Draft: 01/28/12
Featured Speakers
9:30-10:20: "Performing the Story" - Dr. David M. Rhoades
A retired professor at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago gives an engaging, meaningful, dramatic presentation of New Testament scripture that brings new perspective to well-known verses. "Performing the Story" is what Dr. Rhoads describes as an authentic method, in keeping with the way scripture would have originally been presented.
Ordained in 1968, Dr. Rhoads was pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Asheboro, N.C. (1968-1970), and professor of religion at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin (1963-1968), before joining the seminary's faculty in 1988. He is married to the Rev. Sandra Roberts. He has two children and five grandchildren, two of whom he and Sandra raise. They live in Racine, Wisconsin.
Widely published, Rhoads is the author of several books including Mark as Story: An Introduction to the Narrative of a Gospel (Fortress Press 1999, revised edition with Joanna Dewey and Donald Michie), and The Challenge of Diversity: The Witness of Paul and the Gospels (Fortress 1996). In 1999, he edited with Kari Syreeni the book, Characterization in the Gospels: Rethinking Narrative Criticism (Sheffield Academic Press). In 2004, he published a collection of his essays, Reading Mark, Engaging the Gospel. In 2006, he edited From Every People and Nation: The Book of Revelation in Intercultural Perspective, a collection of essays by scholars from many different social locations. He is an accomplished oral interpreter of Biblical writings that include The Gospel of Mark, the Sermon on the Mount, Galatians, James, I Peter and the Book of Revelation. In addition, he has taught in the Select program of video courses for continuing theological education.
An enthusiastic environmentalist, Rhoads is advisor to the seminary's Green Zone Committee and has planned eco-conferences, edited guidebooks for parishes, and helped initiate "The Web of Creation," an online environmental service for congregations (www.webofcreation.org). He now also directs the Green Congregation Program, which works primarily with clusters of congregations in some Midwest synods of the ELCA. In 2007, he edited a collection of sermons by 36 different theologians and preachers: Earth and Word: Classic Sermons on Saving the Planet (Continuum, 2007). Rhoads also recently wrote The Green Congregation Training Manual, and with David Glover, An Environmental Guide for Churches, Their Buildings and Grounds. Both are availale online at www.webofcreation.org.
Rhoads received the bachelor of arts degree from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and the bachelor of divinity degree from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. The master of arts degree was bestowed by Oxford University, Oxford, England, and the doctor of philosophy degree by Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Dr.Rhoads recently received the Fortress Press Teacher of the Year Award for Innovative Teaching in a Graduate Setting (2004) and was named Distinguished Alumnus by the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary (2005).
.10:45-11:30: Brain Gain - Mark Schoepp
Mark Schoepp will take participants on an accessible and practical journey through some current brain research, under a health and wellness umbrella. We'll look at how three things – exercise, diet and play, profoundly affect the brain and can make positive impacts on our ability to give God our best well into our senior years.
Mark Schoepp was born in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada July of 1954, the son of a Lutheran Pastor, and grew up in various cities in Alberta. He graduated from University of Alberta with a B.A. degree in Sociology in 1975 and received certification as a Director of Christian Education from Concordia University, NE in 1980. On January 27, 1980 Mark and Rebecca (Becky) were married and they have four children: Jenica, Isaac, Samuel and Gideon. Between 1980 and 1994 Mark served in three parishes in Education and Youth Ministry: Hope Lutheran of the Deaf in Portland, OR; Messiah Lutheran in Seattle, WA; and St John Lutheran in Seward, NE. In 1990 Mark earned a Masters Degree in Parish Education from Concordia University, NE.
In 1994 Mark and his wife, Becky and their four children went full time into Fitz Family Ministries, a unique family ministry and entertainment troupe performing all over the U.S in schools and churches, youth gatherings and conferences with a mission: "to encourage people to discover, celebrate and use their unique gifts in the Lord's service". They have traveled more than 800,000 miles and performed for more than 800,000 people since they started.
In 2005 Mark went back to serve in the parish at St Paul Lutheran in Aurora, IL from August 2005 through June 2009 in Children and Family Ministry, while continuing to tour part time with Fitz Family. In June of 2009, after all four of their children were grown and gone, Mark was called as Missionary-at-large with Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gladwin, MI and Mark and Becky went back on the road full time with Fitz Family Ministries. In addition to performance, they added a focus on health and wellness with workshops on current brain research for church and school staff and parents. They also worked part time with Wheat Ridge Ministries while they traveled, telling the Wheat Ridge story as well.
