Connect. Learn. Celebrate — All Online.
You are invited to a dynamic and inspiring online experience where faith, creativity, and community come together in powerful ways. The Annual Event Online 2026 is more than a conference — it’s a space to be renewed, challenged, and connected with others who share your passion for Christian education.
This fully virtual event is designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re at home, in your office, or gathered with colleagues — and offers a rich blend of spiritual nourishment, professional development, and joyful connection.

Workshop A

Workshops

Description

One in four Americans regularly participates in online worship, but how do churches shepherd these digital disciples? How are they cared for? How is their faith nurtured?
Participants in this workshop will learn how cultivate disciples in this digital age. You’ll receive practical guidance on how your church can bridge the gap between in-person and online experiences. You’ll hear about a young girl who insisted on flying eight hours to be baptized in her church – the one she worships with online. You’ll hear about an Australian woman who asked her American church choir to sing at her memorial. You’ll hear about church leaders, who chose to embrace online ministry as a fruitful expression of how God is at work. Finally, you’ll develop a road map for your ministry area to more fully care for the digital disciples in your community.

 

Workshop Leader: Cassie Waits

Rev. Cassie Waits is the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, GA and treasurer for APCE’s SOAP region. When not at the church, she can be found paddleboarding on the lake, catching up on Doctor Who, or hanging out with her family.

Co-Leader: Joe Evans

Rev. Joe Evans is the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, GA. A graduate of Presbyterian College and Columbia Theological Seminary, he has served congregations in Tennessee and Georgia. Since 2005, he has been an editor and contributor to Lectionary Homiletics journal, and he has contributed to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Journal for Preachers, The Silver Cross, and guest preached on Day1. He and his wife Sara live in Marietta with their daughters Lily and Cecelia.

Description

Have you ever wondered, “How can our congregation intentionally create special events and seasonal activities where neurodivergent children—and their families—feel seen, supported, and celebrated?”

This workshop will help you explore that question with practical answers. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the needs of neurodivergent and neurotypical children may differ—and leave with creative strategies, adaptable tools, and ready-to-use ideas to make your ministries more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.

The focus of this session is hands-on and highly practical. Most of our time will be spent exploring real “how-to’s,” so you’ll walk away with tangible templates and adaptable examples for immediate use. We’ll cover how to offer or adapt sensory-friendly events such as Easter egg hunts, Christmas Eve services, Sunday School, and other meaningful moments in the life of the church.

Whether you’re modifying existing programs, reimagining beloved traditions, or creating something entirely new, this workshop will equip you with the confidence and creativity to build a ministry where neurodivergent children can truly belong and thrive in faith and community.

 

Workshop Leader: Michelle Junkin

Michelle Junkin, MACE, M.Div, D. Min, is Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Michelle holds a Certificate in Non-Profit Management. She is a Director of Big Faith Resources, a Lilly Foundation, Inc. initiative supporting and equipping churches to minister to neurodiverse.

Co-Leader: Heather Selement

Heather Selement is Director of Children’s Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church and additionally, implements the new ministry programing for Special Needs including seasonal Sensory Friendly Worship services. Prior to working at WPC, Heather served at the Director of Family Ministry at the City Rescue Mission homeless shelter.
She is the Assistant Director of Big Faith Resources.

Description

This interactive workshop explores how Christian educators can embody and teach justice by embracing the prophetic call to disrupt systems of exclusion and inequality within and beyond the church. Drawing from Scripture, and from Black and womanist theologies, participants will examine how educational ministries can become spaces of sacred disruption and healing.

 

Workshop Leader: Paul Roberts

Paul is President of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, a position he has held since the spring of 2010. Under Paul’s leadership, JCSTS has redefined itself—and is helping redefine theological education through the lenses of social justice and humanitarianism.

With more than 30 years of ministry experience, Paul now is gaining recognition as a Christian mystic. He is in demand nationally as a speaker and educator. His writings and work have been featured in numerous publications including the Presbyterian Outlook Magazine, Journal for Preachers, Feasting on the Word (Westminster John Knox Press), Pastoral Theology from a Global Perspective (Orbis Books), and his alma mater’s publication, the Princeton University Alumni Weekly.

