EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
OFFICER TRAINING AND
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
January 16, 2010
(Snow Date January 23, 2010)
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Princeton Theological Seminary
Stuart Hall
64 Mercer Street
Princeton NJ 08540
WELCOME
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
God has called us to be a faithful, discerning community here in Central New Jersey, witnessing to
the good news of God’s love through healthy ministries and vital congregations. In order to serve
God faithfully in our churches and elsewhere, we need to grow continually as Christian leaders.
Working in partnership, Monmouth Presbytery, the Presbytery of New Brunswick and the Erdman
Center for Continuing Education at Princeton Theological Seminary are pleased to present this
opportunity. It contains workshop descriptions, a registration form, and directions to the Seminary.
We invite you to attend, and to bring other leaders and future leaders from your congregation with
you. You will be strengthened and encouraged in your ministry.
Faithfully,
The Educational Workgroup of Monmouth Presbytery,
The Educational Ministry Committee of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and
The Erdman Center for Continuing Education at Princeton Theological Seminary
SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
Registration
Worship
Session I
Lunch
Session II
Program Concludes; Traveling Mercies.
DIRECTIONS TO PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
The physical street address of the Seminary is 64 Mercer Street Princeton NJ 08540.
From the West and South: For those coming from PA, take I-95 N into NJ to Exit 8. For those
taking I-295 N in NJ, after Exit 67, I-295 N turns into I-95 S (this is not the same I-95 that is the
New Jersey Turnpike). Take the next exit, Exit 8, Princeton Pike (Rt 583 N). After approximately 5
miles, Princeton Pike turns into Mercer St. After Library Place on your left, the entrance to the
Seminary will be at the light on your right. Please park in the parking garage.
From the North: Continue south on Rt 206 to Nassau Street (Rt 27) in the center of Princeton.
Turn left onto Nassau Street and the first right onto Mercer Street and continue to the main
entrance of Princeton Seminary, which will be on your left. Please park in the parking garage.
From the East and North: Take Rt 1 S to Alexander Rd N. Stay on Alexander Rd for 1.4 miles.
After the traffic light at University Place, turn left onto College Ave W. The parking garage will be
on your right.
From the South and East: Take I-195 W to I-295N and follow the instructions (above) “From the
West and South”.
Maps will be included with registration packets, and are online at
http://www.ptsem.edu/About/Campus_Maps.php.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
AM: Basic Elder Training – Understanding the Book of Order
AM: Basic Deacon Training
AM: Clerks of Session
AM ONLY: Safer Churches (I)
AM ONLY: Food and Faith – Hunger Curriculum Offerings
AM ONLY: Overcoming Our Fears in Evangelism
AM ONLY: Young Adult Volunteers in Mission
AM ONLY: Small Groups – Growing Disciples
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
PM: Basic Elder Training – Understanding the Book of Order
PM: Basic Deacon Training
PM: Clerks of Session
PM ONLY: Safer Churches (II)
PM ONLY: Enough for Everyone – A Lifestyle for Sustainable Living
PM ONLY: Stewardship – Every Sunday is Stewardship Sunday
PM ONLY: Congregation as the First Choir
PM ONLY: Educational Ministries and Spiritual Formation
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
A. AM: Basic Elder Training – Understanding the Book of Order
This workshop (offered in the morning and repeated in the afternoon) provides thorough
orientation looking at the responsibilities of an Elder.
For: Newly elected and experienced Elders
Led by: Reverend Gary Filson, Jamesburg Presbyterian Church, Monmouth Presbytery
B. AM: Basic Deacon Training
This workshop (offered both in the morning and repeated in the afternoon) will focus on
learning about the exciting responsibilities of the deaconate. Exercises, case studies and role
playing will help participants explore the varied ministries of the deaconate and strengthen
their skills in listening and caring, and being a non-anxious presence in an anxious
environment. Learn various creative opportunities that deacons have to faithfully
demonstrate their faith beyond the walls of the church.
For: Newly elected and experienced deacons; laity called to “caring” ministries.
Led by: Reverend Patty Fox, Highland Park Reformed Church (Presbytery of New
Brunswick)
C. AM: Clerks of Session
Come and explore an introduction to the basic duties of the Clerk of Session (repeated in the
afternoon). General discussion may include: minutes of meetings, annual reports,
membership records and a generous time of Q and A. So plan to bring your questions and
your Book of Order!