9:10-9:30, 11:45-11:55, 3:20-3:40: Worship and Music - David Ludwig
David Ludwig, Jr., has trained in both theology and music. He is a composer, pianist and organist, singer and worship leader. After 2 years of music study at the University of Central Florida he earned a B.A. in Religion from Valparaiso University in Indiana and an M.A. from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where organist Paul Manz was the Artist in Residence.
He has served as music minister in ELCA and LCMS congregations in a variety of cultural settings, and as worship and workshop leader at many national and local events. Since 1989, David has lived in Orlando with his wife Janet, who is a teacher, and his two boys, Benjamin and Christopher.
Breakout Sessions
(a) Wiring and Re-wiring the Brain -- Mark Schoepp (Sessions 1 or 2)
Mark will look at how the brain wires and re-wires itself all throughout life, and how we can use that information to function more fully. The session will help you understand yourself, your children and even your grandchildren better. There will also be a short discussion about exercise, diet and play as they connect to Alzheimer's Disease.
(b) Thrivent Choice Dollars: How you can help your congregation (Session 1)
Learn about Thrivent's program to help you support your congregation or other Lutheran charity. Your Thrivent products can be of great benefit.
(c) Preserving Your Legacy -- Steve Cecchetti (Session 2)
Steve Cecchetti, Director of Development for Lutheran Services Florida and a Certified Legacy Advisor has developed this workshop over the past dozen years. Steve believes that everyone's life is a story worth telling. While some of these stories are preserved and passed on for future generations to enjoy and learn from others are lost forever the moment a person passes from this life to the next. This interactive workshop consists of exercises designed to help you recall the stories of your life and then preserve those stories in a way that will be interesting and meaningful for people 50 or 100 years from now to pick up and read.
(d) Using the Fine Arts--Drama, Music and Dance--to Enhance Women's Ministry -- Suann Dibble (Session 1 or 2)
Suann will lead a Q & A session where women can share common concerns, joys and challenges in ministry.
Suann Dibble's forty year passion for Women's Ministry motivates her to mentor as they use their spiritual gifts to serve their Lord in the church, community, home and family. She served her congregation as Asst. to the Pastor in Women's Ministry and served her church as Director of Degree Completion at Concordia University-Ann Arbor, MI.
(e) Empowered Patient: by Elizabeth Cohen, CNN Senior Medical Correspondent – with Debbie Marsich, R.N. and Doris Branson, M.S.N, R.N. (Session 1 or 2)
We will be discussing how to get the right diagnosis, buy the cheapest drugs, beat your insurance company, and get the best medical care every time and much more. You will learn how to be your own best advocate for you and your family's health and life. Books will be available for $11.
The discussion will be conducted by
Debbie Marsich, R.N. (Faith Community Nurse Coordinator, Hope Lutheran Church, The Villages) and Doris Branson, M.S.N, R.N. (Parish Nurse, Trinity Lutheran Church, Summerfield)
(f) God's Work Our Hands: Tools for Health Ministry -- Doris Branson, M.S.N, R.N. (Session 1 or 2)
A foundation for building a Health Ministry/Parish Nurse Program for your congregation. A 45-minute workshop that will encourage churches to develop a team to begin addressing the health and wellness needs of the congregation and community. Workshop developed by Florida-Bahamas Synod Parish Nurse Network. (ELCA-Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.)
Continuous Sessions
(g) Blood Pressure Checks and Glucose Screening– Debbie Marsich, RN-- Auditorium 4:
Debbie is on-call at 352-409-2949 throughout SeniorFest. The Health Care Ministry Nurse is committed to the healing mission of the church. She is health educator, personal health counselor, patient advocate, volunteer recruiter, mentor, integrator, facilitator, and a referral source. She is not to be seen as primary hands-on healthcare giver, but one who facilitates the use of available church and community resources. She has a unique opportunity to combine nursing expertise with a belief in treating the whole person: mind, body and spirit. She will be available to take blood pressures.