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Description

Many Millennial and Gen Z parents express concern about bringing their children to church. They are worried that traditional forms of religious education may not align with their family’s progressive Christian values, causing trauma to kids or reawakening painful memories of their own early church experiences. The Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary worked with a Florida minister to create a set of six bible story lessons designed to explore head-on topics such as Feeling Safe in Our Bodies (Queen Vashti), Feeling Loved for Who We Are (Song of Songs), Feeling That We are Good Enough (Zacchaeus), Feeling Like We Can’t Escape the Past (Acts 6 community), Feeling Upset When Things Go Wrong (Psalm 13), and Feeling Empowered to Ask Questions (Habakkuk). The workshop will provide an overview of religious trauma, explain the principles behind the structure of the resources, and invite participants to explore the materials. Each participant will receive a free copy of the resource and learn how to create their own trauma-responsive family bible stories.

 

Workshop Leader: Karen-Marie Yust

Karen-Marie Yust teaches spirituality & Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary and directs their Children’s Spirituality Hub. She is the current president of the Religious Education Association and past president of the International Association for Children’s Spirituality. She’s ordained with standing in the UCC & Disciples of Christ traditions.

Co-Leader: Erin Reibel

Erin Reibel facilitates the innovation projects of the Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is the parent of four young people and has several years of pastoral experience, as well as a strong interest in trauma-responsive teaching.

Description

There is growing concern about mental health struggles in our communities but solutions to such a large and complex problem can sometimes seem out of reach. Historically, the church was a place to seek wisdom, comfort, and community in a time of crisis but in today’s society these tasks have been delegated to secular systems and professionals. However, these systems are insufficient to bring whole and transformative healing. This may be due to cost and accessibility issues, their focus on the individual instead of relational healing or their limitations in answering big picture questions in a way that offers hope. Luckily, church communities can be the bridge over these barriers when they work together with helping professional and community organizations. This workshop will start by exploring the scriptural call for supporting individuals in distress as well as the research on the importance of community for mental health recovery. Next it will explore several possible ways to be a bridge to healing; these include, supporting a professional counseling ministry, supporting or hosting peer education and support groups, and building mental health information into sermons, bible studies, and youth group lessons.

 

Workshop Leader: Ayrika Watson

Ayrika Watson, LCSW is a mental health therapist and the Director of Christian Education at the Presbyterian Church of Garden City, in Garden City, KS. Ayrika is drawn to exploring how churches and helping professionals can come together in trauma-informed community to do the sacred work of sitting with suffering.

Co-Leader:

Workshop B

Workshops

Description

As adolescents move from concrete thinking to more complex, global thought, we often see them struggle with the many faces of Church. Mismatched messages from their parents, peers, and the pulpit create a confusing landscape for youth to navigate. The innocence of childhood VBS songs and paper plate crafts is replaced with questions of real-world relevancy and personal value. Just when they need it most, many youth begin to step away from the place they once saw as the physical embodiment of God’s awesome love.

What can educators do to keep these youth connected? Is there even such a thing as the perfect, ‘unicorn’ church?

In youth ministry, we recognize the importance of asking questions, seeking real-world justice applications, and embracing change. These same needs are often met with pushback from society and the larger Church. How do we foster faith in our youth while also supporting them as they ask the hard questions? “What is the vision of my church? Where do I fit in? Where is God in all this holy mess?”

Join us for a conversation about how youth ministry cannot only help youth find their space in a mismatched church, but also begin to build the unicorn church God is calling us to be. Each participant will be invited to share about their ministry context and dream about their own ‘unicorn’. Using a coaching framework, we’ll work to create action plans to take back home, with clear steps to address the specific needs of your own church, as we collectively strive to live into God’s vision for the elusive ‘unicorn’ church—where faith, love, and truth come together perfectly.

 

Workshop Leader: Kim Ness

Kim Ness is the Interim Director of Faith Formation at two amazing Presbyterian churches – Friendship (Athens, GA) and Madison. Embracing gig life, she is on the board of PYWA, a consultant with Ministry Architects and a trained coach, but her favorite job is walking dogs!

Co-Leader: Courtney Pittman

Courtney Pittman is the Senior Pastor at Madison Presbyterian Church in Madison, Georgia. A former high school teacher and a current chaos coordinator of two off-the-wall boys, she
has a deep affection for podcasts, live music, nonfiction reads, college football, many cups of coffee, and her dogs.

Description

Many churches would proudly post a sign that says “All Are Welcome.” But how do people who have been hurt by the Church before, especially LGBTQIA+ people, know they can believe it? This interactive workshop offers creative ways of thinking about welcome that is authentic and effective, including in a church’s educational programming, worship, publicity/marketing, practices of hospitality, building facilities, community outreach and more, led by experienced church leaders who have worked with a variety of congregations.

