Association of Partners in Christian Education

LBGTQIA+ Youth Ministry Class 2024
2024-03-05 15:30 - 16:45 (America/New_York)
LGBTQIA+ Youth Ministry
A four-week course offered by APCE, in partnership with the Covenant Network of Presbyterians
Tuesday afternoons, March 5-26, 2024, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. CST, on Zoom
Cost:

Retired Members of APCE $15
Members of APCE $20
Non-Members of APCE $35

This four-week course is for any youth ministry professional or volunteer, Christian educator or pastor who is seeking to create safe, welcoming and effective ministry spaces for LGBTQIA+ students, their families, and the congregations and communities who love and support them. The course will provide a foundation for understanding the concepts and vocabulary of sexual orientation and gender identity; offer practical help with expectation-setting, policy-writing and event planning; and provide the opportunity for questions and idea-sharing to address particular questions. Every week will have presentations followed by moderated opportunities for questions and discussion. Brian Ellison, executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians will serve as moderator of the four-week course, teaching the opening and closing classes and facilitating questions and discussion for the other two weeks. Participants will be invited to offer input on topics and questions they want to see covered along the way.
Four-week Class Schedule
Week One
LGBTQIA+ 101: An Overview of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Teacher: Brian Ellison
What do all those letters stand for again? This class offers an introduction and overview on the vocabulary and concepts that describe diverse gender identities and sexual orientation. We discuss evolving words and self-understandings, and what they might mean for how we think and talk about identity in our faith communities.
Week Two
Trans, Non-Binary, Fluid, Genderqueer: The Landscape of Gender, Identity and Adolescence
Teacher: Slats Toole
In classrooms, doctor’s offices, legislatures and school board meetings, the lives and gender identities of young people have been under scrutiny. How can the church and our youth ministry best serve youth of all gender identities in this turbulent time? This class will address key issues and offer practical help accommodating, serving and celebrating young people at all points on the gender identity spectrum with sensitivity, understanding and creativity.
Week Three
Making Sure Camp is Fun for ALL: Creating inclusive camps, conferences and retreats—and
building the policies and practices that make them work.
Teacher: Pepa Paniagua
This class will offer insight and practical help in providing students, youth leaders and parents/guardians, the assurance that the LBGTQIA+ welcoming ministry offered in youth gatherings will be rich with meaning, intentionality around the unique realities of serving LBGTQIA+ youth and will be transparent about seeking to be a safe and healthy space for all. The class will provide real-life examples of activities, community agreements and event plans,
as well as guidance in developing policies regarding sleeping arrangements, restrooms and more.
Week Four
Putting it Together: A Theology and Practice of Welcoming LGBTQIA+ Youth
Teacher: Brian Ellison
In this final week of the course, we bring together the learnings from the previous three weeks and ground them in a way of thinking theologically about the work we do: How does the community we create, with intentional inclusion of LGBTQIA+ youth, reflect the fullness of the gospel? How do we explain this significance in the context of the rest of the church’s ministry? This final class will also offer ample opportunity to cover questions not answered previously, deepen particular topics, and share participants’ own experiences that can benefit others.
Bios for Course Leaders
The Rev. Pepa Paniagua (she/her) is a pastor, facilitator, educator, innovator, writer, advocate and ally, and she is passionate about thinking outside the box and gently leading others through the challenging conversations about the vast expanse of God’s love. Growing up between the Redwoods and the Pacific, Pepa believes that as much can be learned by placing your bare feet in the sand and listening, as can be learned from any book. Pepa loves a good story, good food, and good coffee. As a graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and longtime member of Grace Presbytery, Pepa has learned to faithfully follow God’s leadership as she has now lived more than 18 years in Texas, which is approximately 18 more years than she ever planned. Pepa is the founder of kin-dom community, a fully affirming New Worshiping Community of the PCUSA, co-founder of kin-dom camp, and she is currently serves as the Coordinator for Innovation of New Ministry Development at Grace Presbytery. Pepa and her wife, Kelli, live in North Texas with their two dogs, Juneaux and Opie.
Slats Toole (they/them) is a writer, musician, preacher and theater professional currently based in Minneapolis, MN. Slats’ Lenten poetry series has been compiled in the collection Queering Lent, and their work has also been published in places like Call to Worship, The Presbyterian Outlook and Sacramental Life. Slats has led workshops on expansive language and queer theology (with a particular emphasis on gender identity) throughout the United States and Canada, and is proud to serve as co-moderator of the Covenant Network Board of Directors.
The Rev. Brian Ellison (he/him) has served as executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians since 2012, preaching, teaching and providing overall strategic leadership in implementing the organization’s mission. 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 is host/contributor at KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dog daughters, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.

