This year we will be offering the following workshops at Synod Assembly. Due to the limited space available, everyone will be assigned to a workshop in advance of the assembly. In an attempt to provide you the opportunity to choose the workshops of most interest to you please complete the survey below. We will do our best to try to assign everyone to two of their top three workshops.

Workshop Descriptions:

• Hearing on the Draft Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith This hearing is a special opportunity to respond to the text of the draft statement and to hear the perspectives of others, as well. Pr. Lamar Bailey, who is a member of the ELCA Task Force on Civic Life and Faith will be present for the discussion. NOTE: Prior reading of the draft statement is expected of all participants. Sponsor: ELCA Task Force on Civic Life and Faith / Rev. Lamar Bailey
• Decisive Moments: Deciding to Go, Deciding to Stay, and Deciding to Start Based on her new book How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington will lead this workship on decisive moments. Sponsor: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
• A Conversation On Servant Leadership As A Model for Rostered and Congregational Leaders This conversation on servant leadership will provide rostered and congregational leaders with an overview and awareness of servant leadership and the values of servant leadership in their congregational ministry or organizational workplace settings. Participants will develop an understanding of different leadership styles, explore the history and principles of servant leadership, understand the values of servant leadership in our ministry settings, and learn skills for applying servant leadership principles in our ministry or workplace. Sponsor: Rev. David Anglada, ELCA Representative
• A Taste of Sacred Ground Sacred Ground is a film/readings-based, facilitator-led dialogue series on race, grounded in faith, offered by the MetroDC Synod via the Racial Equity Team to all synod congregations. This workshop describes & reviews the small group process that sojourns participants through America’s history focusing on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American stories as they intersect with those of European Americans. After an overview of topics and approach, the workshop will present exercises to engage participants in the process at their level of comfort. Sacred Ground is open to all and designed to help people discuss these topics with others. Participants will be invited to reflect on this as a continuing dialogue, to engage in discussing our present challenges and divisions – grounded in our call to faith, hope and love. Sponsor: Racial Equity Table
• How Mission and Vision Drives Your Generosity In this workshop, participants will learn how the mission, vision and purpose of their local congregation and the Synod can help support and encourage their own financial generosity.  Participants will be able to more fully understand their congregations' mission and the vision of the Synod,  and how this connects with the ways they use their financial resources for the present and the future. Sponsor: Stewardship and Mission Support Table, Rev. Jason Shank, DEM Metro DC Synod, Rev. David C. Shank, ELCA Foundation
• Resourcing Congregational Vitality  Is your congregation seeking to be a vibrant and vital ministry?  Learn about the ministry of the synod's New & Renewing Mission Table, grants that are available for vitality and growth, healthy leadership, developing congregation partnerships, campus ministry and more.  Be inspired through impact stories shared by grant recipients, and leave equipped to apply for a grant.  Sponsor: New and Renewing Mission Table

Through an incredibly generous donation we have 150 copies of to How We Learn to be Brave-Decisive Moments in Faith and Life by Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, to sell for $5 each. Bishop Budde will be preaching at the opening worship service and providing a workshop at Synod Assembly. We will make the books available first-come first-served at Synod Assembly with a limit of 2 per person. Payment can be made via cash or check at the assembly. To determine the interest level of this offer please let us know if you intend to buy a copy. This is not a committment to buy, just indication of interest.