 

Workshop Leader: Brian Ellison

Brian Ellison has served since 2012 as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, leading its mission of strengthening the Church through equipping and engagement, advocating and educating for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Church’s life and leadership.

Brian also serves as stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. He has previously served the national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in numerous roles, including as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment and the Stated Clerk Review/Nomination Committee. His writing on matters of faith and theology has appeared in numerous church and independent publications. A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.

Co-Leader: TJ Remaley

Description

Mentoring Matters! Our hope is to introduce the Scriptural and Research basis of the importance of Intergenerational Mentoring and develop a vision of discipleship wherein the lived out stories of the Holy Spirit’s transformational work encourages healthy faith formation. Additionally, we will give practical tools for creating authentic Intergenerational Mentoring Relationships through Content Focused Projects as a way to thwart social distance between generations and pass on Keychain leadership (Growing Young language).

Learning Outcomes:
Recognize the need for intergenerational mentoring relationships for both mentor (pass legacy, higher level of spiritual growth), and mentee (support, finding voice, sponsorship in church community)

Recognize potential for increased belonging and commitment to a faith community through mentorship

Recognize mentors and mentees missional purpose by being ‘on mission together’/problem solving together in content focussed projects

Create basis for understanding & provide experiential learning of the content focused project technique as tool for relationship building

Recognize the need for mentoring when inviting younger people to take on leadership roles

 

Workshop Leader: Ron DeVries

Ron deVries: 30+ Years of youth min, Ordained Pastor for 13 years, 17 years of church consulting, CRCNA partner of the Generation Spark leadership team, Education from Kings University (Theology), Princeton Seminary (Youth and Young Adult ministry) served on the original Intergenerate leadership (vice chair) team with Holly Allen.

Co-Leader: Anna Radcliffe

Description

Are you overwhelmed with adding “self care” to your to do list?
Jen Phelps is Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has had many conversations with clients about what it means to ACTUALLY take care of yourself. Be selfish, spend time learning more and developing practical strategies to get it done.

 

Workshop Leader: Jen Phelps

Jen Phelps is a Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Youth Director in Wilmington, NC. She already loves you.

Co-Leader:

Description

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world in ways both promising and perilous. From medical breakthroughs to lesson planning tools, AI has the power to enhance human life and ministry. At the same time, it raises urgent ethical concerns around privacy, bias, intellectual property, economic disparity, and ecological impact. As people of faith, how do we navigate this evolving landscape while remaining committed to loving God, self, and neighbor?
In this workshop, Rev. Dr. Andy Morgan (Presbyterian Church U.S.A.) and Dr. James Currier (Assistant Professor of Ethics, University of Pittsburgh) will introduce participants to how AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) and image diffusion tools work—and how they’re already being used in ministry. Real-world use cases will include using ChatGPT to transcreate lesson accommodations, generating logos for upcoming programs, and brainstorming themes for the program year. These will serve as hands-on praxis exercises where participants will engage AI tools and begin shaping their own ethical boundaries for ministry use.
Together, we’ll explore the intersections of AI with ecology, privacy, bias, and justice, asking: If AI becomes part of my workflow, what are my ethical boundaries—and why?
Participants will leave with a working understanding of how AI functions, a practical ethical framework rooted in faith, and thoughtful guidance for discerning how to use AI in ministry faithfully and responsibly.

 

Workshop Leader: Andy Morgan

Rev. Dr. Andy P. Morgan is the Director of Faith Formation at First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. A pastor and educator, he has a passion for exploring the intersection of faith and technology and is an active partner and participant in the AI and Church Summit. Dr. Morgan has led multiple webinars and seminars on AI and faith, equipping church leaders and congregations to engage AI with theological and ethical depth. His work focuses on helping communities of faith navigate the challenges and opportunities of an AI-augmented world while remaining rooted in the call to love God, self, and neighbor.

Co-Leader: James Currier

Dr. James D. “Kip” Currier is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information, specializing in information ethics, intellectual property, and emerging technologies. Holding both a JD and PhD, his research explores the societal impacts of AI, privacy, and digital governance.

An active Episcopalian, Dr. Currier is a participant and ongoing partner in the AI and Church Summit, an ecumenical gathering of Protestant leaders engaging the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics.

