Water and the Word 2024 Conference Booklet

Friday,April26,andSaturday,April27,2024

Friday,April26,andSaturday,April27,2024

DaySpringConferenceCenter DaySpringConferenceCenter

waterandtheword.org

waterandtheword.org

Plenary—TheRev.JaySidebotham What makes for spiritual growth in our congregations?

BreakandCheckOut

WorkshopBlockI

PursuingSpiritualGrowth withtheRev.Jay Sidebotham

PrayerBook101withtheRev.JoHedin,Dr.Nyle Hedin,andtheRev.WilliamPardy

ElevatingYourVideoStorytellingwithLindseyNickel andBradBryan

Panel:ThePowerofEmbrace

Lunch

Plenary—Dr.Beth-SarahWright "We Believe, Now What?": DIGNITY and the Authentic Life

WorkshopBlockII

ImplementingDIGNITYandtheAuthenticLifewith Dr.Beth-SarahWright

PracticeAlongTheWay—SpiritualDisciplinesForA LifewithChristwiththeRev.AlexAndujarandthe Rev.ScottNonken

EngagingGod’sMissionAftertheFieldofDreams— TheMissionalChurchwiththeRev.CanonRichard Norman

Panel:LessonsinExperimentation

CookiesandCoffeeBreak

WorkshopBlockIII

Change:WhatItIs,WhatItIsn’t,&HowtoManageIt withGracewithMelissaRau

TheUnlikelyLeader:EmbracingDifferencesto ExpandMinistrywiththeRev.NikkiSeger

TheOutside-InChurch—Transforming CongregationsThroughCommunityEngagement withSueVanOss

RootedinLove:EverybodyHasaStorywithChris Vasquez

Dinner

Plenary&CommissioningService

Empowered for Service: How do we walk in the Power of the Spirit?

CONFERENCE OPENING

5:30 PM

The 2024 Water and the Word Conference will open with a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Refreshments and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided.

KlineHall

Friday

ARRIVAL

DaySpringConferenceCenter Parrish,FL

4 PM

Overnight guests arrive on Friday at 4 p m for registration and to get settled in Room keys are available in KlineHall.

EVENT CHECK IN

5 PM

Commuter guest check-in will open at 5 p m in KlineHall.

PLENARY

THE RT. REV. DOUG SCHARF

7:15 PM

Baptism: Do you mean it?

KlineHall

KlineHall WORSHIP

6:30 PM

Participants will gather for a contemporary worship service filled with liturgy, prayer, and music by Liturgical Folk

FIRESIDE CHAT

8:30 PM

Let's keep the conversation going with s'mores and a fireside chat led by Water and the Word Chaplain, the Rev Alex Andjuar

YouthComplex

BISHOP DOUG SCHARF

FRIDAY 6:30 PM

FORMING DISCIPLES

Baptism: Do you mean it?

SATURDAY 6:15 PM DEVELOPING LEADERS

How do we walk in the Power of the Spirit?

FOURPathways

“Throughout my inaugural year as Bishop, my time spent among our congregations sparked profound insights It was during this time of worshiping, listening, and learning from our congregations that the Four Pathways emerged Forming Disciples, Developing Leaders, Embracing Differences, and Transforming Communities These pathways are not mere pillars or priorities, but sacred journeys that unite us as disciples of Christ. ” -Bishop Doug Scharf

Committed to our unity as One Diocese, these pathways provide focal points and a divine compass, guiding us in making manifest God’s mission in Southwest Florida.

BIO

The Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, the Rt Rev Douglas F Scharf leads the diocese where he was raised, ordained, and consecrated. One of the youngest bishops in The Episcopal Church, Bishop Scharf believes that Christ's love and transformational teachings paired with the authentic connection of a Church community can replenish the wellspring of the soul.

day

WELCOME & MORNING MEDITATION

9AM

Skipped breakfast? Grab some coffee as we gather to focus on the day ahead with morning meditation

KlineHall

PLENARY

THE REV. JAY SIDEBOTHAM

9:15 AM

What makes for spiritual growth in our congregations?

