PRE-EVENTS AND POST-EVENTS

Extend your Annual Event experience with one or more pre-events and post-events, including off-site tours and a retreat. Check out all the opportunities.

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Pre Events
Educator Certification Course – Biblical Interpretation (Monday – Wednesday) This course focuses on hermeneutics; in other words, our central concern will be on how we interpret the Bible. Our exploration will begin with overarching issues and ideas relevant to the discipline of hermeneutics including divine inspiration, biblical authority, the hermeneutical circle, methodologies, and more. Having grasped several issues, we will examine the ways that a handful of interpreters apply very different hermeneutics to Genesis 1–3 in order to arrive at very different understandings of its meaning. Throughout all of this work, our discussions and assignments will remain attuned to how a better familiarity with hermeneutics can assist a Presbyterian Educator’s understanding of varying interpretations of the Bible, as well as presentation of Reformed Tradition. Biblical Interpretation Course Syllabus 2024 This fulfills the Biblical Interpretation requirement for the PCUSA Educator Certification Program. Dates: Monday, January 22, 1:00pm through Wednesday, January 24, at noon CST Fee: $325 For further information contact: Billie Sutter, APCE Certification Course Coordinator:billiepsutter@gmail.com Instructor: Rev. Dr. Justin M. Reed Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Justin joined the faculty at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2018, where he is Assistant Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. He holds degrees from Stanford University (BA), Harvard Divinity School (MTS) and Princeton Theological Seminary (PhD) and is ordained as a Progressive Baptist minister. Justin has preached, taught, lectured, and led Bible studies in various churches and conferences, as well as, written many short online pieces and recorded videos that share the fruits of critical biblical scholarship in interesting and accessible ways. His forthcoming book, The Injustice of Noah’s Curse, will soon be published by Oxford University Press. He loves “walking with students as we discover ways of reading scripture that cultivate compassion and justice in the world.” Justin is married to attorney Catherine Howard, who serves as a public defender for Jefferson County; they are the proud parents of two sons, Jordan and Justice.
Educational Technology Through the Church Year (Tuesday) How can educational technologies help us deepen faith and create space for the in-breaking of the Holy Spirit? Which technologies should we use? How do we integrate them into our ongoing ministries? How do we decide between distance, hybrid and in-person teaching? Let’s explore these questions, a host of educational technologies, and sharpen our skills with a hands-on project. Choose a day or season in the liturgical year and bring an idea for creating an experience to enrich faith. We’ll spend the morning learning and practicing educational technologies as you work on your own project. A two-hour break mid-day will allow time for lunch, continued personal work on your idea, and coaching. We’ll finish out the afternoon by sharing our work and learning from one another. Bring your computer, your ideas, and your sense of possibility and let’s see what we can create together. Available in hybrid format to in-person and AE Online participants. This Pre-event is underwritten by the Center for Excellence in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Dates: Tuesday, January 23, 9:00am – 4:00pm CST Fee: $25 Instructor: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Davis Rebecca Davis is Associate Professor of Christian Education, Director of the MACE program and the Center for Excellence in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is a Teaching Elder and a Certified Educator in the PCUSA. For over thirty years, she has embodied her teaching ministry in congregations and beyond. She now teaches those preparing for leadership and advocacy in the church and world. Her passion for child advocacy led her to serve on staff of the Children’s Defense Fund and work nationally for justice for children and their families. She was named APCE’s 2018 Education of the Year.
