Workshop Catalog & Index

A complete list of workshops filterable by session and track

12 results

  • “What does this mean?”

    Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 2
    Show Workshop Description

    What does it mean to be a Christian today? How do faith and life actually work together? During this session, we shall look at tools for journeying with these questions through the ancient Catechumenate model as it is embraced not only by a local LCMS Atlantic District congregation but through forminglutherans.org, commended for use at the recent convention of the Atlantic District convention in July of 2022. Learn more about it as we are “Making Disciples for Life.”

    Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas
    Deaconess of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx
    Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Atlantic District President
    Board of Directors, LCMS Atlantic District"

  • A Christian Approach to Mindfulness and Contemplation

    The Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 5
    Show Workshop Description

    By sharing a biblical and evidence-based introduction to mindfulness and contemplation, the goal of this presentation is to strengthen our prayer and devotional lives as well as our mental health. We also shall talk about the importance of cultivating “the mind of Christ” so that our inward thinking and worldview are grounded in the Scriptures and a healthy relationship with the Triune God.

    The Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson
    Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Dix Hills

  • A Ministry You Should Consider – Helping People and Families with Dementia

    Director Suzanne Quirk • The Rev. Dr. Victor Nelson

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 5
    Show Workshop Description

    People with dementia (Alzheimer’s and other related memory loss) and their families need support from the local church! Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cairo, NY, began a helpful program four years ago. It is a ministry that most churches may duplicate. Resurrection will share its ministry and what it would take for you to begin a similar caring ministry.

    Director Suzanne Quirk
    Member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cairo

    The Rev. Dr. Victor Nelson
    Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cairo
    Third Vice-President, LCMS Atlantic District

  • Church Music in a (Post?) Pandemic Time

    Dr. Jean Boehler (leader) • Panel Discussion

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    A panel of Atlantic District church musicians will discuss the state of church music in our local congregations as church musicians and workshop participants take time to reassess our current reality. Mindful of God’s promises and confident that Emmanuel is with us, we continue the song as we support and encourage one another.

    Dr. Jean Boehler (leader)
    Cantor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx
    Board of Directors for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM)

    Mr. George Heath (panelist)
    Cantor and Youth Choir Director of Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School, Bronxville

    Ms. Cynthia Holden (panelist)
    Director of Music of Saint John Lutheran Church, Sayville

    Ms. Deborah Reiss (panelist)
    Minister of Music of Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School, Bronxville

  • Church Safety and Risk Management – Insurance 101

    Mr. Michael Jakob

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 4
    Show Workshop Description

    Your church is a small business with significant exposures to liability with respect to people and property. Every year, we hear about claims against churches that could have been avoided. Learning your responsibilities as church leaders and how you address the same is how you will save money and avoid incidents requiring making claims.
    During our brief time together, we shall review the following:

    1. Common claims and how to avoid them;
    2. Making sure your church has proper insurance coverage; and
    3. Building maintenance – What are the essentals that you have to do?

    Mr. Michael Jakob
    Carriage Trade Insurance, Landmark Tax Service

  • Navigating Youth Ministry in 2023!

    Minister of Religion—Commissioned Jacquelyn Flynn

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 6
    Show Workshop Description

    Looking to rejuvenate your youth ministry program? Trying to figure out how to connect with them? Come learn about the key to getting them involved at your congregation and part of something greater. We also shall discuss ways to refresh your Sunday School, Confirmation program, and Vacation Bible School through creative strategies.

    Minister of Religion—Commissioned Jacquelyn Flynn
    Director of Youth and Family Ministry
    St. Luke Lutheran Church, Dix Hills

  • Stewardship Re-think

    The Rev. Billy Brath

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    Join Pastor Billy Brath, LCEF Vice-President of Ministry Solutions, as he explores some of the ideas and biases that cloud our understanding of stewardship, church membership, and the work of the local parish. He will draw upon his experiences working with leaders and congregations across the Synod and will present practical ways to re-engage your parishioners with the ministries of your congregation.