Workshop C

Workshops

Description

Discernment is a tool we can use in pivotable moments in our life. How often have you just wanted to know what the best option or decision was? Perhaps you have prayed for that burning bush: a clear sign of God, God’s will, or the right decision and never saw it. Could it be that instead of a burning bush you were given a whisper, and just didn’t realize it at the time? Learn how to foster conversations of discernment individually or as a community, to help us understand what questions to ask and what to do with the answers. In this workshop we will explore moments of discernment, and how to accompany our loved ones and parishioners in fostering these important conversations. As an organization that accompanies young adults in such a formative chapter in a young person’s life, UKirk (PCUSA collegiate campus ministry network) has spent years partnering with invaluable communities in our denomination and beyond, collecting incredible tools for discernment to use in campus ministries and churches! This workshop will explore these tools and provide resources for deeper exploration of discernment.

 

Workshop Leader: Rev Zoe Garry

Zoë Garry is the new Associate Director for Theological Funds Development at the Presbyterian Foundation. Zoë is an ordained minister in the PC(USA) and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary with a concentration in Women, Gender, and Theology. With over 12 years of experience in education, Zoë has worked in academia both in the United States and abroad. Her most notable experiences in higher education were with Princeton University’s Office of Religious Life, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Women’s Center, and Bangla Language Institute in Dhaka, Bangladesh where she was 1 of 12 Americans awarded a Critical Language Scholarship, as well as working in ministries in the West Bank, Jordan, and Nepal. Zoë received her Religious Fundraising Certificate from the Lake Institute in September 2023. She lives in Cleveland with her spouse and two Russian Blues.

Co-Leader: Gini Norris-Lane

Rev. Virginia “Gini” Norris-Lane became the executive director of UKirk in July, 2019, after having previously served as campus minister at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX from 2005-2019. She holds degrees from Temple Junior College (AA), Baylor University (BS in Education), and Austin Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is currently working on her DMin at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She has been ordained in the PC(USA) since 1999. In addition to coordinating a grant for the PC(USA) from the Lilly Endowment prior to her career in campus ministry, she served congregations in San Antonio, TX, and Conyers, GA. From January, 2021 to August, 2023, she also served as the part-time stated supply pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Uvalde, Texas.

Description

Are you looking for ways to reach out to your community to love your neighbors and bring good news to the poor, especially our most vulnerable children? Are you already in partnership with a local school and are looking to expand that ministry? Do you care about helping our children thrive regardless of their zip code or family background? Does your congregation want to explore new ways to engage in advocacy and justice work to support the needs of their neighbors?
Connecting our congregations with local public schools is a great way to help our communities thrive and ensure all children have what they need to flourish. Through a combination of presentation and group conversation, this workshop will bring together leaders and congregations who already have a partnership with a local school and congregations who want to develop a partnership. We will discuss best practices for churches to support their local schools including what’s working in our locations, pitfalls to avoid, and ideas we have for further ministry. We will focus on both immediate direct service to schools and longer-term systemic change for public education. Participants will leave with ideas, resources, and encouragement for the work ahead!

 

Workshop Leader: Rev. Suzanne Parker Miller

The Rev. Suzanne Parker Miller is Executive Director of Pastors for NC Children based in Raleigh, NC. PNCC is a nonprofit ministry serving NC to mobilize faith communities to advocate for public education. Suzanne is ordained in the Moravian Church.

Co-Leader:

Description

How do we talk about death in faith communities that often avoid the topic altogether?
How do we prepare ourselves and our entire congregation for the spiritual, emotional, and practical decisions that come at the end of life?
This workshop equips Christian educators and ministry leaders to create intergenerational programming around advance care planning. Rooted in Gospel stories where Jesus names his own death—even when his followers resist—we’ll explore how to follow his lead with courage, compassion, and truth.
Advance care planning isn’t just for the elderly or ill. It’s a faithful act of love that belongs to the whole community. When we engage people of all ages in these conversations, we strengthen relationships, deepen discipleship, and pass on a legacy of care.
Participants will:
1. Gain a working understanding of advance care planning.
2. Explore how end-of-life conversations can include children, youth, and young adults—not just older adults.
3. Learn how to design and lead age-appropriate workshops, small groups, and discussion series.
4. Practice using engaging, accessible tools like The Death Deck, The Hello Game, and other conversation starters.
5. Leave with ready-to-use templates, planning guides, and strategies for launching intergenerational programs.
This session blends presentation, group discussion, and hands-on practice. It’s designed for leaders who want to cultivate brave, compassionate conversations that prepare the whole body of Christ to face death with faith and love.

