We will be exploring individual and corporate 21st century expressions of Quakers' classic testimonies (simplicity, peace, truthful integrity, equality, community, universal ministry, decision-making by spiritual clearness, practical servanthood) that fully engage Friends in ministry with no need to "play church."

Ron and Pam Ferguson's Bios: Ron and Pam Ferguson are co-pastors of the Winchester Meeting (IN). They have pastored in Idaho, Kansas and Indiana. Ron is also an occasional student of ESR.

2. Quaker Theology and Hymnology

Using the hymnal, "Worship in Song," the workshop leaders will encourage robust singing and an engaged worship sharing process to explore with participants the wide range of theology among Quakers as partially illustrated in this hymnal.

Dorothy Day and Sue Axtell's bios: Dorothy Day, FWCC Business Manager, ESR alum, past representative on the National Council of Churches' Faith and Order Commission and currently the Quaker commissioner on their Justice and Advocacy Commission. Sue Axtell, current ESR student, Director of Admissions and Recruitment at ESR and pianist.

3. Moral and Faith Development

The perspectives of those who have studied the way humans grow (or not) in their morality and faith provides a way to understand conflicts on issues of ethics and faith. This workshop will be a brief introduction to the theories of moral and faith development by such folks as Erikson, Kohlberg, Fowler and Gilligan as applied to issues facing Quakerism, including work for peace in Meetings, between Churches and within the larger world. Participants will be provided with handouts and references for further study and application.

Lonnie Valentine's Bio: Lonnie Valentine was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, doing alternative service in a maximum security mental institution. This began his preparation for seminary. Before going into further studies however, he did draft counseling, war tax resistance for 15 years, anti-nuclear power work and other things, most of which were legal. Finally, since the world was not changing as easily as he thought, he pursued the academic route. He did his Masters work in Peace and Justices Studies at the Earlham School of Religion and his doctoral work in constructive theology at Emory University. His two children, Cady and Ben, are studying international relations in college.

Workshops 4-6 are offered on Saturday and Sunday

4. Clearness Committees: Discernment Assistance from the Community

The Clearness Committee is a method of discernment originally undertaken by Quakers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries regarding preparation for marriage. Anyone who has ever been in love knows how precious trusted friends can be at a time when our heart is bound and thinking clearly does not come easily. This is an incredibly apt heritage for our present day Clearness Committees which can be crafted to address any type of life decision or leading. Personal problems, important life questions, and significant decisions can seem downright impenetrable when faced alone. The process of meeting with a gathered and faithful Clearness Committee can help us listen and respond with clarity to the presence of God in our lives.

This workshop will cover the nuts and bolts of a basic clearness committee process. We will include descriptions of the many situations in which a Clearness Committee can be helpful, how a Clearness Committee is formed, what steps to take if you feel the need for a Clearness Committee (even if your meeting or church is unfamiliar with the process), and how to be a caring and supportive participant in a Clearness Committee for another.

Sarah Emmer's Bio: Sarah Emmer is a member of Strawberry Creek Monthly Meeting in Pacific Yearly Meeting and a graduate student at the Earlham School of Religion. She has participated in Clearness Committees both as focus person and committee participant and has always felt honored by the presence of Divine Unity gracing such gatherings.

5. What Margaret Fell Has to Teach Us Today

Based on Michael's research on Margaret Fell as a spiritual nurturer and her methods of waiting, "keeping low" and listening for divine guidance, we will explore some of her letters together to discover what she has to teach Friends today.

Michael Birkel's Bio: Michael Birkel teaches in the Religion Department at Earlham College and has traveled widely among Friends as a speaker and retreat leader. Michael has also written about Quaker spirituality in A Near Sympathy: The Timeless Quaker Wisdom of John Woolman, Silence and Witness: The Quaker Tradition, and Engaging Scripture: Reading the Bible with Early Friends.