    The Rev. Billy Brath
    Vice-President for Ministry Solutions of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund

  • The Spiritual Conversation Curve

    The Rev. Dr. Anthony Cook

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    Paul encouraged all Christians to "let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4). But how may we do this in an age in which conversations between Christians and non-Christians are often difficult and emotionally charged? Learn the simple tool developed by Lutheran Hour Ministries that can help you and your parish discern how to talk with non-Christians in a way that gains a hearing for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    The Rev. Dr. Anthony Cook
    Lutheran Hour Ministries

  • TLC - Tender Loving Care

    Ms Linda Wardley, RN

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 3
    Show Workshop Description

    “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…” (Colossians 3:12-13a ESV)
    Each congregation seeks to provide care for its members spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Parish Nurse Linda Wardley will share the ways in which her congregation reaches out to its members and to the community through their Health and Wellness Ministry.

    Ms Linda Wardley, RN
    Parish Nurse - Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City
    Parish Nurse Coordinator for the LCMS Atlantic District

  • What is LCMS DNA?

    The Rev. Dr. Johnson Rethinasamy

    Session 1: 10:30a Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    A case for being an intentionally immigrant-friendly church in an age of migration!

    The Rev. Dr. Johnson Rethinasamy
    Mission Executive of the LCMS Atlantic District
    Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Whitestone

  • A Field Manual for Life: Family Devotions and Luther’s Catechism

    The Rev. Philip Bartelt

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 7
    Show Workshop Description

    The modern age has delivered a rather grim picture for the future of the church. Between biblical and confessional illiteracy and diminishing attendance and vitality in the church, it is unquestionable that reformation is not something that was needed only in the 16th century, but it is also needed in the 21st century. The theme of this workshop will be reforming and revitalizing the church starting with the devotional life in the home. This theme will be explored through the lens of the catechetical and devotional life described in Luther’s Small Catechism. After, there will be opportunity to discuss best practices in the home, resources available for family devotional life, and more.

    The Rev. Philip Bartelt
    LCMS Atlantic District Missionary serving Zion German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brooklyn

  • An Income Tax Guide for Ministers and Called Workers

    Mr. Michael Jakob

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 4
    Show Workshop Description

    Ministers and other church employees are subject to special U.S. tax regulations. Virtually every year, new tax rulings affect the way that you should file your taxes.
    In our 20-plus years of experience helping pastors and other called workers all over the country, we know that your having a working knowledge of the rules will help you save money – which, in turn, will help the church in which you work save money as well. We shall help you ensure that you do not make errors that will cost you money.
    In the hour allotted, we shall:
    1. Review the basics of housing allowances and how they are determined; and
    2. Review how to make sure you and your congregation are accurately reporting to Concordia Retirement Plans

    Mr. Michael Jakob
    Carriage Trade Insurance, Landmark Tax Service

  • David: The Ultimate Prayer Partner

    The Rev. Robert A. Boehler

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    A "prayer partner" can be helpful as we seek to grow in our devotional lives. Their companionship encourages us. Their insights challenge us. Their encouragement helps us to persevere. In the book of Psalms, David and so many others do the same thing. In this workshop, we shall explore ways to utilize the Psalms in our prayer lives. The Psalms are not only God's word to us; they are also our words to God. Join us as we explore how to deepen our devotional lives by praying the Psalms with Christ and in the Spirit.

    The Rev. Robert A. Boehler
    St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School, Yonkers

  • Depression, Sadness, Anxiety and Warning Signs

    Dr. Elizabeth Geiling, MSED, LMHC

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 5
    Show Workshop Description

    What are the symptoms of depression, sadness and anxiety? What is the difference between them? What are warning signs for which we need to look? How may we identify issues in our children and youth? Dr. Geil¬ing will explore these questions, give positive tips for dealing with sadness, and explain when mental health therapy is needed.

