Bishop’s Conference 2018
November 6-8

Exposing the Idols: Reflection and Practice

This year’s Bishop’s Conference will focus on the many idols that confront us – the powers, myths, and lies that seek to overwhelm us. The Rev. Dr. Melinda A. Quivik will help us to identify a wide variety of idols:  theological, cultural, and personal. She will also lead us to consider pastoral practices that are faithful and fruitful in the face of so many struggles. Come to this year’s conference ready to be challenged, comforted, and energized for ministry.

Register online. Download a flyer: Word or PDF. Confirmation letter.

The Rev. Dr. Melinda Quivik will help us to face idols both inside and outside of the church. The plenary sessions will address sacramental and theological idols, societal idols, and individual idols (both personal and professional).

Facilitator: The Rev. Dr. Melinda Quivik

Dr. Quivik, an ELCA pastor and former seminary professor of worship and preaching, writes, edits, and gives workshops and lectures on worship and preaching. Having recently served as pastor of a PCUSA/UCC church in Houghton, Michigan, she continues work as the Editor-in-Chief of Liturgy, a quarterly journal, and regularly contributes to Sundays & Seasons: Preaching. Her books includeServing the Word: Preaching in Worship (Fortress Press, 2009) and, most recently, In Sure and Certain Hope: A Funeral Sourcebookfor pastors and worship leaders (Augsburg Fortress, 2017).

Editor’s Note: This year’s logo was created by Mary Rigg, the 17-year old daughter of Pastor Mark and Suzanne Rigg. Here is a description from Mary: The left side represents the idols. Since they promise things they cannot give, the eye on the left has a teardrop under it. The left eye is closed and in the dark because the idols have not been revealed. The eye on the right has had the idols exposed and is now open to see the light. The bumps on the right are soft because they are the grace of God, and the spikes on the left are sharp because they are the agony of sin.