Envisioning the Future,
Honoring the Past,
Experiencing the Present
We had a wonderful gathering of our community, The Community of Hope. Lay Pastoral Caregivers came from all over the country and we all learned and shared experiences.
There were 3 workshops that everyone attended; Workshop I - Senior Ministry, Workshop II - Outreach Ministry, and Workshop III - Hospital Ministry. The workshops were led by Lay Pastoral Caregivers who shared their experience in these fields with other attendees at the conference.
The panel discussions were titled (1) Healthy Centers - Healthy Churches, (2) Curriculum Choices: Original and Revised, and (3) Circle of Care.
The keynote speakers were (June 10) Fr. Tom Papazoglakis - "Envisioning the Future"; (June 11) The Rev. Dr. Helen Appelberg - "Honoring the past"; and (June 12) The Rev. Patsy Barham "Experiencing the Present".
Br. Michael Gallagher and Father Peter Funk gave a presentation on "A Balanced Life through Benedictine Eyes".
Our worship services included Holy Eucharist on June 10 with The Rt. Rev. Rayford High as Celebrant and The Most Rev. Douglas Travis giving the homily. June 11th we all took part in the Taize service. Br Michael planned, accompanied and led the music in all three services. Friday morning, the closing service was a beautiful and moving "Blessing of the Hands" service led by the Rev. Eric Fenton.
We also had opportunities to network and visit in smaller groups.
Conference attendies checking in on June 10
June 10 Holy Eucharist
Feeding the masses!
Panel Discussion
Three Keynote speakers, left to right: Fr. Tom Papazoglakis, Rev. Patsy Barham and Rev. Helen Appelberg.
Leadership award recipients, Laura Bogard and Rev. Bob Wells.
Social Time
Relaxing Time
Helen Addressing Conferees
Br. Michael and Fr. Peter's talk
Attendees from Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio.
Br. Michael teaching a song.