For:
Especially for new and of course experienced Clerks of Session who want to brush
up on their skills.
Led by: Reverend Carlos Wilton, Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Stated Clerk
(Monmouth Presbytery)
D. AM ONLY: Safer Churches (I)
“God intends for the church to be a sage place for all to encounter God and grow into lives
of service and fulfillment. We are called to be a holy community…Yet we live in a broken
world, and we know that churches are not always a safe place. Do you have a ‘safe church’
ministry? If so how is it going?”
This AM workshop will offer an introduction to “Safe church” ministry through: scripture
mandates; significant DVD stories; materials, books, bibliographies and general discussion.
This is an excellent place for the newcomers to begin this meaningful journey.
For: ALL
Led by: Elder Barbara DeCarlo – Discipling Ministries Coordinator and Chair of Trinity
Children of the Covenant. (East Brunswick, Monmouth Presbytery)
Elder Patty Williams – Christian Education Consultant (Monmouth Presbytery)
E. AM ONLY: Food and Faith – Hunger Curriculum Offerings
Ultimately, the test of any food system, and the policies that shape it, is a moral one. Our
individual consumer choices, our institutional actions and our public policies must recognize
and protect the dignity of humankind and the integrity of God's creation. They must
strengthen family, the community and society. In short, they must uphold the vision of
God's community of love. This workshop provides an overview of the information and
curriculum opportunities available through the PCUSA.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Reverend Marcia MacKillop, Hunger Action Enabler / Young Adult Advocate
(Presbytery of New Brunswick)
Reverend Phyllis Zoon, Hunger Action and Stewardship of Creation Enabler
(Monmouth Presbytery)
F. AM ONLY: Overcoming Our Fears in Evangelism
In this workshop, we will examine the foundations, necessity, styles, and spirituality of
Evangelism. We will discover how to start spiritual conversations, build relationships, and
make the Message clear. When we’re done, you will look forward to sharing the Good News.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Reverend Greg Albert, Associate Executive Presbyter (Presbytery of New
Brunswick)
G. AM ONLY: Young Adult Volunteers in Mission
Young Adult Volunteers is a ministry of the PCUSA with several goals of service in the
United States and abroad: engaging in the church’s mission; living in an intentional Christian
community; focusing on spiritual formation. These Young Adults are called to service for
one year.
Henry Coates, now a first-year seminarian, will share his experiences of time in Kenya and
Uganda. He will also lead a roundtable discussion in how we can better connect our faith
and life.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Henry Coates, Young Adult Volunteer and Seminarian
H. AM ONLY: Small Groups – Growing Disciples
Small groups are a way to explore more about one’s self and one’s relationship with God, in
addition to meet and grow closer to others over shared passions. Come learn how to use
essential components to small groups – prayer, activity, learning and sharing. Learn how to
determine which type of small group could be most effective for your ministry context. Led
by the Rev. Rob Carter, who has successfully incorporated small groups in his ministry.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Reverend Rob Carter, Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (Monmouth
Presbytery)
I. PM: Basic Elder Training – Understanding the Book of Order
This workshop (offered in the morning and repeated in the afternoon) provides thorough
orientation looking at the responsibilities of an Elder.
For: Newly elected and experienced Elders
Led by: Reverend Gary Filson, Jamesburg Presbyterian Church (Monmouth Presbytery)
J. PM: Basic Deacon Training
This workshop (offered both in the morning and repeated in the afternoon) will focus on
learning about the exciting responsibilities of the deaconate. Exercises, case studies and role
playing will help participants explore the varied ministries of the deaconate and strengthen
their skills in listening and caring, and being a non-anxious presence in an anxious
environment. Learn various creative opportunities that deacons have to faithfully
demonstrate their faith beyond the walls of the church.
For: Newly elected and experienced deacons; laity called to “caring” ministries.
Led by: Reverend Patty Fox, Highland Park Reformed Church (Presbytery of New
Brunswick)
K. PM: Clerks of Session
Come and explore an introduction to the basic duties of the Clerk of Session (repeated in the
morning). General discussion may include: minutes of meetings, annual reports,
membership records and a generous time of Q and A. So plan to bring your questions and
your Book of Order!
For:
Especially for new and of course experienced Clerks of Session who want to brush
up on their skills.