    Dr. Elizabeth Geiling, MSED, LMHC
    Lutheran Counseling Center

  • Hand Chimes 101.

    Dr. Jean Boehler

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    Praise God with ringing! Might hand chimes be a way to revitalize your parish’s music program? Give it a try in this hands-on workshop! In addition to playing favorites like “Amazing Grace,” participants will also be given a suggested plan on how to implement an intergenerational hand chime program in your parish. Music reading skills are not necessary for this workshop.

    Dr. Jean Boehler
    Cantor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx
    Board of Directors for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM)

  • Human Care Under the Cross in Times of Disaster and Disorder

    The Rev. Thomas Cusanelli

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 3
    Show Workshop Description

    This session will discuss ways we may address Christian caring for our brothers and sisters during times of “human made” and natural disaster and how we may care for those locally in our neighborhoods in times of distress (sudden death, fire, etc.).

    The Rev. Thomas Cusanelli
    Associate Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Dix Hills
    Chair of the Disaster Relief Task Force (Task Force 8) LCMS Atlantic District

  • Mission Driven Development

    Mr. Renato D. Matos, Esq.

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    This workshop will explore how congregations may utilize their real property to support and expand mission and ministry. From shared use arrangements to large scale property redevelopments, we shall examine the various alternatives available as well as the proper process for considering them.

    Mr. Renato D. Matos, Esq.
    Managing Partner, Capell, Barnett, Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP

  • Real and Abundant Life – in Christ

    Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 7
    Show Workshop Description

    Lutherans understand all sanctity of human life issues through the cross of Jesus Christ. Join this session focused on the real and abundant life found only in Christ. Join Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Director of LCMS Life Ministry) for a presentation that will explore how Christians walk through this corrupted and dying world, called to embody real life – showing Christ to all. Learn about Life Ministry in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and how, through Christ’s sacrifice, every man and woman can be restored to real and abundant life in the blessed and holy Trinity now and forever.

    Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor
    Director of LCMS Life Ministry
    Office of National Mission, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

  • Set Apart To Serve

    Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas • The Rev. Justin Vetrano

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 2
    Show Workshop Description

    Set Apart to Serve is a new initiative of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod to recognize, encourage and support people in considering church work vocations primarily through their continued and faithful involvement with their congregations. Join Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas as she speaks about this new initiative that has a focus on children, teenagers, and adults. She will be joined by Pastor Justin Vetrano who will describe how servants are raised up in his parish as we explore ways to continue "Making Disciples for Life" by "Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope."

    Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas
    Deaconess of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx
    Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Atlantic District President
    LCMS Atlantic District Board of Directors

    The Rev. Justin Vetrano
    Pastor of The Life Lutheran Church, Old Westbury
    Circuit Visitor, Nassau Circuit (Circuit 8)

  • Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry

    DCE Christopher Boccalupo (Host) • Panel Discussion

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 6
    Show Workshop Description

    You care for the young people of your congregation but what does healthy youth ministry even look like? What kinds of ministries retain and disciple young people? Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry will break down what we have found to be critical components for every youth ministry by exploring Scripture, research, and practice.

    The Rev. Mark Kiessling (by Zoom)
    Director of Youth Ministry
    Office of National Mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

    DCE Julianna Shults (by Zoom)
    Program Manager for Youth Ministry
    Office of National Mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

    DCE Christopher Boccalupo (Host)
    Minister of Religion—Commissioned of Trinity Lutheran Church, Islip
    Atlantic District Board of Directors
    Chair of LCMS Atlantic District Youth Task Force (Task Force 5)

  • We’re Better Together: How Christians Can Be a Welcome Influence in Their Neighborhoods

    The Rev. Dr. Anthony Cook

    Session 2: 12:35p Mission Priority 4
    Show Workshop Description

    Better Together, produced in partnership with Barna Group, seeks to understand Christians who love their neighbors and their neighborhoods and want to make a difference right where they live. Learn about its simple process for blessing your own neighborhood with insights for discovering the gifts of your community, imagining the possibilities, and pursuing the common good. Discover exercises, assessments, and practical tools to improving community well-being.

