AC23 Virtual Pre-Conference Workshops

There are several pre-Conference workshops that will be offered virtually prior to Annual Conference 2023. Below are the workshops hosted by the Board of Laity and Lay Servant Ministries. Check out the full list of workshops and the registration page. Last day to register is 5/23/23.

Certified Lay Servants, Speakers, and Ministers
Tuesday, May 30th 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Presenter:  Elizabeth Flynn, Director, Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries

Knowledgeable laity in the local church are essential, and the LSM program trains, equips, and develops laity leadership in the UMC. In this workshop, you will learn the requirements and steps to becoming a Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, or Certified Lay Minister.  New topics and class titles offered by Discipleship Ministries will be introduced, as well as new certifications for CLMs.

From Temple to Tabernacle
Tuesday, May 30, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Presenter:  Alice Williams, FLUMC Co-Lay Leader & Ryan Bonfiglio, Assistant professor at Emory’s Candler School of Theology

This session is for all who are wondering what does it mean to be the church at such a time as this, when everything around us seems to be changing?  What should we hold on to and what should we reimagine?  Where can we find wisdom and hope?  Join us as we explore how the ancient idea of the tabernacle - God’s way of being in the world long before the temple was built - invites us to think in fresh ways about what it looks like to pursue faith, engage our communities, and imagine the mission of the church.

Identifying, Preventing and Healing from Spiritual Abuse
Wednesday, May 31, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Presenter:  Presenter: Connie A. Baker, MA LPC is a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, trauma recovery specialists and writer in Portland, OR. More info at https://connieabaker.com/.

Hosts:  Host: Derrick Scott III and Allison Corwin from Studio Wesley/The Wellness Project in partnership with the Conference Board of Laity

This workshop will help us define religious abuse, how it can spiritually harm individuals, and how we can create spaces of restoration and healing.

Reclaim, Revive, Renew.  What does it mean to #BeUMC
Wednesday, May 31, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Presenter:  Florida Conference Board of Laity

This workshop is for individuals who are looking to the future of the United Methodist Church’s witness in the Florida Conference. Facilitated by Derrick Scott III, Conference Co-Lay Leader, we’ll hear from laity and clergy in the Annual Conference who will share their excitement and vision for the FLUMC. We’ll also hear about ways you can invite your local congregations to reclaim, revive and renew their commitment to #BeUMC.