Led by: Reverend Carlos Wilton, Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Stated Clerk
(Monmouth Presbytery)
L. PM ONLY: Safer Churches (II)
“God intends for the church to be a sage place for all to encounter God and grow into lives
of service and fulfillment. We are called to be a holy community…Yet we live in a broken
world, and we know that churches are not always a safe place. Do you have a ‘safe church’
ministry? If so how is it going?”
This PM workshop will provide specific ‘nuts and bolts’ of Safe Church programming and
policy making. Sample policies; programmatic emphasis; DVD instructional materials and
specific church stories will be offered.
For: ALL
Led by: Elder Barbara DeCarlo – Discipling Ministries Coordinator and Chair of Trinity
Children of the Covenant. (East Brunswick, Monmouth Presbytery)
Elder Patty Williams – Christian Education Consultant (Monmouth Presbytery)
M. PM ONLY: Enough for Everyone – A Lifestyle for Sustainable Living
We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Attend this workshop if
you are looking for ways to make your faith tangible and real in the way that you live. These
ways move beyond congregational programs and include a focus on home lifestyle integrity
through practicing faith in all aspects of daily life. Areas of focus include both liturgical and
earth seasons.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Reverend Marcia MacKillop, Hunger Action Enabler / Young Adult Advocate
(Presbytery of New Brunswick)
Reverend Phyllis Zoon, Hunger Action and Stewardship of Creation Enabler
(Monmouth Presbytery)
N. PM ONLY: Stewardship – Every Sunday is Stewardship Sunday
How can one faithfully speak to stewardship during these troubling economic times? How
can stewardship move beyond “Stewardship Sunday” and an annual pledge card? How
should one think theologically about stewardship? What can one learn about reading a
budget? (Answer: A lot!). This interactive program will feature better tools and practices and
will be led by the Rev. Raymond Bonwell, a classical trained economist involved in
institutional finance for twelve years prior to his theological education.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Reverend Raymond Bonwell, Princeton Theological Seminary, Stated Supply Miller
Memorial Presbyterian Church (Presbytery of New Brunswick)
O. PM ONLY: Congregation as the First Choir
“One who sings, prays twice.” Attributed to the early church theologian St. Augustine, this
saying emphasizes the role of appropriate hymnody. Furthermore, if the origins of the word
liturgy is “the work of the people”, how can the congregation better serve in the broader
Service of Worship? Join us to find out! Music ministry is a means of edifying, beautifying
and sanctifying each person who participates.
FOR: Those interested in the musical ministries of the church
Led by: Noel Werner, Director of Music at Nassau Presbyterian Church (Presbytery of New
Brunswick)
P. PM ONLY: Educational Ministries and Spiritual Formation
“The congregation as a whole, on behalf of the Church universal, assumes responsibility for
nurturing the baptized person in Christian life” (W-2.3013; c.f. W-3.3603). Though the
responsibility of the congregation, often there are many people who serve: committee chair,
Church school teacher, young adult volunteer, or small group leader. Come and learn
better practices for both educational ministries and an equally vital component – spiritual
formation.
FOR: ALL
Led by: Thalia Kunzel, Christian Educator (Presbytery of New Brunswick)
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
OFFICER TRAINING AND
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Saturday, January 16, 2010 (Snow Date January 23, 2010)
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Princeton Theological Seminary
Please complete this form and submit by Thursday, January 14, 2010 via:
□ E-mail to coned@ptsem.edu,
□ Telephone to 609.497.7990, or
□ Postal mail to Princeton Theological Seminary, The Erdman Center, 20 Library
Place, Princeton NJ 08540.
□ Online at ptsem.edu/ce.
This form is for individual use, and may be duplicated.
Name
Home Address
City
State
E-mail
Telephone
(Please Check One)
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
___ ___
Zip ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
_________________________________________
___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___
 Home  Work  Mobile
Church
_________________________________________
First Workshop Choice:
Second Workshop Choice:
Third Workshop Choice:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Workshops will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all workshops may be
available, so participants are asked to rank their top three choices. Lunch will be
available for US$10. Participants may pay by mail with a check, by telephone or online
with a credit card, or the day of the program with cash or check.
Questions? Please contact Raymond Bonwell, Director of Programs at the Erdman
Center for Continuing Education by telephone at 609.497.7932 or by e-mail at
raymond.bonwell@ptsem.edu.