Lawton District

Class description

1-1 UMW: What's It About

Kathy Caldron
This class is for anyone interested in learning more about United Methodist Women. We will discuss who is a member and what does it mean in today's world. We will cover coming events and how they relate to the purpose.

1-2 Passionate Evangelism

Randy L. Scraper, PHD
This class is built on the expansion of natural evangelism that accompanies the meaningful growth of Christian spiritual maturity. It is directed at pastors and lay persons alike.

1-3 Should Faith Mix with Politics?

Stan Basler
We will address issues of systemic sin and explore biblically and theologically the role the church should play in forming public policy as a matter of authentic discipleship. The main points include discussion of systemic sin (corporate sin), enculturation of the church, and prophetic ministry, i.e. "Thus sayeth the Lord" to powers and principalities.

1-4 Youth 101

Bryan Tener
Basic understanding of youth ministry. UMYF, curriculum, answer and questions

1-5 Making a Difference: Starting a New Ministry

Donna Heldermon & Chuck Stewart
Is God calling your church to expand your ministries? All laity who see a need or feel the heart tug for making a difference and desire methods for success in beginning new ministries are welcomed.

1-6 Cobija, Bolivia Mission

Ken Baden
You will be able to learn how the Lawton District - Cobija Mission came about and how your church can support the mission. Please come if you're interested in becoming a team member /leader. Some of the June, 2012 team members will be present for you to meet.

1-7 The Doctor Says It's Cancer

Karen Distefano
A cancer diagnosis is a frightening experience. The individual may feel fear, uncertainty, anxiety, depression, anger, isolation and hopelessness-sometimes all at once! Family and friends, too, go through a wide range of feelings, We want to help, but we just don't know how. Having a cancer care ministry in your congregation can help bridge that abyss of despair and suffering. As Christians, we are called to minister to the sick. At the same time, however, we need to be very careful in how we interact with people who are experiencing a serious diagnosis.

1-8 Effective Financial Leadership

Brian Bakeman
Are finances running your church or is your church running the finances? This class is designed for the chairs of Finance Committees, new and old, to discuss the leadership role of the chair.

1-9 "Who are THOSE People"...and how do we minister to them.

Annette Harper
Interacting discussion on holistic and healthy approaches to addiction ministry for the whole congregation.

1-10 Re-Ignite the Go-Go's, Slow-Go-s & No-Go's

Harri Williams
Discussions on how local congregations can minister to people based on mobility rather than age in the areas of spiritual development, health, fellowship, education, life transitions, service, intergenerational interaction, daily assistance, and National Grandparent's Day. This is directed towards anyone interested in ministry by, for, to, and with the growing numbers of older adults in our communities.

1-11 Transformational Preaching

Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr.
Bishop Hayes will provide guidance on what it takes to prepare and give sermons that make a difference. The class is designed mostly for clergy and lay speakers.

1-12 S/PRC

Chuck Horton
For new and returning members of the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committees and for Pastors, the Lay Leader, and Lay Members to Annual Conference. This class will look at the important work of this committee and the scope of the committee's authority and responsibilities.

1-13 Congregations working with Veterans Part 1

Joseph L. Lynch
With so many of our fellow Oklahomans being deployed with the military. How can congregations faithfully serve those in the armed forces, their families, and the religious professionals who care for them, especially those deployed overseas? This two-part will cover congregational and pastoral care for veterans and their families. Part 1 will cover congregational care, including acknowledging and celebrating the veteran's return; with the veteran's permission, conducting a welcome home celebration; using caring listening skills in communicating with the veteran; if needed, providing a safe place for the veteran to be able to debrief about his or her situation; taking care of the veteran's family during deployment; providing free marriage enrichment retreat for the veteran and spouse; being sensitive to and alert for signs of distress with the veteran and family members; and acquainting the veteran and family with resources available to them.

