Courses
You have put off the old person and deeds and have put on the new person who is
renewed in knowledge in the knowledge according to the image of God who created
you. Col. 3:9b-10
renewed in knowledge in the knowledge according to the image of God who created
you. Col. 3:9b-10
Creation for Kids
Preschoolers and elementary aged children will attend classes created just for them by Michele
Smith Slone. Experienced teachers will lead them through lively, engaging rotation-based activities as
they celebrate creation, the gift of God's creation, and what it means to be a New Creation
Parents or adult sponsors are responsible for their children and young people at all times other than
during supervised, scheduled activity.
Community for Youth
Jr. and Sr. High youth will experience Christian community, faith and scripture in their own classes.
The Rev. David Fleming and The Rev. A. David Paul will provide the dynamic, enthusiastic leadership.
Faculty: The Rev. Dave Fleming is a retired Presbyterian pastor from Dayton, OH. Dave has spent
years and years with youth at church camps. He leads an annual youth canoe trip, usually to Canada.
He has also spent a lot of time with Boy Scouts and camping with his family. He swims, plays tennis -
and canoes!
Faculty: The Rev. Dave Paul began his career with 11 years as a master’s level therapist. Heeding
God’s call, he then went to Princeton Theological Seminary. For the past 11 years David has
ministered in large and medium sized churches as everything from interim co-youth director to head
of staff. Dave currently works with the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation connecting the church’s lost
generation of leaders (25-45 year olds) with established leaders. transformed leaders.
David and his wife, Jen have three children, Joshua (7), Anna (5), and Adelyn.
Adult Courses
“… the land is mine.” God
This is a four-day class.
The ongoing struggle for land justice in post-apartheid South Africa reflects a critical concern that runs
throughout the Bible: “Is land intended as a gift for all or as a commodity for a few?”
We will look at land as Africans do: land is much more than real estate to be bought or sold or held for
speculation. Land means life for all of creation, and land itself is alive: it suffers and moans; it shouts
and rejoices; it can be desolate and barren or full of beauty and produce.
Stories, pictures and songs from the South African network of churches and organizations called
Sisonke Masilwe Indlala (Together We Are Fighting Hunger) offer fun as well as insight. For
suggested reading and other information, click here.
Faculty: Suzanne Carter and Ken Jones
Susanne and Ken have recently returned from a three year assignment as mission co-workers of the
PC(USA) in South Africa, where they shared the position of Companionship Facilitator for the Joining
Hands initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
Between the two of them, they have been clergy in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve (Cleveland,
Ohio) for a total of 54 years; have lived on four different continents and have raised a combined
number of 5 children.
Healthy Congregations
This is a four-day class.
This Healthy Congregations program — based on Peter L. Steinke’s Healthy Congregations: A
Systems Approach — comprises four workshops focusing on useful skills for congregational leaders.
The study encourages and challenges key leaders in any congregation to become the experts on
maintaining and improving congregational health. The series uses vignettes, case studies,
workbooks, conversation and current research and experience in congregational life as a basis for
interactive, thoughtful learning. Participants will
· Gain a renewed sense of purpose and mission
· Cultivate strong leadership capacities to challenge the congregation
· Learn how to develop healthy patterns of living together in community
· Learn to focus on strengths, resources, and options for the future
· Boost confidence in responding to challenges and opportunities
· Learn how to lead calmly and with thoughtfulness
· Reflect theologically about relationships
· Move the congregation toward healthy functioning
There will be a non-refundable fee for Healthy Congregations materials. Click here for suggested
reading and other information.
Faculty: The Rev. Jim Brazell
The Rev. Jim Brazell (Princeton, '80B) has served small membership (family size) congregations for
more than 25 years. In 1999, Jim enrolled in the Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church
Leaders led by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC). He has participated in the Advanced
Clergy Clinic in Emotional Process since 2000, and completed the Healthy Congregations Facilitator
Training Institute in 2005. Jim and his bride Westi have been married since 1979. Westi is a retired
social worker/active scrap booker. Their daughter Meaghan presented them with the first grandchild
in October 2007.
Consider the birds…
This is a four-day course.
Looking at our feathered kin is but one occasion in nature for discerning God at work for good. Come
with eyes of even a little faith (and good binoculars!) open to espying some of God’s creative designs
among the artful habitats, habits, behaviors, interactions and diversity of birds at Michindoh. Come
listen with both your natural and inner spiritual ear to nature’s beautiful songsters. Be ready to receive
fresh glimpses of God’s creative grace and providential care. Additional bird walks will enhance the
experience for class members and other interested participants. Click here for suggested reading
and other information.
