Mark Your 2010 Calendar: Lunch & Learn Series

The Des Moines Presbytery’s Lunch and Learn Series begins again January 21, 2010 and you’re invited to attend! From Noon – 1 p.m. we’ll offer our communications and educational series to congregations in our Presbytery. If you currently work at a church, either as a pastor, staff member, volunteer or lay leader join us for an informal discussion and information sharing time each month.

Normally, these are held in our office on the third Thursday of the month. And each month a topic has been identified around which the majority of the discussion will revolve. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, samples, and insights related to the topic. In addition, you’ll be able to network with others and share recent projects or accomplishments, or ask those “burning questions”.

For those who live far away, you can participate by Webconference and conference call with the proper computer and a separate phone line. Contact the office to receive the instruction document to see if this is an option for your church.

All lunch sessions are free. Just bring your brown bag lunch and we’ll provide the beverages. RSVPs are recommended, especially if you want to participate by Webconference, (A microwave and frig are available too.) Here are the 2010 Dates and Topics (the 3rd Thursday of the month, except April):

• January 21 – New Regulations for USPS Bulk Mailing, with Des Moines U.S. Postal Service staff member Reggie Bell, elder at Clifton Heights Presbyterian Church, Des Moines.
• February 18 – Christian Education Curriculum – What’s the P.O.I.N.T.? and Is Presbyterian Youth Triennium For You? with Des Moines Presbytery’s POINT Person Sara Lamb, Christian Education Director for First Presbyterian Church, Winterset.
• March 18 – Creative Worship Ideas, with Rev. Suzanne Gorhau, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Centerville.
• April 22 – Recap of Transformation Conference (April 16-17): Plugging in Without Shorting Out or interactive Web site ideas.
• May 20 – Guidelines for Emergency Planning: Everything from snow days to health emergencies.
• June 17 – Language Art Skills: Writing and composition of the important day-to-day messages at church and in the community.
• July 5-9 – Live videocast viewing of the 219th General Assembly in the comfort of our Presbytery’s office conference room.
• July 15 – Survivor Challenge: How to get inactive members to participate once again.
• August 19 – Involve Children and Adults in Mission Projects, with Des Moines Presbytery’s Hunger Action Enabler Nancy Lister-Settle of First Presbyterian Church, Dallas Center and Restoring Creation Enabler Susan Stroope of Central Presbyterian Church, Des Moines.
• September 16 – Stewardship Ideas – We don’t want to scare the people.
• October 21 – Help Wanted: Training of new session members and current elders, with Stated Clerk and General Presbyter Phil Barrett
• November 18 – New Year’s Resolutions: Meditation and Devotions to God. Ideas for designated prayer time for church staff and members.