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