Reflecting experience working with congregations through RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement, Jay will offer background on this work which strives to make spiritual growth a priority in our congregations Out of research gathered from thousands of congregants, some basic principles of spiritual growth have been identified and will be explored in this presentation

KlineHall

7:30 AM

Join Water and the Word Chaplain, the Rev. Alex Andujar, for Morning Prayer.

OutdoorChapel MORNING PRAYER

CurryHall BREAKFAST

8 AM

Start the day with coffee and community at our buffet-style breakfast.

WORKSHOP BLOCK I

10:30 AM

PursuingSpiritualGrowth

Speaker: The Rev Jay Sidebotham KlineHall-ProgramCenter

PrayerBook101

Speakers: The Rev. Jo Hedin, Dr. Nyle Hedin, and the Rev. William Pardy KlineHallClassroomA

ElevatingYourVideoStorytelling

Speakers: Lindsey Nickel & Brad Bryan KlineHallClassroomB

Panel:ThePowerofEmbrace TrippPavillion

CurryHall LUNCH

11:45 AM

Share what you have learned at the buffet-style lunch

THE REV. JAY SIDEBOTHAM

SATURDAY 9:15 AM BIO

What Makes for Spiritual Growth in Our Congregations?

The Rev Jay Sidebotham is the Founder and Senior Consultant of RenewalWorks He also serves as Associate Rector at St James, Madison Avenue in New York Sidebotham comes to this work out of his experience as rector of Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, IL, where he led the congregation through a period of sustained focus on spiritual growth and renewal He has also served at St James’ Parish, Wilmington, NC; St Bart’s, New York City; St Columba’s, Washington, DC; St Luke’s, Durham, NC; and St Martin’s, Providence, RI He is well known for his cartoons about church life and his animation work on the television series Schoolhouse Rock!

ABOUT THE PLENARY

Reflecting on experience working with congregations through RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement, Jay will offer background on this work which strives to make spiritual growth a priority in our congregations. Out of research gathered from thousands of congregants, some basic principles of spiritual growth have been identified and will be explored in this presentation

ABOUTTHEWORKSHOP

SATURDAY 10:30AM

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

Pursuing Spiritual Growth

Transforming Communities: Some ways that churches are applying best practice principles. An exploration of specific ways that Episcopal congregations are pursuing spiritual growth by applying best practice principles to the lives of their communities.

y1 PM

": DIGNITY and the Authentic

the Baptismal Covenant asks, "Will tice and respect the dignity of re to the authentic Christian life, to look again and see the dignity in w do we live authentically in ? Dr Wright will use the DIGNITY sformative set of strategies to ny barriers to authenticity in our

WORKSHOP BLOCK III

WORKSHOP BLOCK II

2 PM

ImplementingDIGNITYandtheAuthenticLife

Speaker: Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright

KlineHall-ProgramCenter

PracticeAlongTheWay:SpiritualDisciplines

ForALifewithChrist

Speakers: The Rev Alex Andujar and the Rev Scott Nonken KlineHallClassroomA

EngagingGod’sMissionAftertheFieldof Dreams:TheMissionalChurch

Speaker: The Rev Canon Richard Norman KlineHallClassroomB

Panel:LessonsinExperimentation TrippPavillion

3:30 PM

Change:WhatItIs,WhatItIsn’t,&HowtoManageIt withGrace

Speaker: Melissa Rau KlineHall-ProgramCenter

TheUnlikelyLeader:EmbracingDifferencesto ExpandMinistry

Speaker: The Rev Nikki Seger KlineHallClassroomA

TheOutside-InChurch:TransformingCongregations ThroughCommunityEngagement

Speaker: Sue Van Oss KlineHallClassroomB

RootedinLove:EverybodyHasaStory

Speaker: Chris Vasquez TrippPavillion

DINNER

Reflect on a full day at the buffet-style dinner

CurryHall

PLENARY & CLOSING

THE RT. REV. DOUG SCHARF

5 PM

6:15 PM

EmpoweredforService: HowdowewalkinthePoweroftheSpirit?

