Spiritual valleys are a normal part of the Christian journey, but for the church professional these times seem to be a hazard of the job. Spiritual valleys carry shame and loneliness for the church professional. In this intensive we’ll explore some causes of spiritual dryness, discuss the reality of God’s deep and abiding love, and experience God’s grace to fall in love with Jesus all over again.

Lisa Hellyer loves the Lord and has a heart for connecting with His people.  Often times throughout the week, in her desire to hear other people’s stories, and to share what God is working in her life, Lisa can be caught sharing a meal or coffee with others. Lisa’s passion for relationships impacts her audiences as well, as she weaves together the fabrics of God’s Word, story-telling, and her tremendous sense of humor.  Lisa loves to play golf, cheer for the Miami Dolphins, and spend time with her nieces and nephews.

Real, true, meaningful play is sometimes lacking in early childhood programs.  What does real play look like?   How can we engage children in play that assists their learning and cognitive development?  God designed play as a way for us to learn about ourselves and our environment.  This special conference session will take a closer look at what the best forms of play are, how we can foster the right kind of developmentally appropriate play, as well as strategies that we, as teachers, can use in implementing quality play in our classroom right away!

Drew D. Gerdes is a nationally sought-after speaker on a variety of topics related to early childhood education.  He currently serves as Early Childhood Director at Messiah Lutheran School in Weldon Spring, MO, west of St. Louis.  Drew also spent 12 years serving in Springfield, MO, as Kindergarten Teacher, Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Director, and Director of Admission.  He is a graduate of Concordia – St.Paul, MN.  He received his MSEd. from Missouri State University.  Serving the Church-at-Large, Drew has been actively involved with various roles in the Lutheran Education Association, Missouri District, and NLSA.  He also writes publications and academic material for CPH, LEA, and other educational professional organizations.  Drew and his wife, Valerie, live in Wentzville, MO.

“Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort.” — Walt Disney

There is no place on earth branded as well as the Walt Disney Magic Kindgom and Disneyland theme parks. From front gate greeters to parking lot attendants, from street sweepers to majestic princesses, Disney “cast members” take seriously their unique role in creating a complete experience for guests that is unlike any other. If it weren’t for the consistency of brand engagement projected by every member of the team, the happiest place on earth would be just another amusement park.

What about your Lutheran school?

When current or prospective students and families experience your school, what personality comes through? How does your school practice, protect, and strengthen its brand handshake at every level?

Your internal culture is the most essential element in building a successful, consistent, memorable (and even magical) brand identity.

Discover how to inspire and engage faculty, current families, and even board members to establish and nurture a quality organizational culture that amplifies your mission and deepens your relationships with current students and prospects. Consider what it means to build a school identity that is treasured by everyone, and instantly understood, recognized, and yes, even felt by everyone who encounters your team. Let’s build a better (Lutheran school) brand.

Gretchen Jameson has spent the last decade leading communications within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, first as the Communications Director for the National Youth Gathering and then as the Director of PR and Corporate Communications at Concordia Publishing House. In April of 2010, Gretchen launched purePR. With a tag line of “Mission Matters Most,” purePR works with ministries, nonprofits, and mission based for-profit companies to develop effective communications strategies.

In addition to serving dozens of faith based nonprofits, purePR is the PR lead for former Missouri Governor Bob Holden, the Holden Public Policy Forum, and the Midwest U.S. China Association. A 1997 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska (where she was named Young Alumnus of the Year in 2010), Gretchen also holds a master’s degree in PR from Webster University. She is a 2012 recipient of the Emerging Young Professional award from the Athena Leadership Foundation – St. Charles, Missouri, and is active in her community and congregation.

There will be two main focuses:

1) The first focus is around current brain research in three areas: exercise, diet and play/rest/sleep and how those dramatically affect our brains. The presentation is engaging and interactive and will be helpful for a deeper understanding of stewardship of our bodies in the 21st Century. There will be time to process the information and how it applies personally and also how it can be helpful to the people in the congregations you serve.

2) The second focus is on what brain research has to say about the people we face in the pews and the classroom and what we can do to plan well for the 21st Century worshiper and student. There will be time to process the information with peers and talk about real-life application.

Prepare for a lively presentation that will: challenge the way you think about your own and your congregants’ health and wellness, and provide practical and do-able alternatives and models for change; and prepare you to integrate a ‘whole body’ approach to planning worship, education and general parish life.

Mark Schoepp has served the church for more than 30 years, including 14 years in education and youth ministry in parishes in Oregon, Washington and Nebraska.   In 1994, Mark and his wife, Becky, and their four children launched Fitz Family Ministries, a unique family ministry and entertainment troupe.  They performed all over the United States in schools and churches, youth gatherings and conferences. He joined Wheat Ridge Ministries as full time Church Relations Representative in July 2010.

Since 1994, Mark Schoepp has been studying the developments in the field of brain research and education, with a special interest in brain health and its application to the church, the church school and the home setting. He has been leading workshops for pastors and inservice days for teachers all across the United States, helping faculties, staff and parents make immediate application for improved personal health, more focused attention, for brains ready to learn, and for brain-friendly planning.

What should “school” look like in 2012? In this session we will take a look at how “Cloud-based” applications like Google Docs can not only increase your personal productivity as an education professional, but also help your students by allowing them to create and collaborate both in and away from the classroom

Dennis Grice is a Technology Coordinator at St. John’s Lutheran School in Orange, California where his mission is not to teach technology, but to help teachers use technology to teach. He is also a STAR Discovery Educator, Member of the LCMS Technology Cabinet, TEC21 Workshop Facilitator, and has shared his passion for integrating technology and curriculum at workshops and conferences across the country.