    The Rev. Dr. Anthony Cook
    Lutheran Hour Ministries

  • Magnetic Pull: The Attraction of Retirement Benefits and how to Capitalize on Them.

    Mr. Brian Page

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 5
    Show Workshop Description

    Retirement benefits have an inherent pull for attracting workers. That is because workers expect these benefits, the competition provides them, and most workers (including most LCMS workers) believe their employer has a responsibility for helping them achieve a financially secure retirement. Therefore, in this insightful and entertaining session, you will dive deeper into the value, security, and purpose of the CPS Retirement Solution and discover ideas for capitalizing on this benefit as a part of your recruitment and retention strategy. You will laugh, learn, and come away so excited about retirement plans. You will even ask your neighbors if they want in!

    Mr. Brian Page
    Concordia Plan Services

  • ¡AtrĂ©vete en Cristo! with the LWML Atlantic District

    Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas

    Session 3: 1:45p Mission Priority 4
    Show Workshop Description

    To “Dare in Christ” is the aim for reassessing, reimagining, and revitalizing in the LCMS and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Atlantic District congregations and neighborhoods. For over 80 years, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League has embraced “the great task of bringing the lost and the erring into eternal fellowship with Him.” This workshop explores how the LWML Atlantic District encourages and leads in different ways that serve and share Christ Jesus in our homes, congregations, communities, and the world. “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).

    Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas
    Deaconess of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx
    Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Atlantic District President
    Board of Directors, LCMS Atlantic District

  • Becoming an EAGER Conversationalist

    The Rev. Dr. Anthony Cook

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 4
    Show Workshop Description

    Eager Conversationalists introduces the EAGER Profile Inventory, a self-evaluation tool participants can use to assess their level of willingness to engage in spiritual conversations. Barna data from 25 years ago shows that Christians took more responsibility to share their faith. This is not so today as those numbers are in decline. Completing an EAGER Profile Inventory helps believers assess their character traits and spiritual habits which then factor into their willingness to have spiritual conversations. The good news is we all may become more intentional in our outreach and actually enjoy sharing Jesus with others when we do.

    The Rev. Dr. Anthony Cook
    Lutheran Hour Ministries

  • Compassionately Connecting Your Neighbors to Jesus through Child Care

    Ms. Jennifer Baiocco

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 6
    Show Workshop Description

    One of the things we as church leaders often consider is how we can “get into the community.” Community is happening all around every church in many different ways. It would be impossible to engage with all of them, but it is not impossible to invest in one of them. This workshop will share how Unity Lutheran Church in Albany identified a need within the community and has worked hard to meet that need of families with elementary aged children. Learn why we felt this was important and the practical first steps needed to make it happen. You can do this, too!
    The Rev. James Dorner
    Pastor of Unity Lutheran Church, Albany

    Ms. Jennifer Baiocco
    Director of the Afterschool Program of Unity Lutheran Church, Albany

  • Connecting to the Community – Ministries and Events

    The Rev. Dr. Victor Nelson • The Rev. Steven Williamson-Link • Mr. Jim and Mrs. Lauretta Sauer

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 1
    Show Workshop Description

    This workshop will focus on hosting outreach events and starting new ministries directed toward bringing the Gospel to the community. It will give multiple, real-life examples and insights for hosting outreach events and beginning an outreach ministry. There will be opportunities to network with others who have started outreach events and ministries. In addition, we shall introduce a new grant to assist in funding a new event or ministry.