 

Workshop Leader: Zeena Regis

Zeena Regis is Managing Director of Community Engagement at Compassion & Choices and an instructor for the Columbia Theological Seminary older adult ministry certificate program. A former hospice chaplain and grief care coordinator, she is passionate about end-of-life equity, spiritual care, and equipping communities to navigate illness, aging, and loss with compassion and dignity.

Co-Leader: Denise Shannon

Denise is an ordained PCUSA pastor living in Thornton, Colorado. Denise’s passion for older adults began over 25 years ago when she worked as an RN, mostly in Hospice Care. Now, as a pastor, spiritual director, and hospice chaplain, she feels blessed to hear the incredibly rich stories and life experiences of the older adult population and loves using people’s creativity to facilitate their spiritual growth.

Description

If you are looking for a way to creatively move worship from a multi-generational space towards a more intentionally inter-generational experience, piloting a new prayground space might be for you! This workshop will look at steps needed to pilot a prayground as a means of cultivating worship through art-based reflection for children ages 3 and up. Attendees will see how a sequence of prayerful art connections can be programmed with intention, moving us away from “keep quiet” bags, towards meaningful art offerings.

 

Workshop Leader: Jami Vandock

Jami Vandock is the Director of Faith Formation at Raleigh Moravian Church, Raleigh, NC. Jami is a lifelong lover of the arts and enjoys finding ways to cultivate faith formation through art, music, and movement. When not at church, Jami is most often found at the ice rink or soccer field cheering on her two busy children.

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Description

Participants will learn about the use of biblical storytelling with children ages 2-6 yr old to foster foundational biblical literacy for formation.
Participants will team up to tell bible stories that are irresistable to children who will want to tell the stories over and over.
Participants will gather ideas and tools to tell stories with young children that honors their voice.

Early childhood years are foundational for language, socialization, and faith formation. Biblical Literacy is foundational faith formation and starts before one can read or write. What is biblical literacy and how do we help our children begin a lifelong joy of scripture and God’s messages of faith, hope, love, and courage.

What is Biblical Literacy? Part of the challenge of telling Bible stories with children is laying a foundation that honors the diverse storytelling voices in the Bible. Biblical Literacy is a partnership between the storyteller, the listener, and the Holy Spirit.

Based on her research for DMin studies on children, storytelling, and biblical literacy, Kat brings her 35+ years of ministry with the children of God of ALL ages to foster a conversation about faith formation with the youngest disciples. Bring your favorite early childhood moments and to dream of new ways of opening scripture for children in ways that create building blocks for faith formation and a lifetime joyful storytelling.

TOGETHER WE WILL: ASK, “How do we lay cornerstones that do not have to be nudged, nuanced, or just plain removed in later years?”

PRACTICE, Storytelling techniques will be explored with an emphasis on Dynamic Storytelling which honors the child’s voice and point of view.

REFLECT, On the purpose of telling stories from an oral tradition to an audience that is pre-academic.

USE, Building blocks to create stories that create storytellers honoring the voice of the text and the voice of the teller.

 

Workshop Leader: Kathryn “Kat” Green

Kat Green is a Certified CE is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Maryland. She holds a M.Ed. in trauma informed teaching, MLiS in information science and learning technologies, and is Certified in Transformative Leadership and Teaching. Kat is passionate about holistic formation that is collaborative and cumulative for lifelong learners.

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Workshop D

Workshops

Description

For many, Scripture can feel distant—separated from our modern world by linguistic, theological, and cultural chasms. Even familiar stories and characters may seem foreign, shaped by worldviews and experiences vastly different from our own. How do we bridge this gap to find the Bible’s life, relevance, and joy?

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how humor becomes a bridge between the ancient text and our contemporary faith. The Bible is replete with comedic devices like irony, satire, hyperbole, and reversal that help reveal deeper truths. However, we can also use our own comedic point of view to engage Scripture’s stories and characters with an integrity that bridges the distance between “then” and “now.”

Through thought-provoking questions, comedic structures, and humor theory, we’ll playfully discover fresh insights, unexpected laughter, and renewed faith along the way. 

