Dates and Times: Course name: Religious Education Theory and Practice Course Description: This course looks at the foundations of educational ministry in Scripture and church history. It emphasizes the relationship between theory and practice in the way we teach in faith communities today and asks participants to craft their own theology of educational ministry for their contexts. This course also develops skills such as curriculum evaluation and lesson planning that will aid educators in their pursuit of educator certification and in their ministries. Learning Outcomes of the Course: Course Schedule: There will be a recorded Zoom Meeting in early January to discuss the paper and the coming in-person class. Class will meet in-person There will be a final educational design paper due one month after the course ends on February 21, 2026. Complete Syllabus, click here. Required Text: Required Online Reader: Each required item has been scanned or linked to the pre-course reading repository. No more than one chapter or article has been used from any given source to stay within copyright fair use practices. Instructor: Kathy Dawson serves on the faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary as Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education. She also directs the Lilly Endowment funded grant, Wonder of Worship that focuses on nurturing children in their worship lives through intergenerational engagement. She is both ordained and a certified educator in the PC(USA). For questions or further information: Contact APCE Certification Course Coordinator JoAnne Sharp at jsjasharp@gmail.com
Pre Events
Class will meet in-person at the Wyndham Grand in downtown Pittsburgh, PA
Monday, January 19: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, January 20: 900 am – noon and 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, January 21: 9:00 am – noon
Cost: $300 (Registration for this course closes on Nov 30. This is an extension of the previous Nov. 19 deadline.)
Given the class sessions, readings, and assignments, by the end of the course, the learner will:
This course begins in early December with online readings done individually by participants. This is self-paced reading with instructor prompts for each reading to aid in notetaking. A pre-course paper (3-5 pages) on the participant’s experience in educational ministry as both a learner and leader will be due a week before the in-person class begins.
Monday, January 19: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, January 20: 900 am – noon and 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, January 21: 9:00 am – noon
Seymour, Jack L. Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015.
Email: dawsonk@ctsnet.edu
Description Mission and justice are central to the work of the Church. Often times our hearts are in the right place, but are we really making a difference? Is your wide array of mission budget line items making you feel unsettled and dissatisfied? Come join a workshop that will help bridge good intentions with transformational impact. The workshop is designed for any church member or leader who is engaged in mission work at their church. Participants will gain practical tools to unpack the needs of their community, honestly assess their resources, and imagine ways mission ministries can be more effective for those we serve. This pre-event workshop will be a great framework in which to receive the learnings of the Annual Event as the week unfolds. Fee: $50 Leader: Jen James Leader Bio: Jen James (she/her) is on staff for NEXT Church as the Director of Programs and Operations where she supports initiatives including national gatherings, antiracism work, and coaching. She is a facilitator and trained coach who works with congregations to help leaders vision, assess, and strategically transform ministries. Description The Rev. Fred Rogers was a legend and is especailly celebrated in the Pittsburgh area. This exclusive tour includes a two-hour workshop, “The Six Fundamentals of Learning,” a tour at the Fred Rogers Institute, and a picnic buffet lunch (included). If time allows, there may be some extra special stops around the neighborhood. https://www.fredrogersinstitute.org/6fundamentals Fee: $80 Description Experience two of Pittsburgh’s most stunning sacred spaces in one inspiring outing. Begin with a guided tour of the powerful Maxo Vanka Murals at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, where bold imagery and social commentary meet sacred art. Then journey to East Liberty Presbyterian Church, known as the “Cathedral of Hope,” for a guided exploration of its soaring Gothic architecture, vibrant stained glass, and deep commitment to justice and community. This tour offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of the city. Fee: $35 Description Pittsburgh is a city that lives and breathes sports, with a rich legacy of passionate fans and iconic teams. One of the crown jewels of the city’s sports landscape is PNC Park, home to Major League Baseball in Pittsburgh. Widely regarded as one of the best stadiums in all of MLB, PNC Park offers breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and the Allegheny River, combined with an intimate ballpark experience and classic architecture that reflects the charm of the city. Join us for a 90-minute guided tour of this celebrated stadium, where you’ll gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to areas typically off-limits to the public. From the dugout to the press box and more, your expert guide will share fascinating insider stories, historical facts, and unique perspectives that bring the park—and Pittsburgh’s baseball tradition—to life. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love exploring iconic landmarks, this tour is a must for your visit to the Steel City. We’ll take the T from the hotel to the North Shore, enjoy lunch together (meal not included in registration price) and then tour the stadium. Fee: $20 + lunch
Pre Events
Tuesday, January 20
1:00- 5:00PM
Tuesday, January 20
8:30am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, January 20
9:00am – 12:30pm
Tuesday, January 20
11:30am – 4:00pm
