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Fostering a Public Voice on Critical Issues
Being the Church in the
Pacific Northwest
A Continuing Conversationon Theology and Pastoral Life
On-line Registration Available January12,2009
at www.plu.edu/~crel or click here for on-line registration.

June15-18,2009

KeynoteSpeakers
Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Seattle University
KevinO'Brien, Pacific Lutheran University

Workshops
Jim Moelle- 49th District Representative
Washington State Legislature
Sound Alliance- Joe Chrastil, Lead Organizer
Earth Ministry- Organizing for social
change through environmental advocacy
Lutheran Public Policy- Rev.Paul Benz ,Director

Hosted by Pacific Lutheran University

At this conference, clergy and lay leaders will explore and discuss the Christians ources of public witness,the theological foundations of social engagement,and the pastoral means to nourish a congregation focused on service in the world.

For more information and to sign-up for future direct mail and e-mail updates and registration material,call the Rev.G.Lee Kluth,Director of Congregation Relations at 253-535-7423 or email crel@plu.edu.

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17^th Biennial Holden Theological Symposium
"Turning the Church Inside Out"
September 21 - 24, 2009

Sponsored by LENS (Lutheran Educational Network & Support), the symposium is a chance for clergy and lay leaders to come together to engage in lively, challenging, and life changing dialogue: "Turning the Church Inside Out".

Presenters:

Frederick Niedner teaches biblical studies and Hebrew language at Valparaiso University, where he currently serves as chair of the Theology Department. He is co-author of Keeping the Faith: A Guide to the Christian Message and New Proclamation for Lent 2005. He has served numerous adjunct roles at Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection, contributed regularly to publications that offer text studies and other resources for preaching in the church, and writes a fortnightly column on matters religious for the NW Indiana Post-Tribune. Fred's other hats include preacher, columnist, jogger, husband (to Barbara, a Valpo Social Work prof), and dad.

Daniel Ruen was born in the South Bronx, NYC, where his father served at St. Peter's in the Bronx. Raised in Milwaukee on healthy doses of Led Zeppelin, Dr. Dimento and Haugian pietism, he soon journeyed to the University of Minnesota to major in Ultimate Frisbee. Having left the church at 18, he was drawn into weekly Torah study at the Jewish Student Center, where he learned how to read scripture like any Lutheran should: heavy on the argument, quick with the wit, and intoxicated until one can't tell the difference between good and evil (which only happened once a year on Purim). After graduating from the U of M, he worked as a graphic designer and illustrator to feed his Frisbee addiction. He accidentally entered seminary at Luther in St. Paul in 2001. He is now in a state of 'permanent recovery' from both seminary and Ultimate Frisbee. Serving his first parish in Evanston, IL, Pastor Ruen also performs live at bars on the north side of Chicago with his wife, Clare, as 'Reverend Ruin and The Wreck Angel,' where they drink good beer and evangelize as needed. He served as Staff Coordinator at Holden from 2005-2006.

Ron Vignec serves at Salishan Eastside Lutheran Mission in Tacoma, Washington. Born in Manhattan, he graduated from Wagner College in 1970 and attended Luther Seminary. He was ordained in 1978 and served at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Georgia and at Pacific Lutheran University before taking up his current call at Salishan Eastside Lutheran Mission in 1985. In 2007, Ron received the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize for his work in the turbulent neighborhood of Salishan. Ron is active in many community organizations including the Emergency Food Network, Home Safe, and Tacoma Community House. He and his wife Nancy have two children and celebrated 39 years of marriage in 2009.

Vicki Tobin is a life-long Lutheran and has been a musician in the church since 1973. Her BA is in Piano from Carthage College, a Lutheran liberal arts college in Kenosha, WI and her MM is in choral conducting from University of Colorado, Boulder. One of her greatest joys is helping people worship through music of many styles and traditions.

From "Conference" to "Symposium"
Historically this has been a "conference" and we have (beginning with the upcoming event) moved to "symposium". That change is the result of a wonderful comment by Fred Niedner last fall playing loose with the definition, he suggested that symposium actually means "a drinking party where sparkling conversation prevails". In that context - the idea is to distinguish between a conference where participants listen and take in versus a symposium where participants engage in lively, challenging, and life changing dialogue.


Registration Information:
Cost: $210/person
This covers meals and lodging.
Boat tickets will need to be purchased separately (more information here)

Registration: You may use Holden's online registration system to register for this conference. When registering, Please mention LENS in the comment field. We will mail you a confirmation letter with more information about travel and Holden.

Housing: Housing is provided in lodge rooms with bathrooms at the end of the hall. Special diets or housing needs can be accommodated(ground floor, near bathroom, etc)- please indicate needs on the registration form. Participants should anticipate housing in a double room - note any roomate preferences on your registration form. Registration is limited to 225 people.

See here for more information about visiting Holden.
Register Here (please mention LENS in the comment field!)