unconference

Unconference Topic - Journey Justice Mission
Idea Initiator / Facilitator - Carl Isaacson

Unconference Discussion Group - “Investment Through Involvment”
Idea Initiator: Mitch Matlow
Discussion Facilitator: Carl Isaacson

Unconference topic: How can we make messages meaningful?

Testimonies are key
-Allow us to get real & share who is struggling / has struggled with different things, brings different voices into the experience
-Un-sermon series featuring prayer requests, testimonies, music only, etc.
-Backed up with someone who ties things together / teaches

How to integrate Bible in messages?
-Using Bible verses to show you where you can turn for comfort / answers for certain issues, addressing felt needs.

At the Unconference, around 10 of us got together and discussed what a Bible study for Newcomers would look like. We recognize that people are hesitant about reading the Bible, they need a place to talk and process about what they read, and a place to ask questions about the validity and authority of the Bible. Having the group be relevant within a study format with a book to guide the discussion is important.

When first sitting down with our group at Sunday’s Unconference to talk about why we feel strongly about having One Combined Service on Sundays, we did so with heavy hearts.

This topic has been brought up many times over the years and Jeff has openly opposed the idea. It was also made clear that this is still the case.

Notes from the unconference session on Reaching Non-Church People (Session #1)

Jon wants two things:

• activities outside of Sunday morning that Christ-followers and non-church or anti-church people can do together
• get all groups, from LTGs to small groups to mom’s groups etc., looking outward

First, may I state that I, Jaclyn Horan, am posting this. Tim and I have not figured out how to have 2 names on one e mail account.

We talked about many ways to connect women to women - it was so exciting to see so many women interested. As women we want to be connected and challenged…what about you?
Somethings mentioned were:
-ideas beyond artsy activities
-having shared talks to get things going
-telling our stories
-dealing with tough issues
-encouraging all to take on event planning and other tasks, using our individual strengths

At the UnConference, our group discussed the desire to have Communion as a regular and meaningful part of our Journey Family Experience.

Unconference topic: Moms connecting with other Moms
Topic announcer: Brandi Mincey

We talked about:
* Meeting weekly for a play group.
- Picking one location for a month at a time
- Picking a time of day a month at a time (morning or afternoon to give working moms a
chance to be a part of things as well)
* Meeting monthly on a Saturday to give everyone a chance to connect
- These days can include family, kids, or just a mom’s day
* Planning excursion days
- to the zoo, Happy Hollow, aquarium, etc.

These are the ideas we discussed in the 12-step discussion group at the unconference on Sunday:

• The 12-steps are biblical, based on the Beatitudes.
• Some people think that the program ends after they have completed the 12 steps but it is a lifelong process.
• we do not want the group to be exclusive to one defect.
• We will take time to define the structure of the group.
• One thing that discouraged members in the past is when one person talks for too long, limiting the time others have to share. Sharing should be limited to 3-5 minutes.