Opening Worship, 10-10:40 a.m.
Welcome by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Purpose of the Day by Judith Roberts, Community Guidelines presented by Jennifer DeLeon, opening worship guest preacher the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, and music by Ali Paris.
Concurrent Workshops 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Presenter: Beckah Selnick, Sharei Green and Nicolette Peñaranda
Workshop Title: “God’s Holy Darkness: Healing Through Representation and the Impact of Children’s Literature Across Generations”
Workshop Description:
The children’s book God’s Holy Darkness explores ways to break down light/dark binary language and expand representation of Blackness, darkness and night in church and theology in a way that resonates with an intergenerational audience. Join the authors and illustrator as they discuss the impact of anti-racist children’s literature. The panel discussion will include a Q&A.
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Niveen Ibrahim Sarras
Workshop Title: “Bridging Cultures: Arab Immigration and Lutheran Ministry in America”
Workshop Description:
This workshop will highlight the ministry of the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage within the ELCA. Participants will explore the unique contributions and challenges faced by Arab and Middle Eastern Lutherans and strategies for fostering inclusivity and understanding within the church. Join us to engage in meaningful dialogue and support this vital ministry.
Presenter: Dr. Kao Nou L. Moua
Workshop Title: “Asian Lutheran Experience”
Workshop Description:
This workshop explores the journeys, experiences, and challenges of Asian Lutherans against the backdrop of a long-standing history of xenophobia and recent increases in anti-Asian sentiment. Participants will examine the concept of "Asian" and gain insight into the resilience of Asian Lutherans as they navigate complexities, celebrate the richness of Asian cultures within the church, and strive to build solidarity with others.
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Patricia Davenport
Workshop Title: “Creating a Positive and Practical Call”
Workshop Description:
Gather tips, tools and recommendations for a meaningful call process. We will explore the Rostered Ministers Profile, the Ministry Site Profile, and interview skills needed on your journey.
Presenter: Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb and Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy
Workshop Title: “BIPOC Learning — A Gathering Space for People of Color”
Workshop Description:
People who identify as Persons of Color are invited into an affinity space of reflection and community building. This facilitated session will promote the healing work from the wounds of racism.
Regathering activity, 11:50 a.m-12:10 p.m.
Join Rev. Jenny Sung Torgerson and Poet Joe Davis in a 20-minute guided recentering and reflection activity.
Concurrent Workshops, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Presenter: Rhonda Hill
Workshop Title: “Antiblackness in Multicultural Spaces: Be Seen, Be Heard”
Workshop Description:
Join us for an hourlong online session designed exclusively for BIPOC individuals. We will create safe and supportive space for meaningful discussion and reflection. This session aims to provide a celebratory space, honoring the richness of our diverse cultures. Let's come together to build a more inclusive future!
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown
Workshop Title: “Unmasking the Racism in Anti-racism Education in Our Faith Communities”
Workshop Description:
Despite ongoing anti-racism efforts in our nation, racism continues to flourish. If most people in the U.S. align with a faith tradition that upholds values of justice and equity, why are we still “here,” in this static space? We will answer this question by journeying back to our roots and digging up the racism embedded in our existing anti-racism frameworks. Together we will explore methods for decolonizing our anti-racism education and will inventory the historical seeds that continue to sprout as intended: to stunt our growth.
Presenter: Shari Seifert and Rev. Dr. Yolanda Densen-Byers
Workshop Title: “Posture for Actively Anti-racist Allies”
Workshop Description:
In this session, presenters will discuss how to be in the correct posture as an ally and why this is essential to being in “right relationship” and actively anti-racist. The correct posture includes being humble, teachable and receptive, which may seem easy for white folks to achieve but can be difficult because so many have been profoundly and unknowingly shaped by white-supremacy culture. The correct posture is essential for moving to metanoia (repentance or complete change of heart). Presenters will provide concrete action steps and read from their books, Yolanda Denson-Byers’ See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship With Congregational Leaders of Color and Shari Seifert’s Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising.
Presenter: Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb, Rev. Dr. Andrea Walker, Rev. Priscilla Austin
Workshop Title: “Call to Allyship Panel — Q & A”
Workshop Description:
Meet the editor of and two contributors to the book Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color. Presenters will share insights and perspectives about the book and its connection to supporting a “metanoia movement” of changing hearts and minds toward a more diverse ELCA. "It's all about LOVE!"
Closing Worship, 1:20-2 p.m.
Musical performance by Benhi !Khabeb, closing sermon and sending song by the Rev. Felix Malpica, bishop of the La Cross Area Synod.