Faculty: Ted Jones
Ted Jones is an honorably retired minister in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. He and Mary
McGrath, his wife, form “Hollow Wick Soul Works,” a ministry of healing, spiritual direction, and
leadership retreats. They live in the “Old Brooklyn” neighborhood of Cleveland, OH.
Ladies and Gentleman, This is a Bible
This is a four-day course.
If you desire a deeper relationship with God through Bible Study or would like to start or supplement
opportunities for adult study and nurture this course is where to begin. Using a variety of learning
styles (lecture, discussion, small groups, individual study, etc.) students will become familiar with the
concept of studying the Bible “as a whole.” We will also explore resources for individual and group
study and have lots of time for questions. Click here for a more extensive class description.
Faculty: The Rev. M.J. Bird
Mary Jean Bird serves as Associate Minister for Parish Life at First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth,
MI. She is pastoral support for Sunday school and LOGOS for all ages, VBS, and Life Long Learning
(Adult Education). She serves on the Presbytery of Detroit Christian Education and Faith Development
Workgroup She graduated from the Dual Degree (MDiv, M.A.C.E.) program at Union-PSCE in 2000.
Prior to coming to Michigan, she served as solo pastor of a 100 member church in Keizer, Oregon.
Scrapbooking Your Faith
This is a two-day M-T course.
Wouldn’t you love to have a written record of your grandmother’s spiritual journey? We will use
scripture, discussion, and scrapbooking to explore our places and purposes in God’s world. At the
end of our time together we will have completed four scrapbook pages, to start us on our own written
record for our descendants! This course is for women or men, beginning or experienced scrappers.
A $10.00 course fee provides scrapbooking materials. Please bring basic scrapping tools (trimmer,
scissors, etc.) if you have them. Also please note your level of scrapping experience on your
registration.
Faculty: Westi Brazell
Westi Brazell has been scrapbooking for more than 10 years, is married to a Presbyterian minister,
and has found new scrapping life in creating a book for her first grandchild! In a previous life she was
a social worker and a teacher’s aide. She now works for Archiver’s, a small chain scrapbook store,
and loves feeding her addiction through their employee discounts!
Effective Children’s Ministry — Logos and More
This is a two-day M-T workshop.
How effective is your church’s children’s ministry? How do you find out? Why is it important for your
church to become an “authoritative community” to nurture faith and build young disciples? Day one —
“Children’s Ministry Effectiveness Model” — answers these questions and will give you ideas on how
to build or invigorate your children’s ministry. Day two — “Introduction to Logos” — highlight one way
some churches have created successful children’s ministries. You can find more information at www.
thelogosministry.org.
Faculty: Sarah Ose and local congregational Logos leaders.
SARAH OSE began her LOGOS ministry at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, where
the program is celebrating its 23rd birthday this year. She has served as LOGOS Ministry Director,
Bible Study Teacher, Recreation Leader, Table Parent and Dinner Dean, and her current role is
“Cuisine Queen” (Kitchen Coordinator). Sarah joined The LOGOS Ministry staff in 1993. She now
serves as Director of Leadership Training, coordinating leaders, host churches and training
resources. Sarah and her husband, Paul, have three married children and four grandchildren.
Bible Study in Black and White: TV Parables
This is a 2-day W-Th class.
What can we learn from Jeb or Aunt Bea? You’ll be surprised. This class explores some Bible studies
that have been written around and from older sitcom shows such as Andy Griffith, The Beverly
Hillbillies and The Lucy Show and they still have a message for us today. You’ll leave with ideas,
discussion and resources to take this program back to your church to use it for Sunday School, a
special time or an intriguing topic to draw new friends to church.
Faculty: Carla Mavis
Carla Mavis is a long time Covenant Gathering attendee and has been teaching adults in her home
church off and on for the last 10 years. She has two grown children and lives in Jackson, Ohio.
Music Class
This is a 2-day W-Th class.
From tambourine and lyre to synthesizers and drums, Psalms to Twila Paris… music and worship
have been paths to God. This class will focus on the worship experience and music’s role in it. We'll
be talking about the history of church music and the place of music in modern worship, as well as
about instruments and songs. Come prepared to learn, sing and play. Previous musical experience
and knowledge is very welcome, but not required.
