Pre-convention events:

Sunday, July 1, 2007, 1 to 9 p.m. -
Monday, July 2, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Urban Leaders Network gathering (Open to all): “Live the Call: Conversations about New Models for Church.” All urban constituents and others with a heart for the city are invited to gather to worship, network and discuss emerging models of being the church in the 21st century. Stories that highlight both successes and challenges of new church models will be shared. The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the recipient of the George and Pearl Kauffman Urban Leader Award for 2007.
Registration cost for the entire meeting is $60. The fee includes the Sunday evening dinner as well as a registration packet.

Monday, July 2, 2007, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Voices from the Valley/La voz del valle
Leaders of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference in collaboration with West Coast Mennonite Central Committee invite you to participate in an engaging day of reflection on key issues surrounding realities of immigration and the border. Participants will depart from the convention center and travel to the Fresno/Reedley, Calif., area. Registration for the tour is $85 per person and is limited to 25 participants. This fee includes lunch.

Monday, July 2, 2007, 9 to11:45 a.m.; 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
Sing the Story: Introducing the New Hymnal Supplement. Worship and music leaders, pastors and all who enjoy congregational singing are invited to a preview of the new hymnal supplement, Sing the Story. Led by members of the Hymnal Supplement Committee (including Marlene Kropf, Ken Nafziger and Randall Spaulding), this workshop will include times for worship as well as an opportunity to sing and get acquainted with many of the songs in the supplement. Sing the Story is the second of a pair of supplements which offer music and worship resources to the church for use and testing prior to the possible development of a new hymnal.
Registration for the all-day workshop is $60. The fee includes a morning refreshment break as well as a copy of the new hymnal supplement. This fee does not include lunch.

Monday, July 2, 2007 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pastor’s seminar and appreciation lunch. Juan Martínez, associate professor of Hispanic Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and Chair of Shalom Ministries / Center for Anabaptist Leadership (CAL) in Pasadena, Calif., will lead a pastor’s seminar from 9 a.m. to noon. After a time of worship, Martínez will give a presentation and lead a workshop on “Intercultural Life and Ministry.” The presentation and discussion groups that follow will help participants understand the multi-cultural setting for pastoral ministry in North America and think about its implications for congregations and pastors.
An appreciation lunch for pastors will follow the morning seminar. Juan Martínez will speak on what it means to be “Anabaptist and missional.” Jim Schrag, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, will also bring greetings and a blessing.
Juan Martínez is an ordained pastor in the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, church planter and seminary professor with a special interest in how acculturation shapes and impacts understandings of church and pastoral ministry. With this background, Martínez is well qualified to help pastors consider issues related to intercultural communication and ministry. Martínez holds a master’s of divinity degree from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and a master of theology and doctor of philosophy from Fuller Theological Seminary.
The cost to participate in the seminar and lunch is $10 per person to the first 200 congregational pastors, conference ministers and their spouses who register for this event. The seminar and appreciation lunch are brought to you by Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership and generously underwritten by MMA.

Post-convention event:

Saturday, July 7 – 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Leadership and anxiety in the church: A family systems perspective. Facilitator Rev. Richard Blackburn, executive director for the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, has broad experience as a trainer, mediator and consultant with conflicted churches and their leaders.
Family systems theory helps pastors and lay leaders understand congregational dynamics by identifying differentiation of self and anxiety as key variables influencing behavior. “Leadership and Anxiety in the Church” takes a biblical look at the challenge presented by the rising levels of anxiety in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership can play in calming such anxiety, so the church can stay focused on its unique mission and purpose.
We strongly suggest pastoral teams attend together and bring lay leaders. After paying two full registrations, congregations may send additional people at a cost of $37 each. Cost: $62/person (includes extensive manual).