6. Hearing the Parable Within

Each one of us is writing her or his own story, one that relates to our particular time and place in the world, our gifts and passions. We seek the guiding wisdom of the Light Within, by thoughtfully listening in solitude and in community. How might the Spirit inspire our unique life story? Stephanie Ford will facilitate prayer practices, including lectio divina and walking meditation, to enliven the Spirit and soul on the narrative we are each creating of our particular life journey.

Stephanie Ford's bio: Stephanie Ford grew up in various parts of the country, drinking deeply from a variety of ecumenical streams as well. She teaches Christian Spirituality at ESR, courses on prayer, spiritual direction, Christian discipleship, and spirituality as related to embodiment. Stephanie and her husband, Les, recently adopted a little girl from India, Deepmal.

 
Workshop Choices for Sunday

1. Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment

A compass makes a good metaphor for our spiritual lives and the work of discerning God’s will for them. God doesn’t speak as clearly and as obviously as Mapquest or GoogleMaps or GPS. Maybe that’s because we don’t navigate the life of faith via anything remotely resembling GPS. Instead, the divine compass points us to the mind and love of God. Keeping our soul’s eyes on the sacred compass leads us to the holy discovery that we can move through life with purpose and promise, even in those times when we may not sense with certainty what that purpose and promise are. In a grace-filled way, our compass invites us into a life of continuous experiences of God and of spiritual transformation. As we move toward Divine guidance, we joyfully behold the face of a loving God gazing back at us. This workshop, based on Brent’s book Sacred Compass, is an interactive opportunity to check our compasses and see where God has lead and is leading us. We’ll use experiences such as drawing Life Maps, charting the call of the Divine in our lives, and more.

Brent Bill's Bio: Brent Bill lives on Ploughshares Farm in Mooresville, Indiana, with his wife, Nancy, where they are returning Hoosier pastureland to prairie grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and native hardwoods. He is a Quaker minister and serves as the executive vice president of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, Inc. A graduate of Wilmington College and Earlham School of Religion, Brent is the author of many books including Sacred Compass: The Path of Spiritual Discernment, Mind the Light: Learning to See with Spiritual Eyes, Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality, and Imagination and Spirit: A Contemporary Quaker Reader. He is a frequent speaker and workshop leader and may be reached through his Web site www.brentbill.com. His blog, Holy Ordinary, appears at www.holyordinary.blogspot.com

2. Forms, Models and Metaphors of Leadership

Derric will lead us in an experiential and discussion based workshop, exploring the various forms, models, and metaphors of leadership. We will look at top down and partnership models of leadership and their implications within our Monthly Meetings and churches. This workshop is meant to educate, inspire and help to guide us as we step into/consider stepping into leadership roles within our faith communities.

Derric Watson's Bio: Derric Watson, Earlham College's Director of Service Learning and Career Development Center and ESR alum, grew up on the west coast as a member of the Evangelical Friends Church. He graduated from George Fox College. Before entering into the institution of higher learning, Derric worked as in various pastoral roles, including much work with youth. He is also a proud new father of Miles Douglas, who was born on Jan. 22, 2008.

3. Consulting Our Biblical Kinfolk: Stories of Calling in Scripture

We will read several stories of God's call to people of varying age and position, and spend time in reflection, discussion, and worship sharing. Together we will consider how these ancient stories can help us understand how God may be calling us today. Participants with experience of the Bible ranging from none to lots are welcome; Bibles will be provided, but folks are welcome to bring their own if they have one with them.

Stephanie Crumley-Effinger's Bio: Stephanie Crumley-Effinger is in her eighth year on the faculty of the Earlham School of Religion, directing the supervised ministry (internship) program and teaching related classes, including Discernment of Calling and Gifts for Ministry. She is a member of West Richmond Monthly Meeting, where she serves as presiding clerk, and a recorded minister in Indiana Yearly Meeting. Stephanie came to ESR after 18 years in campus ministry at two Quaker colleges, Wilmington College of Ohio (1982-6) and Earlham College (1986-2000).

The following workshop descriptions are listed in the Saturday section (above)
4. Clearness Committees: Discernment Assistance from the Community
5. What Margaret Fell Has to Teach Us Today
6. Hearing the Parable Within