Wednesday, January 21 If this is your first time attending Annual Event in-person, please join APCE leadership and other event attendees for this free lunch and a time of welcome and introduction to this year’s Annual Event. FREE Description Jump into the world of legendary artist Andy Warhol. We’ll have time to explore the museum’s permanent collection and engage in discussion and art-making of our own in a workshop led by the Warhol staff. During the Cultural Connections workshop, participants will explore consumerism, media exploitation, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identity, class consciousness, religion, and other sociopolitical themes in relation to Andy Warhol’s art and life. Students will use these discussions as catalysts to explore their own identities through mixed media screen printing in the studio, representing themselves and the world around them. There will be a short break for lunch at the museum’s cafe. Participants will pay for their own lunch. Fee: $66 + lunch Description The Cathedral of Learning is a landmark building on The University of Pittsburgh’s campus. The tower has beautiful architecture and inside Nationality Rooms that are designed and decorated around different countries. The gudied tour will run 60+ minutes and afterward, a short walk for a self- guided tour Heinz Chapel. Fee: $30.00 Description The people of Pittsburgh are so proud of their city’s rich history, culture, and hertiage.As Pittsburgh’s “people museum,” the History Center preserves and interprets the history of Western Pennsylvanians through six floors of interactive exhibitions that feature iconic artifacts like the TV set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest jeep. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is located on the second and third floors of the History Center. This is a self-guided tour,. Fee: $40.00 Description Take a deep breath. Unclench your jaw. Put something in your hands. In this sacred-making space, you’re invited to slow down and reconnect—with yourself, with God, and with the world around you. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or someone who’s never threaded a needle, this hands-on workshop is for anyone longing to engage their faith through creativity. Rooted in the APCE 2026 theme Bridging the Gap: Love Self – Love God – Love Neighbor, this experience brings together body and spirit, contemplation and creativity, prayer and practice. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with quilting, embroidery, hand-sewing, stole and parament crafting, Cricut design, heat pressing, and more—exploring how fiber arts can become forms of prayer, reflection, and even proclamation. Come stitch your prayers. Layer stories into fabric. Let the rhythm of making quiet your mind and open your heart. All materials and machines will be provided, and you’ll leave with something you’ve made—whether a work of art, a tool for ministry, or simply a tangible reminder that God meets us in the work of our hands. Fee: $75 Leader: James Potts Leader Bio: James Potts is an Associate pastor, DEdMin student, and sacred thread-puller. Queer, crafty, and passionate about bridging faith and creativity through liturgy, stitching, and Spirit-led making. Believes beauty is sacred, making is theological, and God shows up when we create with intention, boldness, and just the right amount of fabric scraps. Co-Leader: Mich Phillips Co-Leader: Mich Phillips is a Director of Christian Ed & Formation, sewist, and creative powerhouse. She sews, crafts, laughs loudly, and brings the glitter, the grace, and the glue—stitching faith and fun into every sacred moment with plenty of sass and sacred thread.
Pre Events
12:30 pm
Wednesday, January 21
9:30am – 1:30pm
Wednesday, January 21
9:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday, January 21
9:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday, January 21
9:00am – 12:00pm
Here, you’re invited to create, connect, and breathe deeply—because sometimes the holiest thing you can do is make something.
Description Take Control of Your Educational Debt: Join Our Supportive Workshop Fee: FREE Description Join us for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun! This special session will introduce you to the basics of American Mahjong — from understanding the tiles to practicing gameplay — and explore how this engaging game can be used to spark intergenerational connection and meaningful conversations. Fee: $65 Leader: Elizabeth-Kelly Pope Leader Bio: Elizabeth-Kelly Pope is the Faith Formation Leader at Tyger River Presbyterian Church in Upstate South Carolina. She has the privilege of working with all ages and with various teams. Elizabeth-Kelly is a certified Mahjong instructor currently pursuing her Christian Educator Certification.
Thursday Optional Add-ons
Thursday, January 22
7:30 – 8:45AM
The Financial Aid for Service office of the Interim Unified Agency invites you to a
practical and encouraging workshop focused on reducing educational debt and
achieving final forgiveness. Whether you’re just starting your repayment journey or
approaching the finish line, this session will help you:
• Access personalized coaching
• Understand your repayment and forgiveness options
• Take meaningful steps toward financial freedom
This workshop is designed for:
• Teaching Elders
• Employees of Presbyterian Church (USA) worshiping communities
• Staff at Presbyterian-related schools, colleges, universities, or seminaries
• Employees of Presbyterian-related camps and conference centers
• UKirk registered ministries chaplains and campus ministers
• Mid-councils and church corporations
• Household members of the above employees may also qualify.
This breakfast is sponsored by The Financial Aid for Service office of the PC(USA) Interim Unified Agency and is open to anyone serving as an employee of PC(USA) related entity.
Thursday, January 22
5:30 – 8:30PM
Instruction includes all materials needed to play, plus each attendee will receive a copy of the 2025 National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card to keep and continue playing. A light dinner will also be served. Come learn, laugh, and discover how American Mahjong can build bridges across generations!
Description Are you an alum of one of these seminaries? Join seminary representatives, guests, and fellow alum for a lunch hosted by the seminary. Please note that tickets must be purchased as part of your registration for the Annual Event for the seminaries listed below. These seminaries are not taking reservations, and additional tickets will not be available onsite. These meals are underwritten by the respective seminaries with each seminary setting their own meal cost. -Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary – $15 per person For more information on the Moravian Educators Luncheon – Sponsored by Moravian University School of Theology, click here.
Friday Optional Add-ons
Friday, January 23
11:30AM – 1:00PM
-Columbia Theological Seminary Lunch – $15 per person
-McCormick Theological Seminary Lunch – $35 per person
-Princeton Theological Seminary Lunch– $20 per person
-Union Presbytery Seminary Lunch – $35 per person
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Saturday, January 241:00 – 4:30PMDescription Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a place that delights and inspires children, where they can take off on fantastic flights of imagination daily, and return to earth to splash in a river, hammer a nail and ink a silkscreen. But children aren’t the only ones who learn through play! Enjoy an afternoon at the children’s museum featuring a workshop led by museum staff. (Workshop details TBA. Workshop will tie into AE theme.) Fee: $70.00 |
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Saturday, January 241:00-4:30 PMDescription The people of Pittsburgh are so proud of their city’s rich history, culture, and hertiage.As Pittsburgh’s “people museum,” the History Center preserves and interprets the history of Western Pennsylvanians through six floors of interactive exhibitions that feature iconic artifacts like the TV set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest jeep. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is located on the second and third floors of the History Center. This is a self-guided tour,. Fee: $40 |