Spring 2019 Lay Academy

Courses are open to everyone

Where - Elm Park UMC, 712 Linden St, Scranton, PA 18708
When - Saturdays, May 4th and 11th – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please arrive early on the first Saturday to allow time for check in and devotions.

Classes Offered (pick one):

Equipping God’s People II - Rev. Deb Rose
This class is designed to help people in local churches grow in leadership of guiding their congregations to greater
effectiveness in disciple making.

Required reading:
The Externally Focused Church” by Rich Rusaw & Erick Swanson
The Healthy Small Church” by Dennis Bickers

The Church in the Midst of Change – Rev Mike Bealla
This class will focus on the how we as the church can address the cultural changes around us and remain faithful to our disciple making task. How do we move from survival to new life? We'll examine how we find ourselves in our current situation, as well as discovering ways to adapt to change without giving up or giving in to the pressures we encounter. We will also take a look at our communities and consider ways to reach those folks we have yet to reach.

There is no text for this course; however handouts and resources will be shared in class.

Leading Public Prayer – Pastor Eric Luczak
Learn the theology and components of public prayer. Become more confident when called upon to pray.
The price for each course will be $20
If you would like lunch to be provided add $10
If there is a required book for the course the District has offered to pay for it.
Whether you are feeling called to Certified Lay Speaking / Certified Lay Servant, or just want to deepen your understanding of
your faith.

You DO NOT need to be a Lay Speaker or become a Lay Speaker to take these courses. The courses are for anyone
wanting to expand their knowledge as Disciples of Christ and help lead others to becoming Disciples of Christ
for the transformation of the world.

Register On-Line: https://goo.gl/forms/tiojs1Mw58FCWhHv1

- Tom Taylor S/W-B Dist Lay Leader
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mission Opportunity: Give Ye Them to Eat

Puebla & Tlancualpican

You are invited to become “AWARE” (Alternative Work/study Awareness Pro-
gram) in Mexico, October 11-20, 2019. This trip is open to anyone age 18 or older who has a desire to work and learn in another culture. Working with staff of the Give Ye Them To Eat program (www.gytte.org ), we will work alongside new Mexican friends on construction projects, repairs and upgrades in and around the Tree of Life Training Center in Tlancualpican. We will visit villages, participate in health programs, learn about agricultural & livestock development, participate in worship at local Methodist Churches as well as have some time to shop and do some touring. Cost for the trip is ap-proximately $2000. Costs include all transportation, meals, lodging, tips and admissions to tourist attractions.

Contact Rev. Marian Hartman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or an applica-
tion. Please note that this area of Mexico is NOT a high risk area for violence.

Clergy can receive 3.3 CEU’s for participation in the AWARE program. Funds for continuing education
can be used. The Board of Ordained Ministry also has continuing formation grants for clergy. Rev.
Ryan Krauss, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ATTENTION: All Licensed Local Pastors

1. Effective June 1, 2019, new local pastors must take CS-

121 and CS 122 before taking any other courses.

2. Effective June 1, 2019, any local pastors currently taking
Course of Study classes who have not yet taken CS-121
and CS-122 must take CS-121 and CS-122 must take them
prior to June 1, 2020, before being allowed to take any
other courses.

The rationale for this change is that CS-121 (Bible 1: intro-
duction) and CS-122 (Theological Heritage 1: introduction)

are foundational courses that provide basic instruction

and a shared language for Biblical interpretation and the-
ological reflection in the United Methodist ethos. These

course help prepare students for the upper level course-
work that is required in the Course of Study curriculum. A

shared biblical and theological foundation is particularly
important as many local pastors come from non-United
Methodist traditions.

3. Also, with your District Superintendent's, Conference Reg-
istrar's and COS program Director's approval (local pastors

may now take more than 4 courses per year).
If you have any questions , please contact:
Dave Walker, Local Pastor & Associate Member Registrar
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 570-550-5050