(h) Prayer Labyrinth Walk -- outside to right, see LEC map:
Christian churches have used the labyrinth for prayer and meditation from as early as 350 AD. The design of the Life Enrichment Center's labyrinth first appeared in the early 13th century, and is inlaid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Commonly called an eleven-circuit labyrinth, this singular path lies in eleven concentric circles, with thirty-four turns going into the twelfth circle or center, called the rosette. The path is a metaphor for our journey in Christ. There are no dead ends or false passages, but a winding path that leads unerringly to the center. After you reach the center, you turn around and walk the same winding path out again. For Christians who walk it, the Prayer Labyrinth provides a space that guides the mind and heart in prayer. (You may pick up a brochure in SeniorFest conference registration area.)
(i) Nature Trail – Outside to left, near RV camping area in the direction of screened dining buildings for the RV Camp:
Self-Guided walk. (You may pick up a map in SeniorFest conference registration area.)
(j) Meditation/Prayer Chapel -- outside to right, see LEC map:
Located between the Prayer Labyrinth and Lake Griffin, the Prayer Chapel is open for private prayer and meditation.
(k) Cokesbury Bookstore -- 9:00 am – 4:30 pm:
Resources for the Christian Journey.
Display Tables in Auditorium #2
(l) Florida-Bahama Synod, Older Adult Ministry:
The mission of the Florida-Bahamas Synod is to share Christ, make disciples, and do justice in the world. Our identity -- Profound faith in Jesus Christ! Deep roots in Lutheran heritage! Passion for Mission and Mission Support! Our Relationships -- Commitment to loving relationship! Spirit of compassion and humility! Openness to all people! Our Service -- Integrity in word and deed! Team spirit with partners! Excellence in ministry!
(m) Lutheran Counseling Services:
Mary Jacob, Ed.D. ARNP, BC represents Lutheran Counseling Services, an outreach of the Lutheran community called to provide quality professional care for persons/family/community through confidential pastoral counseling and consultation. Pastoral counseling offers a unique form of counseling, which uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. Counseling is based on the belief that the individual's spiritual, mental and emotional health is interrelated -- personal wholeness is the goal. At Lutheran Counseling Services people find a safe, caring environment where licensed mental health professionals on a confidential basis provide Pastoral Counseling. All of LCS' staff average over 20 years in their professional and counseling work.
(n) Lutheran Services Florida:
Lutheran Services Florida is a statewide, non-profit, pan-Lutheran human services agency dedicated to helping all people in need, regardless of religious affiliation, age or national origin. Our mission: In response to God's love in Jesus Christ, LSF, as an agent of its participating church bodies, serves to bring God's healing, hope and help to people in need. Danielle Kearney provides information on Lutheran Services, Florida.
(o) Thrivent Financial for Lutherans:
Ruth Gramzow, Lutheran Engagement Specialist will host the display table. Thrivent is a not-for-profit Fortune 500 financial services organization that has been serving Lutherans for more than a century. It is a faith-based membership organization called to improve the quality of life of its members, their families, and their communities by providing unparalleled solutions that focus on financial security, wellness and caring for others. Thrivent Financial was founded to help Lutherans care for and support one another in time of need, guided by the principles of the Christian faith. Financial Representatives (FRs) Gigi Klemash and Rich Kunkel will answer your questions on services provided by Thrivent.
(p) Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA):
ALOA is a movement committed to celebrating, serving, and advocating within the Church on topics of concern for older adults. ALOA is a message to the Church, that "Older adults are today's church -- not yesterday's"; and to older adults, to "Stay active -- serve your church and your community!" ALOA is a community of elders rejoicing in God's grace and dedicated to the enjoyment of life through lifelong learning, personal spiritual growth and service to others. ALOA is a mission: "To be a resource to the Lutheran Church that strengthens ministry by, for and with older adults."
(q) Elder Options' Healthy Living Program:
Elder Options is a non-profit organization which provides unbiased information and referral, as well as Medicare counseling and access to Medicaid eligibility through the statewide Elder Help Line at 1-800-96ELDER. It also serves as the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging. The Elder Options mission is to ensure that older adults have a trusted and unbiased place to turn for information, resources and assistance that meets their unique needs and enhances their quality of life.
(r) Elder Options' SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program:
Betty Cunningham will provide SHINE counseling at the table. She will have computer, forms and information to give to Florida seniors on their Medicare options.
FYI: Fair Trade coffee is served at The Life Enrichment Center. Fair Trade allows small farmers to make a profit. Many of you may know that Lutheran World Relief sponsors a Fair Trade project. Local congregations can use and sell these products. Not only coffee is available but also tea and chocolate.