Memory as a practice of hope
December 5, 2018
Here’s an invitation, then, for your Advent practice: Attend to your memories of joy and liberation. … More Memory as a practice of hope
Category: Uncategorized
What do deacons do?
October 11, 2018
Learn more about the Diaconate with these workshops and courses … More What do deacons do?
Take your first course free in Fall 2018
July 3, 2018
If you’ve never taken a course in the School for Formation before, try one of these for free in Fall 2018. … More Take your first course free in Fall 2018
Potent, poetic, prophetic and helpful
July 2, 2018
Looking for some summer reading? Check out these books and podcasts. … More Potent, poetic, prophetic and helpful
What You’re Reading: Testimonials from Clergy Conference
April 27, 2018
What follows are recommendations for great things, crowd-sourced at this week’s Clergy Conference! TV SHOWS The Last Man on Earth Atlanta NOVELS Lincoln in the Bardo – George Saunders Ordinary Grace – William Kent Krueger Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi THEOLOGY, POLITICAL, & LIFE BOOKS Wait, What? and Life’s Other Essential Questions – James E. Ryan … More What You’re Reading: Testimonials from Clergy Conference
Bridging the political divide in your faith community
March 19, 2018
Check out this course and see more offerings, available to members of ECMN for free. … More Bridging the political divide in your faith community
Change the conversation
February 28, 2018
We have this strength in our DNA: the willingness to be present in relationships where issues of the deepest import create life-or-death conflict. … More Change the conversation
What we talk about when we talk about guns
February 21, 2018
Four resources here for you as you consider how to speak publicly about gun violence: Wondering how to crack open the gun policy conversation in a polarized environment? Gun Reform: Speaking Truth to Bullshit, Practicing Civility, and Effecting Change by Brené Brown will challenge you to get beyond the all-or-nothing frame that has dominated our national … More What we talk about when we talk about guns
The promise, and peril, of wilderness
February 8, 2018
Delusions of heroism can lead to isolation and spiraling disconnection from God, self, and others. … More The promise, and peril, of wilderness
Lent 2018: Resources for your Practice
February 8, 2018
The call to fasting, prayer, and silence in Lent isn’t a Christian cover on secular anxiety and DIY happiness. It’s about returning to God, who we meet in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who offers us rest, grace, and belovedness. … More Lent 2018: Resources for your Practice
Sharing the Wisdom of the Crisis Leadership Workshop
January 22, 2018
In mid-January, those in formation for Holy Orders gathered for a weekend of integration and prayerful reflection, supported by clergy from across ECMN. On Saturday afternoon, all participants gathered for an intensive workshop, in which they were asked to imagine themselves serving faith communities in Charlottesville, VA, in advance of the white supremacist rallies that … More Sharing the Wisdom of the Crisis Leadership Workshop
Pre-Lent Clergy Retreat 2018
January 3, 2018
As we prepare for Lent in 2018, the School for Formation is making two of its one-day workshops available to clergy seeking a pre-Lent retreat day. Join us on Saturday, February 3, at the ECMN Retreat Center in Faribault, for a day of prayer and learning. We’re excited to share both of these workshops: passionate, … More Pre-Lent Clergy Retreat 2018
Take your first course free in Spring 2018.
December 7, 2017
As ECMN continues to make the School for Formation a resource that serves all our faith communities, we’re excited to offer this opportunity! If you’ve never taken a course in the School for Formation before, try one of these for free in Spring 2018. Upon completion, receive a voucher to take half off the cost of … More Take your first course free in Spring 2018.
Three steps to take advantage of our partnership with ChurchNext
October 2, 2017
“This deepened my body, mind, and spirit regarding racism on personal and theoretical levels.” “I loved how it was broken up into sections and allowed me to return where I left off. The speakers and videos were very engaging.” Friends, we’re excited to tell you that the School for Formation is continuing our partnership with … More Three steps to take advantage of our partnership with ChurchNext
Preaching after Charlottesville
August 14, 2017
Guest blogger: The Rev. Marcus Halley, Rector at St. Paul’s, Lake of the Isles In the wake of the horrific attacks by White Supremacists that have devastated the local community in Charlottesville, Virginia, cost the lives of the 3 Americans (1 counter-protestor and 2 law enforcement officers), and stunned the nation, many have issued clarion … More Preaching after Charlottesville
Ground yourself in Scripture
August 8, 2017
by guest blogger and SFF summer intern Christy Stang Deepening Roots: Becoming Grounded in Scripture Any type of spiritual programming will inevitably teach you something. Not every program, however, gives you the experience you need to put down roots in your theological heritage and to find your place within the church’s story. Deepening Roots provides … More Ground yourself in Scripture
Practicing love over fear
August 2, 2017
Last week, at the Rethinking Church conference at Luther Seminary, we heard a speaker offer this nugget of wisdom attributed to a fighter pilot: “In the moment of crisis, we don’t rise to the occasion. We revert to our training. That’s why we train so much.” In the midst of rapid-fire news, the constant barrage … More Practicing love over fear
Partners for Interfaith Learning
June 15, 2017
Looking for ways you or your faith community can move from tolerance to relationship? … More Partners for Interfaith Learning
Eastertide News from the School for Formation
April 24, 2017
Three and a half things you need to know to take advantage of the School for Formation’s resources this spring. … More Eastertide News from the School for Formation
Pray Your Sermon Into Being with Backstory Preaching
April 6, 2017
Backstory Preaching has generously allowed SFF to share their guide for how to make your sermon prep a spiritual respite through the daily practice of Lectio Divina. Download this PDF to organize your sermon prep and pray your sermon into being. Lisa at Backstory also says: “[I]f you haven’t already, I encourage you to make appointments … More Pray Your Sermon Into Being with Backstory Preaching