Road to Freedom Tour (Tuesday) Date: Tuesday, January 23 Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Cost: $100 per person (includes transportation and admission fees) 9:00 AM Pick Up at Union Station Hotel 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Freedom to Equality Tour Explore Black History in the historic Mississippi River community of Alton, IL on this new guided shuttle tour where stories and songs are used to bring the city’s history to life! Dive in to the past and learn about Alton’s significance on the Underground Railroad, discover the legendary abolitionists who fought against slavery and follow the stories of local Civil Rights leaders who made their mark on the city and the nation. 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch on your own in Alton There are many fabulous options for dining near Broadway in Lower Alton. My Just Desserts is known for their pies and Chicken Salad Sandwich. Old Bakery Beer Company has delightful brews, great food, and a surprising number of vegetarian options. Brown Bag Bistro makes exceptional sandwiches. There are many more to choose from – within walking distance of the downtown shopping district. 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Visit Hamilton Primary School Built in 1835, the Hamilton Primary School was the first free and integrated school in the United States. A monument to Dr. Hamilton, the visionary benefactor of the school, is located at the site. It was dedicated by George Washington, a former slave who was freed by his master, the same Dr. Hamilton. Dr. Silas Hamilton, a Vermont physician, settled his practice in Otterville, Illinois in 1830 with his slave, George. Upon his death in 1834, he left behind $4,000 to establish a primary school in Otterville that would be free to residents along with his freed slave George. George became a successful farmer and active member of the Otterville Baptist Church. In 1864, George died leaving an estate to erect a monument west of the schoolhouse to his former master and began a scholarship fund for the education of African Americans. On the site, Dr. Hamilton, George Washington, and Gilbert Douglas (Hamilton’s brother-in-law) are buried in a crypt. This is one of the only known instances where a slave erected a monument for this master and where the two are buried side-by-side. 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM: Visit Cheney Mansion As one of the first houses built in Jerseyville, the Cheney Mansion is a 12-room mansion featuring vintage clothing, military artifacts, toys, pictures and other items of historical interest. Serving as the Jersey County Historical Museum, the mansion is available for touring. 5:00 PM Drop Off at Union Station Hotel Departs from and returns to the Union Station Hotel Lobby
Gateway Arch Tour Plus Old Cathedral (Tuesday) Date: Tuesday, January 23 Time: 9:00am – noon Cost: $40 per person (includes transportation, admission to the museum, tram ride to the top of the Arch or the Cobblestones and Courage movie, and The Old Cathedral) The Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument, reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse. Clad in stainless steel and built in the form of a weighted catenary arch, it is the world’s tallest arch and Missouri’s tallest accessible building. The Arch, commonly referred to as “The Gateway to the West”, is a National Historic Landmark in Gateway Arch National Park and has become an internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis, as well as a popular tourist destination. The Museum at the Gateway Arch – Trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit. Tram Ride to the Top – The unique tram will lift you 630 feet up to the top of the tallest monument in the United States. Cobblestones and Courage Virtual Reality Theater – Take a seat in our Virtual Reality Theater, put on a 3D headset and be transported to a 360° depiction of the St. Louis riverfront in the 1850s. You’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the bustling levee and will learn the stories of some of the diverse people who crossed paths there. The Old Cathedral – Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, the parish of St. Louis, is fondly known as the Old Cathedral. The Old Cathedral is one of the most historic buildings in St. Louis with roots dating back to 1764 when St. Louis founders Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau dedicated a parcel of land to the people of St. Louis for religious purposes that was called the “church block”. The present building is the fourth church erected on the site. Construction began in 1831 and the church was dedicated in 1834. Tour departs from and returns to the Union Station Hotel Lobby. Transportation is via charter bus.
St. Louis City Tour (Tuesday) Date: Tuesday, January 23 Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm CST Cost: $35 per person (includes transportation and admission fees) Take a tour of the city. Stops include Cathedral Basilica (New Cathedral), Second Presbyterian Church, Forest Park, and Lafayette Square. Tour departs from and returns to the Union Station Hotel Lobby. Transportation via charter bus.
