8:30-9:00

Registration

9:00-10:30

Welcome and morning address: Friends: Babel or Pentecost?—David Johns

Quakers speak many faith languages. This is one of our strengths and sometimes it is nothing short of a miracle. But far too often, the many faith languages lead to misunderstanding, confusion, and division. How can we begin to listen deeply to each other and learn to be "multi-lingual," able to understand the various ways Friends talk about faith.

10:30-11:00

Break

11:00-12:15

Workshop (choose one)

A: Journals & Friends – David Johns

The journal is a form of theological literature Friends used for years. However, where are the contemporary journals? What does it say about the Religious Society that we no longer seem to be writing journals? If we were to revive this practice could it help us understand what is really important to our faith? In this workshop participants will write brief journal entries as a way to begin deep conversations about the central concerns of faith.

Workshop Leader: David Johns is a recorded Friends minister and Associate Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion. He has earned a reputation as a superb teacher and a creative writer. David especially cares about theology as it relates to worship and the life of the faith community.

B: All Scripture is God-breathed – Susan Jeffers

Traditional Quaker understanding of biblical inspiration turns on our experience of coming into the same Spirit which gave forth the Scriptures. In this workshop, we will consider how, today, we are instructed by the Bible, made wise unto salvation, and equipped for every good work.

Workshop Leader: Susan Jeffers teaches Quaker Studies courses as adjunct faculty for ESR ,and Biblical Studies courses for Bethany Theological Seminary and other Church of the Brethren institutions. She graduated from ESR in 1999 with an MA in Biblical Studies.

C: Declarations of Faith – Jay Marshall

Faith convictions run deep, whether privately held or openly declared. Such declarations are seldom as simple as “I believe . . .”. Each one is shaped by a variety of influences and factors, some of which we seldom acknowledge. This workshop will highlight those factors and teach participants how to use them responsibly as our faith guides our choices and decisions.

Workshop Leader: Jay Marshall was recorded by North Carolina Yearly Meeting in 1985 and served as a Quaker pastor for 15 years before accepting his current role as Dean of ESR.

12:15-1:15

Lunch on site

1:15-2:30

Workshop (choose one of above)

A B C

2:30-3:00

Wrap up