 

Workshop Leader: Bill Stanley

Bill Stanley is the Pastor of Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church, in Lake Arrowhead, CA. Bill’s hobby is standup comedy, but he’s a bit shy about it. So, please don’t laugh at him.

Co-Leader:

Description

Discover how to design an engaging, faith-filled adventure game that bridges biblical truths with creative storytelling! In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to build immersive storylines that serve as pathways across the challenges of life, develop meaningful obstacles that mirror spiritual growth, and incorporate scripture-based decision-making as guiding planks. Whether you’re creating a game for youth ministry, Bible study, or family fun, you’ll leave equipped with practical tools and a step-by-step framework to construct a bridge between faith and fun. Unleash your creativity, learn to use AI, canva, and make learning the gospel an exciting journey across the bridge of imagination and truth!

 

Workshop Leader: Laura Sparks

Laura Sparks, is the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Newton, NC. Laura is passionate about using creativity and imagination to teach the gospel to all ages.

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Description

*Effective Ministry Policies to Prevent Abuse and Maintain Proper Boundaries

The church should be a safe place for people to worship, work, connect and receive care and support in a manner that is free from abuse. Protect your ministry by learning policy best practices and boundary training to prevent abuse and provide a safe environment for everyone.

Learning outcomes include:
-churches can protect their ministry against the potential of abuse through proper policies,
-the importance of background checks and screening, and state of the art training.

 

Workshop Leader: Jennifer Perri

Jennifer Perri is the Assistant Vice President, United Church Insurance Services at Insurance Board. Jennifer works to serve her ministries and their insurance needs including ensuring they are aware of the resources available to prevent abuse at their church. Insurance Board’s nationwide network of exclusively appointed agents is ready to help you find insurance solutions that align with the needs of your church.

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Description

What does it mean to love your Jewish neighbor? How can we have conversations about Israel and antisemitism while acknowledging the extraordinary range of views and the deep convictions many of us have?

For people of all points of view, understanding the historical and contemporary realities of Israel and antisemitism is more crucial than ever for fostering meaningful interfaith dialogue and understanding. This workshop is crafted to equip you with the knowledge and tools to engage in these discussions with confidence and respect.

We’ll begin by exploring the historical and theological roots of antisemitism, providing a framework for understanding how Christian theology has, at times, contributed to harmful stereotypes. We’ll delve into the nuances of what constitutes antisemitism today, distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and language that crosses the line into prejudice.

Next, we’ll examine the deep and varied meanings that Israel holds for Jewish people. We’ll explore the biblical and historical connections, the role of Israel in modern Jewish identity, and the diversity of views within the Jewish community itself. By understanding these different perspectives, you can approach conversations with greater empathy and sensitivity.

The workshop will also provide practical strategies for responding to antisemitic tropes and for engaging in constructive dialogue. You’ll learn how to listen actively, ask questions respectfully, and build bridges based on shared values.

 

Workshop Leader: Evan Moffic

Evan is the Rabbi of Makom Solel Lakeside Congregation in suburban Chicago. He is the author of seven books, including the national best-seller What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Jewishness of Jesus. He speaks regularly at churches and interfaith gathering across the country, and is the author most recently of Reading the Old Testament Through Jewish Eyes.

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Description

The word evangelism often brings up images of people knocking on doors, handing out pamphlets, or being cornered by others asking, “Have you been saved? When?” Even if you have positive experiences of evangelism, you may question just how to faithfully share the “good news” in a way that isn’t overbearing or come off as manipulative. And what about those who don’t trust the church or Christians because they have experienced spiritual or religious abuse or harm? Or that assume that all Christians are Christian Nationalists? This workshop will help participants explore their thoughts and feelings about evangelism, engage their theological imagination, and create personal strategies they can take back to their faith communities to invite others to participate in their faith communities and embody a witness of empathy and justice.

 

Workshop Leader: Gini Norris-Lane

Gini Norris-Lane is the executive director of the UKirk Collegiate Ministries Association. Having served in collegiate ministry for most of her career, she is passionate about how to embody Christ’s presence and invitation at the intersection of faith and culture.

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Workshop E

Workshops

Description

The Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly, CeCe Armstrong and Tony Larson, took a Journey to Stand. After prevailing during the election, the work they do became a Journey to Serve. This workshop will look at how the Scriptures inform their work in crossing bridges through faith, leadership, and service. Participants will get to explore opportunities to bridge the gap that usually separates leadership from those who receive acts of service.