See, Share, and Stretch Through Stories and Storytelling! Storytelling and Story-catching as Spiritual Practice and Leader Development (Tuesday – Wednesday) Dates and Times: Tuesday, January 23, 1:00pm – 5:00pm and Wednesday, January 24, 9:00am – 1:00pm Fee: $100 A pre-event gathering for all faith formation leaders! Youth, children, intergenerational, older adult, young adult … church wide/community wide. With the theological framework of “When Did We See You?” leaders will participate in conversations, stories, exercises, and practices that will enhance personal and professional learning of how stories will save us, shape us, and nudge us to deeper awareness of justice, injustice, discipleship, and meaningfulness in ministry within the kin-dom of God. Participants will learn from well-known author, instructor, storyteller and spiritual director, Mark Yaconelli, build community with recreation & youth ministry leader, Beth Gunn, and engage in music and prayer with church leaders, Beth & Rob Mueller. This event is underwritten by Presbyterian Youth and Triennium for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Please note snacks on Tuesday and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday are included. Instructor: Mark Yaconelli Mark Yaconelli is a part of APCE 2024 leadership. We are thrilled to have him for a focused time in this pre-event experience for faith formation leaders of all ages and stages. A frequent speaker/instructor in spiritual direction, spiritual practice, youth ministry, community wide change and storytelling, Mark Yaconelli is a beloved leader, practitioner and catalyst for leaders in churches, cities, organizations (religious, civic, national and global). Mark has participated in a number of events connected to APCE partners including the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Community Building Facilitator: Beth Bannerman Gunn Beth Gunn is a recreation leader from Western North Carolina. She is the Associate for Youth for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina with a particular emphasis in the field of Recreation Ministry. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband, Bruce, and pandemic pup – Fern. Their 3 daughters are all out of the nest and while she and Bruce miss them a lot, they are enjoying being “GG” and Grumps to their 3 granddaughters! Time with family to play together has been a lifelong priority and made for a richer and stronger bond. Music and Prayer Co-Leaders: Beth and Rob Mueller Rob and Beth Mueller live in Wimberley, Texas near their ever-expanding family. Beth serves Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas as the Director of Worship Arts and resident Enneagram Instructor. Beth is the author of A Common Sense Guide to the Enneagram for Youth Ministry. Rob serves as pastor of Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Antonio,Texas and is the co-author of Neighborhood Church. They are both home improvement enthusiasts, nature lovers and fans of homemade bread, Mexican vanilla, and a spicy margarita. After a decade of working in separate churches, they are excited to lead worship together, especially with fun loving, story seeking Faith Formation leaders. Schedule: Tuesday, January 23 rd 1pm – 5:30pm Check In Welcome & Introductions with the Office of Presbyterian Youth & Triennium Community Building with Beth Gunn Session 1 “Power of Story” with Mark Yaconelli Break (snack provided) Session 2 “Power of Listening” with Mark Yaconelli Evening Prayer & Music with Beth and Rob Mueller Wednesday, January 24th 9am – 12:45pm Coffee PYWA Greetings Community Building with Beth Gunn Morning Prayer with Beth and Rob Mueller Session 3 “Using Story in Ministry” with Mark Yaconelli Brunch Sending with Mark Yaconelli
Creating a Church Culture of Lifelong Faith (Wednesday) Learn how to create a church culture that nurtures a vibrant and vital faith in all ages and generations – for a lifetime. The workshop presents the vision, practices, and tools leaders can use to create initiatives that build a culture of lifelong learning and faith formation in their church. Discover how to create and implement a lifelong blueprint for your church. Date: Wednesday, January 24, 8:30am – 1:00pm CST Fee: $55 Instructor: John Roberto John Roberto has spent a lifetime working in Christian faith formation—teaching, writing, researching, and consulting. He founded Lifelong Faith Associates in 2006 to continue his work. His latest publication is Lifelong Faith: Formation for All Ages and Generations (Church Publishing 2022). His earlier books include Faith Formation with a New Generation, Families at the Center of Faith Formation, Seasons of Adult Faith Formation, Reimagining Faith Formation for the 21st Century, and Generations Together.
Gateway Arch Tour Plus Old Cathedral (Wednesday) Date: Wednesday, January 24 Time: 9:00am – noon Cost: $30 per person (includes transportation, admission to the museum, tram ride to the top of the Arch or the Cobblestones and Courage movie, and The Old Cathedral) The Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument, reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse. Clad in stainless steel and built in the form of a weighted catenary arch, it is the world’s tallest arch and Missouri’s tallest accessible building. The Arch, commonly referred to as “The Gateway to the West”, is a National Historic Landmark in Gateway Arch National Park and has become an internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis, as well as a popular tourist destination. The Museum at the Gateway Arch – Trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit. Tram Ride to the Top – The unique tram will lift you 630 feet up to the top of the tallest monument in the United States. Cobblestones and Courage Virtual Reality Theater – Take a seat in our Virtual Reality Theater, put on a 3D headset and be transported to a 360° depiction of the St. Louis riverfront in the 1850s. You’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the bustling levee and will learn the stories of some of the diverse people who crossed paths there. The Old Cathedral – Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, the parish of St. Louis, is fondly known as the Old Cathedral. The Old Cathedral is one of the most historic buildings in St. Louis with roots dating back to 1764 when St. Louis founders Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau dedicated a parcel of land to the people of St. Louis for religious purposes that was called the “church block”. The present building is the fourth church erected on the site. Construction began in 1831 and the church was dedicated in 1834. Tour departs from and returns to the Union Station Hotel Lobby. Transportation via public transportation or ride service.

Post Events

Soar with the Eagles Tour (Saturday)