    The Rev. Dr. Victor Nelson
    Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cairo
    Third Vice-President, LCMS Atlantic District

    The Rev. Steven Williamson-Link
    Pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Patchogue

    Mr. Jim and Mrs. Lauretta Sauer
    Members of St. James Lutheran Church, St. James

  • Considerations and Best Practices for Hospital and Shut-in visitation

    The Rev. Robert Carter

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 3
    Show Workshop Description

    This is a conversation about current considerations to be made when visiting people at hospitals and institutions as well as shut-in congregational members. It includes reviewing that which is needed to have on hand for infection control and good hygiene when visiting shut-ins, and that for which to ask when visiting those in institutional settings. The presentation will include the options for communicating with a patient when in-person visits with them are not possible due to your limitations or the current institutional policy. The presentation will discuss how the chaplain may be a resource for you. It also will include an introduction to passes and badges, and introduction to signage (doors and doorframes), and an introduction to personal protective equipment. Considerations for Anointing for Healing and the Commendation of the Dying for those who have been placed in isolation also will be reviewed.

    The Rev. Robert Carter
    Director of Pastoral Care at Montefiore Nyack Hospital
    Pastor/Chaplain at Old Cadet Chapel, United States Military Academy, West Point

  • Healthy Leaders, Healthy Congregations

    Mr. Christopher Schmidt (Host)

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 5
    Show Workshop Description

    Life as a professional church worker can be richly rewarding and satisfying. It can also be very stressful and demanding. When church leaders and their called workers strive together to create an environment where the workers flourish, everyone in the church and the community benefits. This workshop presented by Grace Place Wellness/LCEF will guide you through practical steps that healthy congregations take to ensure that their pastors and ministry teams serve better and longer with greater enthusiasm and creativity.

    The Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton and Rev. Dr. Darrell Zimmermann (by zoom)
    Grace Place and LCEF

    Mr. Christopher Schmidt (Host)
    Director of Operations, LCMS Atlantic District

  • Life For Ukraine

    Rev. Justin Vetrano

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 5
    Show Workshop Description

    In March of 2022, as the war in Ukraine began, Pastor Vetrano, his wife Neina, and The Life Lutheran Church began a mission to aid Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war into Romania. Over the past 10 months, LIFE FOR UKRAINE is a mission that has and continues to serve thousands of refugee women and children. Additionally, the mission has partnered with Lutheran pastors in Odessa and Mykolaiv in Ukraine to bring a steady shipment of food and supplies to displaced people in Ukraine living on the front lines. Join Pastor Vetrano in this workshop to hear firsthand accounts of service to refugees from Ukraine as well as how local congregations may mobilize to serve refugees in and outside Ukraine.

    The Rev. Justin Vetrano
    The Life Lutheran Church, Old Westbury
    Circuit Visitor, Nassau Circuit (Circuit 8)"

  • Millennials, Gen Z, and Your Church

    The Rev. Billy Brath

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 6
    Show Workshop Description

    Instead of dwelling on statistics and causation, this session will work through practical ways to engage young people drawing from successes and failures around the church. Join Pastor Billy Brath, LCEF Vice-President of Ministry Solutions, as he shares the wisdom of leaders and churches on the front lines across the Synod.

    The Rev. Billy Brath
    Vice-President for Ministry Solutions of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund

  • Navigate the Behind-the-Scenes “Business” of Ministry with New My Admin Partner (MAP)

    Ms. Beth M. Jones

    Session 3: 2:00p Mission Priority 4
    Show Workshop Description

    Many ministries are struggling to find knowledgeable staff or volunteers to complete payroll, bookkeeping, benefit administration, or human resources tasks for their ministries. Some ministries cannot find anyone to assist at all! My Admin Partner (MAP) is a new service from Concordia Plans that is designed to assist ministries so that they may focus on their core mission instead of burdensome back-office tasks. CPS is launching a pilot of this program in the Atlantic District this year and is looking for ministries who would welcome assistance in these areas.

    Ms. Beth M. Jones
    Concordia Plan Services

No results