Register at https://apcenet.org/lbgtqia-youth-ministry-class-2024/

Writing for the Soul
2024-04-15 14:00 - 15:30
Writing for the Soul: an APCE Spiritual Practice Workshop
Mondays April 15, 22, 29
2-3:30 pm Eastern
Cost:
Retired APCE Members: $15
APCE Members: $20
Non-members: $35
Come spend some time with fellow APCE members using writing as a spiritual practice. With inspiration and prompts from poetry, images, objects, and more, we’ll explore our memories and imagination. We’ll pay attention to our words, to God, and to one another as we play and pray on the page. In this online Eastertide experience designed to help you fill your well again, we’ll write a lot, and read and share a little. No writing experience is necessary, and grammar and spelling don’t count.
Bio: Rev. Julie Hester is a pastor and writer living in North Carolina, and a grateful APCE member. She leads in-person and online writing workshops for faith and community groups, specializing in writing for healing and writing as a spiritual practice. You can subscribe to her free weekly writing prompts at https://writingincompany.substack.com/
Register here: https://apcenet.org/writing-for-the-soul-class/

April 2024 Book Club
2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:00
April 18- I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace- Filled Political Conversations – by Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland.
Do you find yourself awash in pages and pages of professional reading but very little reading for your soul, for your self-care, for your well of well being? Then look NO FURTHER! APCE has just launched a Book Club for any and all members who would like to gather to read, explore, and dive into books both fiction and non-fiction, “work related” and just for fun!

The group will meet monthly via Zoom with NO requirement to make each and every meeting! Come as you can, enjoy the fellowship of fellow educators and simply find some respite in books!

Retired Educators' Connections
2024-05-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:00
A time for informal conversation to stay connected to long-time friends and make new ones.
If you would like to participate, please email info@apcenet.org for the zoom link.

May 2024 Book Club
2024-05-16 14:00 - 15:00
May 16- West with Giraffes – by Lynda Rutledge
Do you find yourself awash in pages and pages of professional reading but very little reading for your soul, for your self-care, for your well of well being? Then look NO FURTHER! APCE has just launched a Book Club for any and all members who would like to gather to read, explore, and dive into books both fiction and non-fiction, “work related” and just for fun!

The group will meet monthly via Zoom with NO requirement to make each and every meeting! Come as you can, enjoy the fellowship of fellow educators and simply find some respite in books!
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcu2orjwiHtwDyNRsOr6A1J1DfScvhL45

June 2024 Book Club
2024-06-20 14:00 - 15:00
June 20- Generation Alpha– by Mark Mccrindle and Ashley Fell
Do you find yourself awash in pages and pages of professional reading but very little reading for your soul, for your self-care, for your well of well being? Then look NO FURTHER! APCE has just launched a Book Club for any and all members who would like to gather to read, explore, and dive into books both fiction and non-fiction, “work related” and just for fun!

The group will meet monthly via Zoom with NO requirement to make each and every meeting! Come as you can, enjoy the fellowship of fellow educators and simply find some respite in books!
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcu2orjwiHtwDyNRsOr6A1J1DfScvhL45

August 2024 Book Club
2024-09-05 14:00 - 15:00
PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE TO Sept 5th

The Reading List
Do you find yourself awash in pages and pages of professional reading but very little reading for your soul, for your self-care, for your well of well being? Then look NO FURTHER! APCE has just launched a Book Club for any and all members who would like to gather to read, explore, and dive into books both fiction and non-fiction, “work related” and just for fun!

The group will meet monthly via Zoom with NO requirement to make each and every meeting! Come as you can, enjoy the fellowship of fellow educators and simply find some respite in books!
Register at https://apcenet.org/book-club-sign-up

Embracing Neurodiversity Class
2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Class description:
Embracing Neurodiversity in your Ministry and Church.

In our ministries we are seeing more and more students who have ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism. When we create spaces to welcome those on the spectrum of neurodiversity, everyone benefits. Giving families, children and adults the space to embrace how their brain works is a beautiful way to live into God’s dream. We will cover basic tools and strategies in Christian Education for Neurodiversity and how to partner with families. There are practical ways we can create space for kids and adults in our communities, and I would love to share them with you. These are tools you can take back to your church and feel equipped to welcome neurodiversity into your church home.
Allie Atchison is the director of children and family ministries at New Hope Presbyterian church in Castle Rock Colorado. I am dyslexic, who married a man with ADHD and we are raising a thoughtful and kind little girl who is on the Autism Spectrum. I live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, yes, it’s amazing to live by these stunning mountains. I love to workout, create art, and spend time with my family. We love to explore all Colorado has to offer, and spend quiet evenings together.
It is a passion of mine to embrace Neurodiversity in Church. I love to find new ways to engage all different neuro types. My career has been devoted to Christian education in churches. I love to teach about God’s love, and how God deeply and personally cares for each person. I have worked in christian education for the last 14 years. The first 9 were spent in youth ministry and the last 5 have been in children’s ministry. I have loved every part of the ministry I have served in these last 14 years.
Our life is built in community. I know I will learn so much from you and your experiences as well. I cannot wait to hear some of your stories. When you come to class, make sure to have your favorite tool of learning with you. Whether it is coloring, fidgets, building, note taking, pacing, or listening; how you learn is welcome in class!