 

Workshop Leader: Cecelia Armstrong

Rev. Cecelia “CeCe” Armstrong currently serves as the Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She was elected in July 2024. She is currently serving St. James Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Charleston, South Carolina as Associate Pastor.

Cecelia has served in several church leadership positions across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. In addition, she has participated in various committees and commissions on ministry and served as co-moderator of the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen.

She has been a contributing writer for Presbyterians Today magazine, as well as the Presbyterian Outlook and more.

Co-Leader: Tony Larson

Rev. Tony Larson currently serves as the Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He was elected in July 2024. He is currently serving as pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Surfside, South Carolina, and is enrolled in Doctor of Ministry studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tony has served in a number of capacities, including co-leader of the Synod Youth Council for the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, which planned the Synod Youth Leadership Development Event, an annual gathering to equip youth to be leaders in the church, as well as skill development for youth ministry professionals. He has also served as a planning team member for Montreat Youth Conference.

Description

How does the church go beyond survival mode to a thriving posture even in turbulent times? How do we move into a faithful and creative future when the old ways of doing things no longer work? This workshop will introduce the tools of design thinking, a helpful and humane process to help groups imagine, create and implement ministries that matter.

 

Workshop Leader: MaryAnn McKibben Dana

MaryAnn is a writer, pastor, speaker, and ministry coach living in the Virginia suburbs of DC. She is the author of three books, including Hope: A User’s Manual, and writes a weekly newsletter for thousands of subscribers called The Blue Room. MaryAnn is a graduate of Rice University and Columbia Theological Seminary, a mother of three, an imperfect knitter, and an occasional ultramarathoner.

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Description

The journey between youth ministry and adult discipleship in the church has been a difficult one for young adults to navigate. When youth ministry programs are siloed from the rest of the congregation, they can look deceivingly strong and amazing. But youth ministry programs often unintentionally graduate young adults who struggle to find ways to meaningfully engage in a church community that looks nothing like the youth ministry they grew up in. How can the church help prepare our young people to gracefully move from our youth programs into the adult life and ministries of a congregation and a life of faith in the world? This workshop will explore how the foundations of healthy, intentional youth ministries and creative, fun adult programs can bridge the gap to provide a smooth transition to adult discipleship in the church for young adults. We’ll consider effective strategies for youth ministry programs that engage youth in the life of the church, discuss how building adult ministries more creatively can create a sense of familiarity, warn of bad habits to avoid in youth and adult ministries, explore how congregations of all sizes can be better at equipping emerging adults to find faith communities in young adulthood, and be inspired by how we can effectively welcome young adults into God’s mission and congregational ministries.

 

Workshop Leader: Jenna Campbell

Jenna is the Director of Children & Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, OK. She’s a Certified Christian Educator with a Master’s in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary. Jenna is the 2023 APCE Educator of the Year.

Co-Leader: Eric Varnon

Eric is the Director of Young Adult Ministry at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth, Texas. He is a Certified Christian Educator with a MDiv from Brite Divinity School at TCU and loves the unique challenges that come with adult educational ministry.

Description

Moving through the world as a neuro-spicy child or family can be challenging. Social norms and expectations create hurdles that can leave kids and parents/caregivers feeling disconnected and spiritually drained. The Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation at Union Presbyterian Seminary worked with a children’s minister (who is also a neurodiverse parent of neurodiverse children) to develop a set of spiritual practices specifically designed to support neuro-spicy well-being. They address issues such as separating from loved ones, preparing for medical or therapy visits, running errands, participating in mealtimes, getting ready for (pre)school, and preparing for visits with friends and extended family. Each builds on a strength of neurodiversity and is based on faith principles and data derived from scientific studies. The workshop will give an overview of the spiritual needs of neurodiverse children and invite participants to explore the six spiritual practices. Each participant will also receive a set of the spiritual practices cards for use in their own setting.

 

Workshop Leader: Karen-Marie Yust

Karen-Marie Yust teaches spirituality & Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary and directs their Children’s Spirituality Hub. She is the current president of the Religious Education Association and past president of the International Association for Children’s Spirituality. She’s ordained with standing in the UCC & Disciples of Christ traditions.

Co-Leader: Erin Reibel

Erin Reibel facilitates the innovation projects of the Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is the parent of four young people, one of whom is neuro-spicy.