2-1 Successful Children's Programming

Charlie Ludden
We will have an open forum where we will discuss the most successful programming we have had in our children's ministry programs. I will bring my favorite ideas, and I hope you will bring yours to share as well! This class is for anyone who works with or supervises those who work with children, and are interested in bringing back new ideas for their congregations children and families.

2-2 How to Share Your Faith in Our Contemporary Society

Ben Williams
This class gives clear understanding for sharing the faith in a very secular world, how Christians can be effective in reaching new people. It is based upon the new book, TELL by Bob Pierson.

2-3 Making Disciples: In and out of Prison

Stan Basler
The workshop will present opportunities for person to live out their faith in ministry with incarcerated persons, formerly incarcerated and their families. The class is directed to lay and clergy looking for ways to be in ministry. The three main points are that ministry is possible to families of incarcerated, with formerly incarcerated in the community and in prison ministry.

2-4 CREDO

Bryan Tener
Introduction to the new Confirmation curriculum

2-5 It Worked for Us Ideas/Models

Donna Heldermon
One of the beautiful things about the UMC is that we are connectional. Because we are connectional we are open to allowing the Holy Spirit to help us learn from each other. This class will provide an opportunity for the sharing of what ministries and or events worked for your church and then in turn you will receive information on what worked for other churches around our Conference. To attend this class, we ask that you bring with you at least one ministry that has worked for your church to share with others. This will be a time of constant discussion, brain storming and question and answering. We are the Church, together!

2-6 Advancing Hope Around the World: UM Missionaries & Their Ministries

Karen Distefano
"Missionary" is one of the oldest and most honored offices of the Christian church, with origins found in Paul's writings in the New Testament. United Methodist missionaries witness and serve in dramatically different locales and cultures and engage in a range of professions and activities. In this workshop, find out how your church can be actively involved in the work our missionaries do on our behalf. The class is great for anyone who wants to know more about how the UMC makes a difference around the world!

2-7 The Communications Connection

Phil Hodson
Though our mission-to go and make disciples-remains the same today as it was for the first disciples, we live in a more broadly connected world. It is ever more challenging to make connections to effectively share our good news. This workshop will offer an interactive setting to introduce you to multiple media tools to enhance your church's ability to engage diverse communities. This class will use discussion, handouts, and video to highlight key components of effective Christian communication in our time.

2-8 Trustees, More than just Buildings

Brian Bakeman
The job of the Trustees includes managing the buildings, risk management, other legal issues, and bequests.

2-9 "Is This Your Call? Ministry Options To Explore"

Chuck Stewart
This class will help pastors, PPR members, youth directors and other interested laity have conversations with people who are hearing God's call for a future in Lay or Ordained ministry. "Did you know we have at least 17 possibilities for specific ministries in the UMC?"

2-10 Hospitality

Wanda & Steve Littrell
This class addresses the need for local churches to be ready for visitors. Simple how to's and ideas will be shared: The first ten minutes; Welcoming certification;
Getting the whole church involved

2-11 Our United Methodist Social Principles and Advocating for Justice

Bruce Davis
Learning more about the Social Principles of the UMC and how you can be a voice for United Methodists through the UM-CAN network and their work to be an active voice for our State policy makers and beyond.

2-12 Leading Through Conflict: Cooling the Hot Spots

Claudean Harrison
Every congregation faces times of crisis, disagreement and sometimes serious conflict. At those occasions, what's a leader to do? This discussion format session will focus on some of the key elements in "handling" conflict in the church. Our leader brings experience in public service, administration, teaching, and local church leadership to this important subject. Who should attend? Anyone who finds themselves in positions of leadership in the church will benefit from this important session.

2-13 Congregations working with Veterans Part 2

Joseph L. Lynch
We will cover pastoral care issues, including the emotional cycle of deployment; PTSD; traumatic brain injuries; suicide prevention; end of life issues, including bereavement and loss; chemical dependency, including self-medication, substance and alcohol abuse; domestic issues, including arguments, verbal, and physical abuse; military sexual trauma; crisis ministry; reintegration and resiliency.