Faculty: Eric Frisch
Eric Frisch is a musician and worship leader from Columbus, Ohio. He has 10 years church music
experience and currently serves as Worship Arts Director at Centerpoint Church, Lewis Center, Ohio.
Eric works extensively throughout the state as a solo artist, worship leader, musician, composer, and
children's music clinician. He also performs regularly with the Columbus-based Brandon Abbott Trio.
Eric will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Percussion from Otterbein College in June 2008.
Practical Ministry for the Elderly
This is a 2-day M-T class.
Practical Ministry for the Elderly will offer an overview of the special challenges for pastor
and parish in establishing programs to meet the needs of older adults. We will discuss those
older adults in the congregation who want and are able to be involved in church work, as well
as the special needs of those who are facing physical and mental changes that can come
with growing older. The experience will include identifying our own fears and concerns
connected with the losses of aging. The focus will be on developing a ministry of memories,
acceptance, and hope.
Faculty: Peggy Sterner
Peggy Sterner has worked with and for the elderly for 20 years, most recently as an activities
provider in a nursing home. She is proud to be a pastor’s wife, mother of nine and grandmother of
twelve. She lives in Albion with her husband John, her mother Betty, three dogs and three cats. She is
approaching her own old age with much hesitation.
Human Development
A 30-hour certification course for Christian Educators and an approved course for CLP candidates.
Faculty: Mickie O’Donnell, MRE
Mickie O’Donnell has worked in the Educational and Counseling Ministries in the local church since
1976 starting in Jr. High and College ministries. She is the graduate of The University of Aberdeen
Scotland with a Masters of Philosophy, 1985 and Trinity Divinity School with a Masters of Religious
Education, 1991. Mickie served as Minister of Christian Education at Westhill Christian Fellowship in
Aberdeen Scotland; at The Village Presbyterian Church in Northbrook, IL for 11 years; as Director of
Children’s Ministries at Christ Church of Oak Brook for 3 years; and as Associate Pastor at River of
Life Church formerly in Downers Grove until 2003. She has been a counselor for families and
children since 1985 specializing in Play Therapy with children, Parent Education and Women’s
Issues. Currently Mickie is serving as Minister of Spiritual Formation at Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Aurora, IL. She is the mother of four grown children and has two granddaughters.
Preschoolers and elementary aged children will attend classes created just for them by Michele
Smith Slone. Experienced teachers will lead them through lively, engaging rotation-based activities as
they celebrate creation, the gift of God's creation, and what it means to be a New Creation
Parents or adult sponsors are responsible for their children and young people at all times other than
during supervised, scheduled activity.
Community for Youth
Jr. and Sr. High youth will experience Christian community, faith and scripture in their own classes.
The Rev. David Fleming and The Rev. A. David Paul will provide the dynamic, enthusiastic leadership.
Faculty: The Rev. Dave Fleming is a retired Presbyterian pastor from Dayton, OH. Dave has spent
years and years with youth at church camps. He leads an annual youth canoe trip, usually to Canada.
He has also spent a lot of time with Boy Scouts and camping with his family. He swims, plays tennis -
and canoes!
Faculty: The Rev. Dave Paul began his career with 11 years as a master’s level therapist. Heeding
God’s call, he then went to Princeton Theological Seminary. For the past 11 years David has
ministered in large and medium sized churches as everything from interim co-youth director to head
of staff. Dave currently works with the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation connecting the church’s lost
generation of leaders (25-45 year olds) with established leaders. transformed leaders.
David and his wife, Jen have three children, Joshua (7), Anna (5), and Adelyn.
Adult Courses
“… the land is mine.” God
This is a four-day class.
The ongoing struggle for land justice in post-apartheid South Africa reflects a critical concern that runs
throughout the Bible: “Is land intended as a gift for all or as a commodity for a few?”
We will look at land as Africans do: land is much more than real estate to be bought or sold or held for
speculation. Land means life for all of creation, and land itself is alive: it suffers and moans; it shouts
and rejoices; it can be desolate and barren or full of beauty and produce.
Stories, pictures and songs from the South African network of churches and organizations called
Sisonke Masilwe Indlala (Together We Are Fighting Hunger) offer fun as well as insight. For
suggested reading and other information, click here.
