Program - Meeting Summary

Friday, February 14th, 2025, 3:00pm ET (Created by AI)

present: Dan Miller, Brian Dixon, Ginny Tobiassen, Jamie Almquist. (Monique Richards)

The team discussed the differences between Camp and Convo, focusing on the unique aspects of Convo as a one-time event with a structured experience and opportunities for learning and growth. They also explored the concept of "mission" and its relevance to their work, considering the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in their practices. Lastly, they developed a spiritual program for teenagers, emphasizing the importance of self-exploration, mission, and group dynamics, and the value of community and fellowship in the Moravian church.

Next Steps

Dan to obtain and review the workbook from the Prague convo for reference on materials to provide.

Ginny to share the Atlantic article about solitary living with Jamie.

Programming team to develop a curriculum that includes self-exploration, spiritual practices, and mission-focused activities. This will also incorporate small group discussions and time for self-reflection throughout the week.

Dan to reach out to Monique and the Florida district for input on local mission opportunities and cultural aspects to include in the program.

Programming team to explore ways to integrate Moravian traditions and history into the convo program without making it the sole focus.

Dan to investigate the possibility of involving spiritual direction or obtaining resources from them for the convo program (consulting Jamie).

Programming team to develop a framework for the convo based on the concepts of "call to action," "ready for action," and "mission in action.”

Visa Concerns

Jamie shared that she was planning to attend a conference but was uncertain due to her visa situation and the current political climate between Canada and the US. Dan acknowledged her concerns and assured her that he would keep her situation in mind.

Camp vs. Convo

The team discussed the differences between Camp and Convo, with a focus on the unique aspects of Convo. They agreed that Convo is a one-time event, with a fresh-faced group of people who may not return next time. They also noted that Convo is a more formal and structured experience, with opportunities for learning and growth, unlike the leisurely nature of Camp. The team also considered the idea of Convo as a "mini university" with different tracks for learning, similar to a synod. They agreed that Convo should provide a sense of community and comfort among people from different backgrounds. The team also discussed the importance of investing time and money in Convo, and the desire to walk away with something meaningful.

Exploring Moravian Church in Florida

The team discussed the upcoming event, focusing on the unique aspects of the Moravian Church in different locations. They emphasized the importance of understanding the Moravian identity in various contexts, especially in Florida. The team agreed on the need for a diverse representation of the church's different aspects and the potential for learning from other Moravian communities. They also discussed the role of the youth team in supporting the event and the potential for involving local Florida Moravian churches in the program. The team expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn from the Florida district and to experience a different aspect of the Moravian Church.

Exploring Mission In Action Concepts

The team discussed the concept of "mission" and its relevance to their work. Dan suggested that the word "mission" might not be directly mentioned in the New Testament, but the idea of being "sent" is present. He proposed exploring the concept of mission and action, and how it can be applied to various aspects of life. Ginny suggested that the team should explore what mission means to them and how it can be implemented in their daily lives. Brian emphasized the importance of unpacking the concept of mission and its connection to the Holy Spirit. The team also discussed the potential of using Moravian history and traditions to connect with the participants' lives. The conversation ended with the idea of introducing stories of young missionaries like Rebecca Pratten to inspire the participants. The team wondered what else could be used from Rebecca’s story to shape the convo event.

Balancing Tradition and Personal Growth

The team discussed the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in their practices. They considered the idea of having participants leave with a personal commitment or covenant, rather than a fully formed purpose statement. The team also explored the idea of workshops that help attendees understand their strengths and how to work with others, which could be seen as a practical tool for their mission. Ginny emphasized the importance of self-examination for teenagers, suggesting that this could be a key aspect of their spiritual growth.

Small Groups and Other Practices for Spiritual Growth

The team discussed the importance of small group interactions for personal growth and development. They agreed that these groups could help individuals identify their strengths and passions, and also provide a supportive environment for sharing personal struggles and needs. The idea of having a "Lebenslauf" or journaling exercise was suggested to encourage introspection and creativity. The team also discussed the value of receiving affirmations from others, highlighting the story of the disciples in the Bible as an example of the power of community and support. The consensus was that small groups could play a significant role in fostering personal growth and community bonding.

Developing a “Spiritual” (in their sense) Program for Teens

The team discussed the development of a spiritual program for teenagers, focusing on self-exploration, mission, and group dynamics. They considered incorporating spiritual direction and group discussions to enhance the program's effectiveness. The team also explored the idea of framing the program as a cycle of:

Call to action (How does God call us/speak to us?)

Readiness for action (Who am I? How am I equipped? How can I help?)

Mission in action (What can I do?)

They discussed the importance of reflection after service projects and the potential for individuals to miss in action, both within the church and in their personal lives. The team agreed on the need to encourage young people to engage with the church and to understand the value of community and togetherness. (and how Moravian mission is motivated by that - fellowship!)

The group discusses the importance of community and fellowship in the Moravian church. They share stories about tattoos as symbols of identity and belonging, emphasizing how these connections can create a sense of global family. The conversation touches on the value of intergenerational relationships within the church and the need for genuine connections. They also reflect on the importance of both spiritual discussions and practical logistics in planning their event, expressing gratitude for those who handle organizational tasks. (Order of St. Ed)

Other Ideas (Not on AI)

Many church members time and time again say the youth are “missing in action” in the church. How would convo respond? What would they like to say to the church?

Possible Learnings/Workshops: Gifts, Conflict Resolution, Small Group Dynamics, Myers-Briggs, Spiritual Direction, Social Justice, Bible Study, UN Sustainability Goals

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