Fresh Ideas Start Here 2.0
Join us September 22-23, 2023 at Camp Montgomery for leadership development!
A collaborative effort of the Central Florida Presbytery, the Presbytery of St. Augustine, and SOAP APCE.
FISH 2.0 is for Sunday School teachers, Bible Study Leaders, Pastors, Deacons, Elders, Youth Leaders, Christian Educators… all are welcome!
With keynotes by Michelle Thomas-Bush, workshops offering tactical tools to bring back to your ministries, and a time to fellowship with other leaders from several presbyteries, FISH 2.0 will be a great opportunity for all volunteers and professionals in church ministry and leadership!
Michelle Thomas-Bush is the Associate Pastor of Youth and their Families at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Michelle is also a Certified Enneagram Coach, coaching teams and individuals. She is creator of Big Ideas in Youth Ministry. Michelle and her husband Dave have two college students, Violet and Camden. Michelle served her first call at Fort King in Ocala and then served at Riverside in Jacksonville. Michelle, her husband Dave and their children Camden and Violet all have wonderful and abundant memories of Camp Montgomery.
Choose one workshop from each session at registration:
Morning Sessions:
- Simple Spiritual Practices to Fill Our Thirsty Souls (Jean Meredith, CRE, Central Florida Presbytery) In a world that is messy and difficult may we strive to find simple ways to feel God’s presence in our lives so that we will know His joy and His peace. In our time together we will practice some simple ways such as breath prayers, blessings, prayer walks, and meditation stations and explore how we can include them in our daily lives and share them with others.
- Go! Children and Youth at Play (Andrea Paschal, APCE) In a world of individual and virtual activities, how do we encourage positive interactions through play? Learn how to develop activities and move groups through different energy levels and dive deeper into the “work” of play. Let’s have some fun!
- Enriching Your Individual Bible Study (more information coming soon)
- Courageous Conversations About Race: Finding My Place (Rev. Erika Rembert Smith, Pastor, Washington Shores Presbyterian, Orlando; Katie Rives, Candidate in the Process to Become a Minister of Word and Sacrament, Central Florida; Dr. Cheryl Carson, Associate Executive Presbyter, Central Florida Presbytery) Racism is not just something that happens to “others.” It affects us all. This workshop will help us explore our place in the chasm of racism. Participants will be invited to reflect on and share personal experiences.
- Mental Health (Lisa Benitez, LMHC, Clinical Director, Presbyterian Counseling Center) (more information coming soon)
Afternoon Sessions:
- Exploring our Spirituality in the Context of Art is a Fascinating Practice (Rev. Dr. Helen DeBevoise, Park Lake Presbyterian) “When we make, we invoke the abundance of God’s world into the reality of scarcity of all around us. What endures will require rish and daily dying to ourselves,” writes theologian and artist Makoto Fujimura. In this workshop we will explore how to use art to go deeper into who we are and meant to be with God. Using the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi, participants will explore how what is broken is made new in Christ. (there is small materials fee, payable at check in)
- Mixers and Minglers: Fellowship with the WHOLE Church (Andrea Paschal, APCE) Ever wonder why we talk about church as a family, but end up doing activities by age group? How can we “bring everyone to the table” and share experiences that enrich all ages? Come enjoy some ‘Mixers and Minglers’ and learn how to have fun with the WHOLE church!
- Exploring God’s Word with God’s people (Laurie Farquharson, Retired Director of Christian Education, Wekiva Presbyterian, Longwood) This workshop is designed to introduce and explore some strategies useful in leading adults as they study scripture together in group settings. We’ll experience some specific ways to help learners draw closer to the living God as we delve into the timeless wisdom of God’s word with others.
- Courageous Conversations About Race: Becoming the Beloved Community (Dr. Cheryl Carson, Katie Rives, Rev. Erika Rembert Smith) Becoming the Beloved Community requires acknowledging the reality of racism. If racial healing is to take place, we must not be afraid of the truth about racism in this country – past, present or future. This workshop will equip and empower participants to engage in courageous conversations in their context.
- Church is Good for Your Mental Health (Susan Lee) Come and spend an hour actually doing good things for your mental health and developing strategies for how to apply the 12 steps for good mental health to your congregation.
Thursday Sabbath
Call the Montgomery office to reserve a room for your Thursday Sabbath. 352-473-4516
Friday Only
$15 Friday only registration, includes dinner and keynote
Saturday Only
$25 Saturday only registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, as well as access to the keynote, workshops, and materials.
Friday and Saturday Options
(includes registration and meals):
$40 Friday to Saturday program (no lodging)
$85 per person shared inn room (two queen beds)
$125 per person individual inn room
$60 per person shared cabin (duplex style, up to 9 twin beds, 2 bathrooms)
Pay online at https://montgomery-center.square.site/shop/events/2
-OR-
Mail your check to:
Montgomery Center
88 SE 75th St
Starke, FL 32091