Faculty: Suzanne Carter and Ken Jones
Susanne and Ken have recently returned from a three year assignment as mission co-workers of the
PC(USA) in South Africa, where they shared the position of Companionship Facilitator for the Joining
Hands initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
Between the two of them, they have been clergy in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve (Cleveland,
Ohio) for a total of 54 years; have lived on four different continents and have raised a combined
number of 5 children.
Healthy Congregations
This is a four-day class.
This Healthy Congregations program — based on Peter L. Steinke’s Healthy Congregations: A
Systems Approach — comprises four workshops focusing on useful skills for congregational leaders.
The study encourages and challenges key leaders in any congregation to become the experts on
maintaining and improving congregational health. The series uses vignettes, case studies,
workbooks, conversation and current research and experience in congregational life as a basis for
interactive, thoughtful learning. Participants will
· Gain a renewed sense of purpose and mission
· Cultivate strong leadership capacities to challenge the congregation
· Learn how to develop healthy patterns of living together in community
· Learn to focus on strengths, resources, and options for the future
· Boost confidence in responding to challenges and opportunities
· Learn how to lead calmly and with thoughtfulness
· Reflect theologically about relationships
· Move the congregation toward healthy functioning
There will be a non-refundable fee for Healthy Congregations materials. Click here for suggested
reading and other information.
Faculty: The Rev. Jim Brazell
The Rev. Jim Brazell (Princeton, '80B) has served small membership (family size) congregations for
more than 25 years. In 1999, Jim enrolled in the Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church
Leaders led by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC). He has participated in the Advanced
Clergy Clinic in Emotional Process since 2000, and completed the Healthy Congregations Facilitator
Training Institute in 2005. Jim and his bride Westi have been married since 1979. Westi is a retired
social worker/active scrap booker. Their daughter Meaghan presented them with the first grandchild
in October 2007.
Consider the birds…
This is a four-day course.
Looking at our feathered kin is but one occasion in nature for discerning God at work for good. Come
with eyes of even a little faith (and good binoculars!) open to espying some of God’s creative designs
among the artful habitats, habits, behaviors, interactions and diversity of birds at Michindoh. Come
listen with both your natural and inner spiritual ear to nature’s beautiful songsters. Be ready to receive
fresh glimpses of God’s creative grace and providential care. Additional bird walks will enhance the
experience for class members and other interested participants. Click here for suggested reading
and other information.
Faculty: Ted Jones
Ted Jones is an honorably retired minister in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. He and Mary
McGrath, his wife, form “Hollow Wick Soul Works,” a ministry of healing, spiritual direction, and
leadership retreats. They live in the “Old Brooklyn” neighborhood of Cleveland, OH.
Ladies and Gentleman, This is a Bible
This is a four-day course.
If you desire a deeper relationship with God through Bible Study or would like to start or supplement
opportunities for adult study and nurture this course is where to begin. Using a variety of learning
styles (lecture, discussion, small groups, individual study, etc.) students will become familiar with the
concept of studying the Bible “as a whole.” We will also explore resources for individual and group
study and have lots of time for questions. Click here for a more extensive class description.
Faculty: The Rev. M.J. Bird
Mary Jean Bird serves as Associate Minister for Parish Life at First Presbyterian Church in Plymouth,
MI. She is pastoral support for Sunday school and LOGOS for all ages, VBS, and Life Long Learning
(Adult Education). She serves on the Presbytery of Detroit Christian Education and Faith Development
Workgroup She graduated from the Dual Degree (MDiv, M.A.C.E.) program at Union-PSCE in 2000.
Prior to coming to Michigan, she served as solo pastor of a 100 member church in Keizer, Oregon.
Scrapbooking Your Faith
This is a two-day M-T course.
Wouldn’t you love to have a written record of your grandmother’s spiritual journey? We will use
scripture, discussion, and scrapbooking to explore our places and purposes in God’s world. At the
end of our time together we will have completed four scrapbook pages, to start us on our own written
record for our descendants! This course is for women or men, beginning or experienced scrappers.
A $10.00 course fee provides scrapbooking materials. Please bring basic scrapping tools (trimmer,
scissors, etc.) if you have them. Also please note your level of scrapping experience on your
registration.
Faculty: Westi Brazell
Westi Brazell has been scrapbooking for more than 10 years, is married to a Presbyterian minister,
and has found new scrapping life in creating a book for her first grandchild! In a previous life she was
a social worker and a teacher’s aide. She now works for Archiver’s, a small chain scrapbook store,
and loves feeding her addiction through their employee discounts!
