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A discussion facilitated by Brian Comeno about how music and music programs can be improved in various ways. Topics included adding easy percussion elements, conversion from paper to presentation screens for lyrics, adding newer songs into rotation, recruiting talent, and being selective with prospective music team members.

Dave Leverenz, the archivist for the National Lutheran Secretariat of Via de Cristo, led this Exchange of Ideas Session sharing his expertise in archiving secretariat records. Dave recommended not setting expectations too high and described the archiving principles to be considered when beginning the process of transferring paper records to digital files. To determine what files should be converted, it is important to consider the reason for archiving and storing records digitally. Files of historical...

This financial roundtable facilitated by Steve Barnett began with having all attendees introduce themselves and to which VDC community they belong. A lively discussion followed including VDC weekend fees, national dues, sponsorship, financials for hosting an annual gathering, and scholarship possibilities, with the majority of the roundtable focusing on fundraising. Some communities are able to offer scholarships for team members who want to serve but are not able to afford the cost for the weekend....

Lead by-Karen Weires Karen started the meeting off with introducing what was going to be discussed. Each member introduced themselves and stated which region they were from. After introductions, Karen proceeded to talk about the different regions and the need to rearrange some of the states in each region. The main reason for the discussion was for restructuring the maps. The roundtable talk was the beginning work. to be put into a proposal and presented...

Marty Harpster shared his personal experience with God’s grace. He referenced his struggles, his opportunities to be a part of new families, and of God’s light being reflected by others. All of these experiences shaped his life and now his past is past, and his present is based on his relationship with God. Marty stressed that it is incumbent on us to have strong sponsorship of our pilgrims and create a safe place for the...

NLS Head Spiritual Director Pastor Karl Gaston facilitated a conversation with 17 participant, including clergy, lay spiritual directors, and other lay leaders. Pastor Gaston began with a summary of the Spiritual Directors’ Manual qualifications for being a spiritual director on our weekends. Considerations are under discussion for embracing clergy from other denominations and lay spiritual directors. Participants shared experiences and perspectives from their individual secretariats. NLS is currently working on a website for spiritual directors...

Jane Winge presented an inciteful presentation on what is needed to host an annual gathering. She was fortunate to have in attendance previous hosts and a future host of the annual gathering, which made for an excellent exchange of ideas and discussion. We were reminded it is, “Gods annual gathering.”

What Methods Work to Direct Weekenders into Smal Group Reunions Make it known that Sponsorship includes getting your Weekender into Small Groups. Sponsorship is not just a 3 day commitment. Invite Prospective Weekenders into a renewal group. Renewal Groups can be both a recriuting and a vetting tool. Reunion Group Database Keep track of reunion groups. Include Contact Person, members, Where to meet, When to meet, Are you open to new members, Are any of...

This group talked about 6 basic things that a secretariate should be doing.

Pastor G. Karl Gaston opened the meeting with prayer.  Brian Comeno called the meeting to order, and the 2024 Delegates were seated.  After the election process was explained the floor was opened for nominations.  There were no floor nominations for Treasure. A motion was made and passed to accept Jerry Gray by acclamation as Treasurer.  There were no floor nominations for the Spiritual Director. A motion was made and passed to accept Pastor G. Karl...

~Keynote~ Dr. Mark Wickstrom, retired pastor from the local Community Lutheran Church, started off the VDC Annual Gathering with an inspired message associated with the Gospel of Grace. Raised in a conservative Eastern Pennsylvania family and community, he was consistently exposed to the message of, “The Bible says what it means, and means what it says.” Or, don’t question the Bible. It was not until seminary in Minnesota that the Bible again captured his full...