1. What God is Saying to Smaller churches – David Ray
Since most of the churches in Christian history have been small, and since most of the churches in Maine are small, God must have a special affinity and purpose for our smaller churches, or God has a faulty methodology in realizing God’s will. And we’re pretty sure the latter is not the case. Therefore this workshop will work on what God is uniquely intending and doing with our smaller faith communities right here in the Maine Conference. Bring your imagination, wisdom, and all the courage you can muster.

2. The Connected Congregation: Roles for a Church Website (P.M. only) – Mike McDermott
This workshop will examine ways that churches are using web-based technology to increase their visibility and extend their message to the greater community and promote communication within the church itself.

3. Conversation with Tony Robinson (P.M. only) – Tony Robinson
Visit up close and personal with our keynoter, the author of Transforming Congregational Culture and co-author of Good News in Exile. Topics will be your choice, but might include the teaching ministry and Christian formation, pastoral leadership for change, and transforming congregational culture.

4. Teaching and Learning Outside the Classroom (A.M. only) – Tony Robinson
Some of our best and most transforming learning happens outside the classroom! It happens on mission trips, at retreats, and in small groups. Join Tony Robinson for a conversation about how the church is rediscovering ancient forms in new ways: Medieval pilgrimage as modern mission trip; monastic life as retreat; small groups as spiritual friends; and more.

5. Multiple Intelligences in Ministry (A.M. only) – Alice Anderman
Did you know you are intelligent in more than two ways? According to the theory of multiple intelligences developed by Howard Gardner we are intelligent in at least 7 or 8 ways. These intelligences all have a physiological base in our brains and are equally important. The intelligences are linguistic, math/logical, musical, spatial, kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. This theory opens new ways for us to teach and do ministry. Instead of using traditional verbal approaches to teaching or leading worship, we can connect with our learners and congregations through all the intelligences. It’s exciting, energizing, and makes a big difference in how we teach and do ministry together.
This workshop will give background information about the theory of Multiple Intelligences and help you experience some exciting ways to use the theory in education, particularly confirmation education, worship, even church meetings. You will have a chance to find out how you are intelligent.

6. Choir and Orchestra Practice – Chris Guy
The first hour of each session will involve work on choral pieces. All Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, & Basses welcome. The last part of each session will involve instrumental work. We are looking for any and all orchestral instruments to be used throughout worship and gatherings. Participants may attend either or both sessions.
Those interested in singing or playing an instrument please notify Chris Guy at dougguy@maineline.net or call her at (207) 255-6040.

7. Researching Church History (A.M. only) – Joyce and Ernest Sanborn
Joyce and Ernest Sanborn are members of the Elm street Congregational Church of Bucksport. The church members were awarded the 2004 Education award. They will present their experiences in developing a bicentennial program, a historical exhibit, writing a church history, and presentations to the community. The bicentennial program was a year-long event for the Elm Street Congregational Church and culminated in the self-publication of its church history. The preservation, writing, and presentation of the history was certainly a large portion of this.

8. Living the Good Samaritan Story - Deb Ladner and Pam Davison
Award winning Youth Ministry Project - Discover how an annual food basket deliever leads into a brand new home.

9. UCC Identity – Lorin Cope
God is still speaking as we share our experience of the United Church of Christ, as the church where no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, we are the church of extravagant welcome!

10. Youth Service Project (P.M. only) – Bethel Church
Calling All Youth – To An Annual Meeting Service Project! Join your friends from throughout the Maine Conference for a Service Project Saturday Afternoon, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., arranged by the Bethel UCC Church. Transportation will be provided, leaving from the front of the hotel. Make a difference in the Bethel Community!  Watch for notices and handouts that describe the service projects. Get your friends together, and make some new ones. It should be a good afternoon!

P.S. Please have the Service Project Release signed and bring with you to Sunday River in order to participate!  If you do not bring your release form you will NOT be able to participate.

Consent and Release Form  text
Consent and Release Form  pfd

11. Open and Affirming (P.M. only) – Connie Insley
The Hammond Street Church in Bangor developed an Open and Affirming policy. Their model of how they did it and what it looks like may be helpful as your church considers the process.

12. Ethical Decision Making in the Church (A.M. only) – Dr. Marvin Ellison
Participants will be led in a discussion of the importance of being aware of all types of people that make up their congregation as they develop their local church policies.

13. End of Life Care: Preparing and Caring – Rev. Doug Dunlap and Cameron Bopp, M.D.
This is a two-session program on physical and spiritual dimensions of dying, and how individuals and families may prepare for the final days and hours of life. Doug and Cam are among the founders of the Western Maine Palliative Care and Hospice Coalition, which has provided education for clergy, physicians, attorneys, and the general public, concerning end of life care. Please note that it is expected that those who attend will attend both sessions.

14. Rural Life (A.M. only) – Pamela Harnden and Bob Grove-Markwood
Rome wasn’t built in a day, it is said. And we won’t presume to rebuild Rural Maine in seventy-five minutes. This workshop is an invitation to consider becoming part of a community of advocates to address the unprecedented challenges facing rural Maine.
In late February of 2004, the Maine Conference sent two delegates to “Faith & Justice: Rebuilding Rural America”, a national conference sponsored by the Economic Justice Team of the Justice and Witness Ministries of the UCC. Our workshop is a follow-up to that event, re-framed for our Annual Meeting theme of “Listen, Learn, Love: God Is Still Speaking…”
Using the language of the national event, we invite you to come together to:
LISTEN – to the voices of rural Maine, as we focus on issues of justice, and social, economic, and public policies that shape life in the countryside.
LEARN – as we share visions, strategies, and passions with other advocates in and for rural communities.
LOVE – support and strengthen rural church leaders and congregations for their work and witness, and develop a community of advocates who will shape and carry out a long-term plan of action that can contribute to the rebuilding of the countryside of rural Maine.