Association of Partners in Christian Education

Retired Educators' Connection Zoom
2023-08-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | online
APCE Retired Educators’ Connection Dates. Join for a time to connect and grow together in the season of life of being retired. Email info@apcenet.org for zoom link and more info.

Contemplative Scripture: 30 Minutes of Care for the Educator's Soul
2023-12-14 13:00 - 13:30
You’re attending to everyone else’s spiritual life this Advent season, but what about your own? Join fellow educators for 30 minutes of contemplative Advent scripture. Just bring your Bible!
Register Here.

APCE's Annual Event 2024
2024-01-24 - 2024-01-27 | Union Station Hotel and Amusement Complex St. Louis, MO, 1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO, 63103
Come All Who Are Thirsty. APCE’S Annual Event 2024 in St. Louis Jan. 24-27, 2024. #APCE24
Invitation

30 Minute Contemplative Bible Study for Educators
2024-02-07 12:00 - 12:30 | online
30 Minute Contemplative Study for Educators
Wednesday, February 7th at 12 pm EST.
Join us for a moment of quiet reflection before the Lenten season begins.
Register

Retired Educators' Connections
2024-02-15 12:00 - 13:00
Join other retired educators for connection and fellowship. If you would like to participate, please email info@apcenet.org for the zoom link.

LBGTQIA+ Youth Ministry Class 2024
2024-03-05 15:30 - 16:45
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!

2024 Eastern APCE Spring Event: Risky Business: Being the Church
2024-04-29 - 2024-05-01 | Rhodes Grove Conference Center, 7693 Browns Mills Road, Chambersburg, PA, United States
2024 Eastern APCE Spring Event
Risky Business: Being the Church
April 29- May 1, 2024
Rhodes Grove Conference Center
Chambersburg, PA
2024 Event Brochure
Register at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/EasternRegionOfAPCE/_2024EasternRegionOfAPCESpringEventRegistration

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

PC(USA) Program and Mission Course
2024-08-15 | online
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 two online courses: Presbyterian Program and Mission and Presbyterian Polity. The courses are available to Christian Educators in the certification process Commissioned Ruling Elders/Pastors already commissioned or in the educational phase of their preparation, those leaders in 1001 New Worshipping Communities who are fluent in English and other leaders wanting to learn more the denomination.
SYLLABUS Program and Mission APCE September 2024
Cost is $100.
If you take this class and PC(USA) Polity class is $175. For more information on the PC(USA) Polity: https://apcenet.org/event/pcusa-polity-course/2024-10-03 THIS OFFER HAS ENDED

The Program and Mission course will officially begin on August 15th to allow for some prep work before we begin our Zoom classes.

Classes will meet on Zoom on these dates:
Thursday, September 5th 1:00 – 3:30 ET
Thursday, September 12th 1:00 – 3:30 ET
Thursday, September 19th 1:00 – 3:30 ET
Thursday, September 26th 1:00 – 3:30 ET
For questions or further information, please be in touch with APCE Certification Course Coordinator Billie Sutter at billiepsutter@gmail.com.
Information regarding this class
Registration is now closed.

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.

Retired Educators’ Connections
2024-09-26 17:00 - 18:00

SCRAPCE Fall Event - with David Lamotte!
2024-09-30 - 2024-10-02 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E. 27th Street, austin, TX, 78705
You won’t want to miss the SCRAPCE Fall Event – with David Lamotte!
The theme is “Stumbling Toward the Light Changing the World”
Join us at Austin Seminary from Sept 30 – Oct 2, 2024 – make sure to mark your calendars now!
Stumbling toward the Light: Changing Our World – Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (austinseminary.edu)
