"Equipping the Saints" through the Lay Pastoral Assistants program..
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
A Lay Pastoral Assistant is a volunteer who serves in the local congregation by assisting the ordained pastor according to his/her gifts and the needs of the congregation. This could include activities such as teaching, leading music worship, visitations, assisting with worship, coordinating volunteers, committee work, or lay preaching, to name just a few...or some enroll for their own personal faith development
The courses for which you’re most likely to receive credit, will fall into one of the following four categories
•Grasping Our Lutheran Heritage
• Understanding What Happens in Worship
• Hearing/Reflecting on the Scriptures, or
• Serving Inside/Outside the Church.
The first graduation class celebrated the event with a large class of students at the Cochrane course in November, 2006. Gail Berg, Keith Johnson and Elaine Goehring were the first graduates. Since that time there have been two more graduations.
COURSES for 2010, remaining
"Understanding Revelations" May 15
with The Rev. Dr. Rolf Nosterud
Pastor Rolf is a gifted teacher who enjoys people. He is especially skilled at relating Lutheran theology to the world we live in. Pastor Rolf was Director of Parish Life in the national church office in Winnipeg in the 1990s and previously served as a university lecturer.
This study will present the main themes of St. John's Revelation in the light of the gospel themes clearly present in the book. Pastor Rolf will also interpret the mythical violence that is graphically displayed in the book, not as future history, but as 'warnings' of what the "consequences of sin and evil can bring upon those who persist in such evil rebellion to God's plan of salvation."
The course will also take place at Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton. Meals and accommodations are available. Please register early by calling the synod office - 780, 439-2636.
"Hearts Hungry for God" - Spiritual Development and Formation October 23, 2010
with Dr. Faith Nostbakken
Faith Nostbakken has a two-year certificate in spiritual Direction and is a rostered spiritual director at the Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton. she is pursuing a Masters in theological Studies and has a Ph.D. in English Literature having taught at university and authored several books.
With a passion for stories, she sees her role as a spiritual director to help people discover their own sacred stories by listening with compassion and respect to what needs to be told so that it may be more fully and freely lived. Because she affirms God's desire to meet us in every chapter that shapes our lives, she invites people considering spiritual direction to "come as you are", broken or whole, empty or fulfilled, facing probing questions or pending decisions and be prepared for the mystery of God's transforming love.
Our Christian faith can be described as a hunger for God, for intimate relationship with the Trinity that we seek to satisfy communally and personally, through Word and Sacrament and other spiritual practices. Our day together on October 23, 2010 will help us reflect on how we can enrich our faith, broaden and deepen our experience of prayer, explore what has contributed to our own image of God, and open ourselves perhaps in new ways to God's longing for us that meets our hunger for God.
This course will be held at Providence Renewal Centre (3005 - 119 Street, Edmonton) and will begin at 9:00 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m. Lunch is $12 per person; breakfast is $8. pp. Arrangements for meals and accommodations must be made in advance. Please register by calling the synod office (780, 439-2636).
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
How will a Lay Pastoral Assistant be trained?"
Training will happen through a holistic training program that will include spiritual direction thinking and reflecting and doing. Our trainers are well-qualified theologians and leaders in the church
You will receive in-depth understanding that will increase your confidence and competence in, and enjoyment of doing church work.
How often will training events occur?
Weekend workshops will be offered at least three times a year: November, March and July. These events will be held at various locations throughout the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. As the program evolves, other opportunities will become available.
What status will I have after completing the program?
The program does not have official status, that is, it will not be recognized by congregations outside of your own. The program is not intended as training for employment but you will become a well-equipped volunteer. The program is not a substitute for the diaconal program, but the interest could possibly indicate a gift for ministry and may lead to further training towards either the diaconal or ordained ministry.
Cost?
You will be charged a one-time administration fee of $50. In addition each training session will cost approximately $75. Your congregation may help cover your training costs.
How long will the program take?
Three years. However, we expect that you will begin to be involved in parish ministry during the training period. We also believe that participants will want to sharpen their skills by engaging in lifelong learning opportunities.
How do I join the program?
Ask your pastor about the program and discuss how you may fully serve in your congregation. You may obtain a registration form and brochure from your pastor, or contact the Synod office at (780) 439-2636 or email: abtsynod@elcic.ca
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