Workshops

Building a Movement to End Poverty

The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival builds on the legacy of Dr. King and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign to organize the poor and dispossessed to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, militarism, environmental devastation and our distorted moral narrative. Over the summer of 2018, the Campaign launched an unprecedented wave of nonviolent civil disobedience across the country. Now organizers in over forty states are at the beginning of a massive organizing drive of the poor to build power and transformative change. In this session, Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign alongside Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, will talk about the work of the Campaign and its vision going forward.

Conversations with the Co-Moderator

Come with your curiosity and questions for this conversation with Cindy, Co-Moderator of the 223rd General Assembly. Topics may include what she’s seen as she’s visited Presbyteries and congregations, to national programs like the Matthew 25 Invitation and Hands and Feet Initiative, to what being a co-moderator is like.

Presence in the Midst of Crisis

Seizing Change and Opportunity Through Long Term Recovery Efforts in Puerto Rico

This session intends to narrate the scope of disaster recovery efforts in Northwest Puerto Rico, diving into the complexities of the rural mountain and coastal towns access to short term aid; coping with long term recovery in housing infrastructure, communication and electrical grids, as well as water supply. We explore changes in our local communities providing opportunities for mission, engagement and service.

Solidarity, Justice, Community and the Church

In partnership with the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas and other sister churches, the Reformed Presbyterian-Church in Cuba has rearticulated the ministry of the diaconate as a ministry of solidarity. This workshop will explore the impact this new vision for ministry and training has had in the lives of those called to be deacons, and in the presence and mission of congregations.

Proclaiming a New Thing

Ministry in an Age of Crisis

In times of rapid change, economic and environmental crisis, churches must learn to navigate through volatility and instability. We will provide a historical framework together with case studies and shared experiences. We will look at what are the gifts and skill sets necessary to minister in times of rapid transitions. Our attempt is to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. 

Manos Indocumentadas

A Narrative of Hope

Join us for a conversation about the process and importance of keeping a biblical narrative that would intentionally show the heart of God in a particular issue. We will share about the motivations behind the cantata “Manos Indocumentadas/Undocumented Hands”, the evolution of its characters and our efforts to maintain its relevance. We want to encourage those who attend to create music and worship that calls us to mobilize as the Gospel calls us.

Migration as a Human Right

Root Causes & Faithful Responses 

We know from personal experience, relationships, or seeing the news that people who migrate to the United States by crossing the southern border are experiencing some of the most egregious human rights violations in the last few years. This workshop will discuss some of the key issues, but more than an educational workshop, the emphasis will be on building a theological framework in our communities about the right to migrate and how Presbyterian communities can take action in support of and solidarity with migrants. This workshop is designed with non-immigrant individuals and congregations in mind, but please know that if you are someone who has migrated to the US your input and experiences are welcome and appreciated.