanic church growth development. We shall see different Hispanic cultural and social behavior patterns in order to understand and learn how to improve our communication between ethnic groups while building church together.

S-23 Spiritual Exploration
The Rev. Dr. James Findlay
We will examine and practice various ways to enliven and deepen spiritual experience in worship service planning and execution. Elements will include design of liturgies, uses of music and song, approaches to Scripture, and the practice of movement, stillness, posture, and silence, all to enhance our awareness and celebration of God's Presence in the Gathered Faith Community.

S-24 Achieving Presence: The Spirituality of Meditative Music
Mr. Joel Rieke and Rev. Dr. Barbara Miner
In the second part of the series of Achieving Presence, we focus on bringing meditative spirit into the worship setting. Through group participation we will explore and demonstrate creating personal presence through song, sound and silence. We will also talk about the practicalities of introducing these practices to your congregation and provide some easy starting points. If you join this workshop, it is important that you are interested in sincerely allowing yourself and your congregation to become comfortable exploring this aspect of your spiritual journey.

S-25 United Church of Christ History and Polity 101
The Rev. Dave Pomeroy
A brief look at what is taught in an on-line UCC History, Theology, and Polity course, which the conference has offered for the past two years. This workshop will be especially helpful for those who might be seeking to move into discernment for an authorized ministry and will give you a handle on what goes into making “all things UCC”.

S-26 Safer Families, Safer Communities
Mr. Jaime Romo, Ed.D(View Bio Here)
Participants of this workshop will learn about child sexual abuse contexts, data, and impacts: gain information about stranger danger and child abuse; review strategies to protect children from sexual abuse; and, assess how congregations can promote safety and healing. This will be an especially valuable workshop for members of churches who are developing or revising Safe Conduct or Safe Church policies.

S-27 Forensic Solidarity: A Conversation that Announces the Presence of God
The Rev. Dr. Carlos J. Correa Bernier
Religion has always placed heaven way out there. During our conversation: Forensic Solidarity: A Conversation that Announces the Presence of God, we will bring heaven closer to us with the understanding that it begins here, as a tenacious construction process of human effort, backed up by divine strength.

S-28 Connecting Faith, Justice, and the Government
The Rev. Dr. Art Cribbs
This workshop will examine and explore the intersection of faith and civic engagement. It will promote moving worship from the sanctuary into the streets through public liturgy and witness as it looks into the working conditions of low wage workers and advocate for access to health care.

S-29 Understanding and Engaging the Millennial Generation
Mr. Dave Palmer
What are the values and behaviors that shape and motivate today's generation of young adults? This workshop will provide a primer for better understanding the Millennial generation and how we can better engage with a dynamic new generation.

S-30 Abundant Resources: Curriculum and Resources for Children and Teens
Ms. Cynthia "Wally" Hoeger
What's the best curriculum out there? How does a church begin the process of looking at and comparing curriculum to find the best fit? Come learn what resources are available for Sunday School and youth group.