Effective Children’s Ministry — Logos and More
This is a two-day M-T workshop.
How effective is your church’s children’s ministry? How do you find out? Why is it important for your
church to become an “authoritative community” to nurture faith and build young disciples? Day one —
“Children’s Ministry Effectiveness Model” — answers these questions and will give you ideas on how
to build or invigorate your children’s ministry. Day two — “Introduction to Logos” — highlight one way
some churches have created successful children’s ministries. You can find more information at www.
thelogosministry.org.
Faculty: Sarah Ose and local congregational Logos leaders.
SARAH OSE began her LOGOS ministry at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, where
the program is celebrating its 23rd birthday this year. She has served as LOGOS Ministry Director,
Bible Study Teacher, Recreation Leader, Table Parent and Dinner Dean, and her current role is
“Cuisine Queen” (Kitchen Coordinator). Sarah joined The LOGOS Ministry staff in 1993. She now
serves as Director of Leadership Training, coordinating leaders, host churches and training
resources. Sarah and her husband, Paul, have three married children and four grandchildren.
Bible Study in Black and White: TV Parables
This is a 2-day W-Th class.
What can we learn from Jeb or Aunt Bea? You’ll be surprised. This class explores some Bible studies
that have been written around and from older sitcom shows such as Andy Griffith, The Beverly
Hillbillies and The Lucy Show and they still have a message for us today. You’ll leave with ideas,
discussion and resources to take this program back to your church to use it for Sunday School, a
special time or an intriguing topic to draw new friends to church.
Faculty: Carla Mavis
Carla Mavis is a long time Covenant Gathering attendee and has been teaching adults in her home
church off and on for the last 10 years. She has two grown children and lives in Jackson, Ohio.
Music Class
This is a 2-day W-Th class.
From tambourine and lyre to synthesizers and drums, Psalms to Twila Paris… music and worship
have been paths to God. This class will focus on the worship experience and music’s role in it. We'll
be talking about the history of church music and the place of music in modern worship, as well as
about instruments and songs. Come prepared to learn, sing and play. Previous musical experience
and knowledge is very welcome, but not required.
Faculty: Eric Frisch
Eric Frisch is a musician and worship leader from Columbus, Ohio. He has 10 years church music
experience and currently serves as Worship Arts Director at Centerpoint Church, Lewis Center, Ohio.
Eric works extensively throughout the state as a solo artist, worship leader, musician, composer, and
children's music clinician. He also performs regularly with the Columbus-based Brandon Abbott Trio.
Eric will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Percussion from Otterbein College in June 2008.
Practical Ministry for the Elderly
This is a 2-day M-T class.
Practical Ministry for the Elderly will offer an overview of the special challenges for pastor
and parish in establishing programs to meet the needs of older adults. We will discuss those
older adults in the congregation who want and are able to be involved in church work, as well
as the special needs of those who are facing physical and mental changes that can come
with growing older. The experience will include identifying our own fears and concerns
connected with the losses of aging. The focus will be on developing a ministry of memories,
acceptance, and hope.
Faculty: Peggy Sterner
Peggy Sterner has worked with and for the elderly for 20 years, most recently as an activities
provider in a nursing home. She is proud to be a pastor’s wife, mother of nine and grandmother of
twelve. She lives in Albion with her husband John, her mother Betty, three dogs and three cats. She is
approaching her own old age with much hesitation.
Human Development
A 30-hour certification course for Christian Educators and an approved course for CLP candidates.
Faculty: Mickie O’Donnell, MRE
Mickie O’Donnell has worked in the Educational and Counseling Ministries in the local church since
1976 starting in Jr. High and College ministries. She is the graduate of The University of Aberdeen
Scotland with a Masters of Philosophy, 1985 and Trinity Divinity School with a Masters of Religious
Education, 1991. Mickie served as Minister of Christian Education at Westhill Christian Fellowship in
Aberdeen Scotland; at The Village Presbyterian Church in Northbrook, IL for 11 years; as Director of
Children’s Ministries at Christ Church of Oak Brook for 3 years; and as Associate Pastor at River of
Life Church formerly in Downers Grove until 2003. She has been a counselor for families and
children since 1985 specializing in Play Therapy with children, Parent Education and Women’s
Issues. Currently Mickie is serving as Minister of Spiritual Formation at Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Aurora, IL. She is the mother of four grown children and has two granddaughters.
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