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Lent Planner
Holding On and Letting Go
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A time for reflection and soul searching, the season of Lent calls us to follow Jesus, watch what he does, listen to what he says, and identify with Jesus in his mission. The closer we come to Jesus, the more we become aware of the ways our lives and actions may not reflect the life and vision of Jesus.
While the Lent scripture readings always bend toward penitence, this year’s texts offer two invitations: 1) to hold on to what is most important, and 2) to let go of what is peripheral or gets in the way of further growth. In keeping with this theme, each Sunday service begins by celebrating what we want to hold on to. After hearing and engaging with the texts of the day, worshipers open themselves to the Spirit’s prompting to let go of whatever interferes with new growth. After the acts of confession and assurance, the congregation is sent into the world with a renewed sense of God’s love and mercy that sustain us in the journey toward the cross.
Lent Planner is a day for equipping pastors, worship leaders and musicians to guide congregations through the renewal of the Lenten season to the new life of Easter. The day offers creative ideas for scripture presentations, visual elements, movement and rituals, prayers, and music. Participants will sample elements of worship for the Sundays of the season. Using the Mennonite Church Lent 2010 theme, “Holding on and letting go,” this workshop introduces the lectionary-based worship resources published in Leader magazine. Participants should bring a copy of the magazine or order one when registering for the workshop.
The content of the Planner is focused particularly for congregations who are part of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, but participants from other denominations and congregations that use the lectionary are welcome and have found similar events very helpful.
Leaders
Marlene Kropf, D.Min., is AMBS Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Worship and also Denominational Minister of Worship, Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership.
Rosanna Eller McFadden is a free-lance artist and a part-time student at AMBS. She is a member of Creekside Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Ind.
Rebecca Slough, Ph.D., is AMBS Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Worship and the Arts.
Schedule
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
| Time | Description | Location |
| 8:00 a.m. | Registration with coffee, tea and juice | Waltner Hall Lounge |
| 8:30 | Welcome and introduction to the day | Chapel |
| 8:50 | Opening retreat | |
| 9:15 | Introduction to Lenten theme and resources | |
| 10:15 | Morning break | Waltner Hall Lounge |
| 10:45 | Sample services for Lent | Chapel |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch | Dining Hall |
| 1:15 | Exploring music for Lent-Holy Week (Rebecca Slough) | Chapel |
| 2:15 | Afternoon break | Waltner Hall Lounge |
| 2:30 | Observing Holy Week in the congregation | Chapel |
| 3:15 | Closing worship | |
| 3:30 | Evaluation |
Cost
Registration
$85 before January 5, 2010
$75 each for three or more from one congregation before January 5
$95 after January 5
$10 full-time AMBS student (does not include Interterm only students)
Other student discounts are available on the online registration form.
Lunch
Lunch is available for an additional $6.00. Please pre-register for lunch or plan to eat off campus.
Leader Magazine
Leader Magazine is available for $7.60 per issue.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available for those who wish to attend this workshop. MMA, Goshen, Ind., provides grants to qualified Mennonite congregations for the pastor’s continuing education opportunities.
Lodging & Transportation
Options for lodging at AMBS and transportation to/from AMBS and the South Bend airport or other public transit hubs are listed on the online registration form.
Register
Click here to register online.
Continuing Education Units
Participants earn 0.4 CEUs for attending Advent Planner.
Questions?
Contact the Church Leadership Center
(574) 296-6269
ChurchLeadership@ambs.edu