🌟 What Makes AE Online Special?
🎤 Engaging Hosts
Our hosts bring warmth, energy, and a sense of welcome to every session. They’ll guide you through the event with humour, insight, and a deep understanding of what it means to gather in faith.
🎬 Backstage Conversations
Go behind the scenes with our keynote speakers and preachers in exclusive interviews where they’ll talk more about how they found inspiration in crafting their reflections on the daily theme. These intimate conversations offer fresh perspectives and personal stories that deepen the impact of their talks.
Worship
Worship is central to AE Online — a sacred space where we gather across screens and time zones to lift our voices, open our hearts, and encounter God together.
Throughout the event, you’ll experience thoughtfully crafted worship services that connect, enrich, empower, and sustain us. From powerful preaching and inspiring music to moments of quiet reflection and communal prayer, each service is designed to nourish your spirit and connect you more deeply to God and one another.
  • Dynamic Preachers who speak with authenticity, wisdom, and prophetic imagination
  • Creative Liturgies that honour tradition while embracing innovation
  • Inclusive Music and Arts that celebrate the richness of our faith communities
  • Interactive Elements that invite participation and reflection, even from afar
Whether you come seeking renewal, inspiration, or simply a moment to breathe, worship at APCE 2026 will meet you where you are — and remind you that you are not alone. Our faith is the bridge that connects us all and inspires our care for self and others.
🤝 Community Building
Connect with fellow educators, leaders, clergy, and many faithful folks, through discussions, play, and shared spiritual practices. Build relationships that last beyond the event and strengthen your ministry network.
🧠 Innovative & Thoughtful Workshops
Choose from a wide variety of workshops that are both practical and visionary. Led by experienced educators and ministry leaders, these sessions explore topics like curriculum design, justice-centered ministry, creative worship, human connection and more to bridge the gap — the hybrid offerings are tailored for an online format that encourages participation and reflection.
🎮 Fun & Recreation
Take time to play, laugh, and recharge! Enjoy virtual games and wellness breaks that bring joy and balance to your experience. Because renewal happens in both work and play, but you already knew that.

🎉 Friday Celebration Event
Don’t miss our Friday Celebration Event — a joyful gathering that brings the whole community together to celebrate the week’s journey. Expect music, storytelling, laughter, and community, as we honour each partner’s work, and rejoice in the Spirit that connects us all. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the week with gratitude and joy!

🙌 Why Attend?
This online event is designed to equip and inspire you for the work you do in your community — whether you’re a church educator, pastor, or volunteer.. It’s a chance to step back, reconnect with your calling, and discover new tools and ideas to carry forward.
AE Online registration enables you to review event recordings and access resources before it is shared publicly the next year, so why wait? You can participate live or watch content when it’s convenient for you!
Responses from Past AE Online Attendees
So wonderful to have the online community! I feel connected already! Your messages are also keeping us well connected too. Thank you! – email from AE online member
“The liturgical art created for the worship space is absolutely beautiful”- worship zoom Thursday
Thanks to GNTV for working out the kinks for the worship audio so that those of us online may be able to experience the wonderfully gifted worship leaders share their gifts with the APCE community.- worship zoom Thursday
I love the naming of different places that we all come from

📌 Registration is Open Now!
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  • Copy over the language about needing one’s membership number to register
  • Contact aeregistration@apcenet.org for registration issues
  • Contact aeonline@apcenet.org for additional questions about AE Online

Your Hosts for the Annual Event Online!!

Megan Berry is the Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, WI. Megan’s family includes her two cats, Ollivander and Nox, and her family of origin who still lives in the KC, MO area. She loves to crochet, play videogames, and spoil her cats whenever she can. She’s excited to serve on the Annual Events Team and help to continue to connect the online community together and build stronger relationships within APCE for everyone.

Jess Foy has found herself in the position of Faith Formation with Children, Youth, and Young Adult, Coordinator for The Presbyterian Church in Canada, where she brings deep passion and experience to nurturing spiritual growth across all ages
Jess has a strong love for all aspects of Christian Education, especially the creativity it inspires, the meaningful relationships it fosters, the community it builds, and the lasting impact it has on people’s lives. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that faith formation should be engaging, inclusive, and life-giving.
Outside of her ministry, Jessica finds joy in gardening, photography, needle felting, and pottery, and cherishes time spent with her spouse and child. Whether cultivating young faith or a vegetable garden, she brings intentionality, creativity, and care to everything she does.