Learning Ministries' Day
January 25, 2025
Submitted by Cheryl Statham, Faith Formation Convener
Learning Ministries Day occurred on the cold, sunny day on Saturday, January 25, at Jordan, Orefield. Organized by the Faith Formation Resource Ministry Team, more than 50 people attended the event, a time of fellowship, fun, learning and searching for answers. The day began with morning refreshments and opening worship led by Pastor Siegfried. Then, for the first time in the history of this event, instead of one keynote speaker, there was a four-person panel answering a series of questions about the difficulties and responsibilities of living a Christian life and what a Christian life really is.
The panel included: The Rev. Martin Otto-Zimmann from United Lutheran Seminary, The Rev. Erin Jones of LAMPa, Michael Sorrentino, a Lehigh County Detective, and The Rev. Daniel Brettell of St. Paul’s, Easton and St. Luke’s Hospital.
Their personal histories and struggles were meaningful and eye-opening for the entire audience and we were extremely thankful that they were willing to be with us. After that, participants were able to attend three workshops from a whole host of choices. Workshops included: Social Justice and Environmental Ethics, Keeping Our Churches Staffed, Faith Formation in Worship, The Partnership of Faith and Mental Health, All Creation Sings Justice, Walking the Labyrinth, It’s Craft Time, Courage of Bible Studies, the ELCA’s Social Message on Climate Change, and Advocacy as a Tool of Discipleship.
Challenging, exciting and thought-provoking were some of the ways that people described the workshops they attended. All in all, it was a wonderful day for everyone, and the Team would like to thank the people of Jordan, Orefield for opening their church to all of us.