Cost:
APCE Member $20
Non-Member $35
APCE Retired Educator $15

September 2024 Book Club
2024-09-19 14:00 - 15:00
September 19- The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs
Do you find yourself awash in pages and pages of professional reading but very little reading for your soul, for your self-care, for your well of well being? Then look NO FURTHER! APCE has just launched a Book Club for any and all members who would like to gather to read, explore, and dive into books both fiction and non-fiction, “work related” and just for fun!

The group will meet monthly via Zoom with NO requirement to make each and every meeting! Come as you can, enjoy the fellowship of fellow educators and simply find some respite in books!
Zoom link will be emailed out a week before and the day before, if you do not get this email please email info@apcenet.org for Zoom link.

APCE's October 15th Corporation Meeting
2024-10-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
On Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm EDT there will be a virtual APCE Corporation meeting for all current members of APCE. The purpose of this Corporation meeting will be to consider these new By-Laws which will allow us to move into this new structure which includes the hiring of an Executive Director. If approved, these By-Laws will allow APCE to move forward with the new Strategic Plan and launch the new structure at our APCE Annual Event in Memphis, TN in January 2025. While it is the Coordinating Council that approves the new Strategic Plan, it is the entire body of APCE members through this Corporation meeting that will take the plan and make it a reality through these By-Laws.
So, please reserve Tuesday, October 15, at 6:30 pm EDT on your calendar and plan to attend this vital meeting. A Zoom link for this meeting will come to you by email one week prior to the Corporation meeting.

Ministry Outside the Box Class
2024-10-29 13:00 - 15:00 | online
You know the way we’ve always done it isn’t working anymore, but how do we dream new dreams that actually work? How do we get the committee and congregation to see this too? In this 3-session workshop on how to assess your current offerings, consider what God might be calling you to do (that will work in your context), and implement new formation opportunities. This is a hands-on class with practical tools, and you will leave with concrete written next steps.

Rebecca Guzman is a Certified Educator serving as the Director of Spiritual Formation at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jessie Kuehner is a Certified Educator who has served churches but has also been a consultant to churches and educators for 5+ years.
These 2 have been a dynamic pair that have worked together for years. There have been multiple times when Rebecca finishes what Jessie is saying when Jessie has an “oh squirrel!” moment.
Cost:
APCE Member $20
Non-Member $35
APCE Retired Educator $15

Classes are 1-3pm EST starting Tues. Oct. 29.

Worship and Sacraments Certification Course January 2025
2025-01-27 - 2025-01-29
APCE will offer a certification course in Worship and Sacraments as a pre-event to the Annual Event in Memphis in January 25. Specific dates and registration details will be available closer to the event.

APCE Polity Course Winter 2025
2025-02-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
In partnership with the Office of Christian Formation of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) is pleased to offer an online course in Presbyterian Polity. The course is available to Christian Educators in the certification process, Commissioned Ruling Elders or those that are preparing for a commission, or leaders in 1001 New Worshipping Communities. At this time the class will only be offered in English. Registration is available until the class limit is reached.

Cost is $100.
Dates: February 17, 19, 21; 2 sessions each day: AM session: 10:00–12:00; PM session: 1:00 – 3:00; All times Eastern (Feb 21 PM session for CREs and NWC Leaders)

Register at APCE Polity Course Winter 2025 | Association of Partners in Christian Education

Feb. 2025 Book Club
2025-02-20 14:00 - 15:00
Feb 20-
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Do you find yourself awash in pages and pages of professional reading but very little reading for your soul, for your self-care, for your well of well being? Then look NO FURTHER! APCE has just launched a Book Club for any and all members who would like to gather to read, explore, and dive into books both fiction and non-fiction, “work related” and just for fun!

The group will meet monthly via Zoom with NO requirement to make each and every meeting! Come as you can, enjoy the fellowship of fellow educators and simply find some respite in books!
Register at: https://apcenet.org/apce-book-club/

Retired Educators' Connections - May 2025
2025-05-15 12:00 - 13:30
ALL APCE Retired Educators are invited to join Bonnie Edwards and Roberta Dodds-Ingersoll for a time of informal sharing. This is a great way to stay connected to long-time friends and to make new ones.
Mark your calendars now for the meetings later this year on August 21 and November 20.
If you would like to participate, please email info@apcenet.org for the zoom link and more information.

APCE Book Club "Faith in Fiction"
2025-05-16 15:00 - 16:30
The May book will be Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. Although a YA read, the book is deep and profound.
For an invitation to the May Book Club gathering, email apcebookclub@gmail.com.

Retired Educators Connection - August 2025
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:30
ALL APCE Retired Educators are invited to join Bonnie Edwards and Roberta Dodds-Ingersoll for a time of informal sharing. This is a great way to stay connected to long-time friends and to make new ones.
Mark your calendars now for the final meeting og this year on November 20.
If you would like to participate, please email info@apcenet.org for the zoom link and more information.