KlineHall

DR. BETH-SARA WRIGHT

SATURDAY 1:00 PM

“We

Believe, Now What? ”

BIO

Dignity and the Authentic Life ABOUT THE PLENARY

Atlanta-based author and speaker, Dr Beth-Sarah Wright writes to make a difference. She writes to develop the courage for transformation and change, in our communities, our institutions, and our lives Her work strategically addresses the types of insidious challenges we face, either in our individual lives or in our communities- be they corporate, educational, religious or otherwise-that require identity shifts and increases in capacities and competencies to bring about sustainable and meaningful change Wright is an advocate for authenticity in our communities, no matter what our context, by aligning our aspirational identities with our lived realities

ABOUTTHEWORKSHOP

SATURDAY 2 PM

EMBRACING DIFFERNCES

Implementing Dignity and the Authentic Life

The culminating question in the Baptismal Covenant asks, "Will you strive for peace and justice and respect the dignity of every human being?" As core to the authentic Christian life, this question challenges us to look again and see the dignity in our neighbors and lives. How do we live authentically in accordance with our beliefs? Dr Wright will use the DIGNITY Lens, a seven-pronged transformative set of strategies to advocate for and address any barriers to authenticity in our communities and lives

Join Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright to discover the DIGNITY Lens, a strategic way of seeing the world and our lives that narrows the gap between our beliefs and how we live. It is a life strategy to become more authentic - increase capacity, make progress, and change outcomes!

10:30 AM-NOON CHOOSE FROM: WORKSHOPS

Workshop: KlineHallProgramCenter

Presenter:The Rev Jay Sidebotham

Topic:PursuingSpiritualGrowth

Description: Transforming Communities: Some ways that churches are applying best practice principles An exploration of specific ways that Episcopal congregations are pursuing spiritual growth by applying best practice principles to the lives of their communities

Workshop: KlineHallClassroomA

Presenters: The Rev. Jo Hedin, Dr. Nyle Hedin, and The Rev. William Pardy

Topic:PrayerBook101

D ription: Have you ever lost your place in the Book of Common Prayer and felt relief when d orders of service minimized the book juggling game? Perhaps you are only peripherally of the depth and breadth of spiritual aids and resources contained within the bindings of the BCP Those who attend this workshop will learn about Life (Baptism), Death, and even a ading! Furthermore, panelists will share tips and tricks about how to use the BCP in your daily navigating prayers, liturgy, the different orders of ministry, church history, and so much more let one of the greatest gifts to the Anglican faith traditions overwhelm or frustrate you any and discover how this book may help transform your faith walk Come and See!

Workshop: KlineHallClassroomB

Presenters: Brad Bryan and Lindsey Nickel

Topic:ElevatingYourVideoStorytelling

Description: In 2023 more than 35 Billion people watched videos online every week In our digital culture, your first connection with someone is most likely online How do we share the message of God's love with someone we may never meet? It's time to elevate our video storytelling In this workshop, you will engage with a variety of video styles Learn how to take one video and reshape it into many engaging messages, on multiple platforms and in formats that match every channel And receive trusted tips on how to transform your message effectively to the fast-paced, video-viewing audience

Workshop:TrippPavilion

Presenters:Panel

Topic:ThePowerofEmbrace

Description: In a world where blame, shame, and criticism are the norm, many perceive the Church as more of the same incubators for judgment and perpetrators of many isms ageism, ableism, racism, sexism, etc But what if our faith communities worked on our reputation by becoming radically different? What if we surprised people with staggering grace, authentic love, and extravagant hospitality fashioned after the Way of Jesus of Nazareth? This facilitated conversation will give our diverse set of panelists the chance to share a little of their personal stories, how they prefer to be embraced, and what being embraced has meant for their faith in not just God, but in their hope for humanity In a world divesting from the old concepts of conformity, participants who attend this workshop will learn how recognizing and celebrating our differences can be our greatest opportunity for loving like Jesus

2:00-3:30 PM CHOOSE FROM:

Workshop:KlineHallProgramCenter

Presenter:Dr Beth-Sarah Wright

Topic:ImplementingDIGNITYandtheAuthenticLife

Description: Join Dr Beth-Sarah Wright to discover the DIGNITY Lens, a strategic way of seeing the world and our lives that narrows the gap between our beliefs and how we live It is a life strategy to become more authentic - increase capacity, make progress, and change outcomes!

Workshop:KlineHallClassroomA

Presenters: The Rev Alex Andujar and The Rev Scott Nonken

Topic:PracticeAlongTheWay—SpiritualDisciplinesForALifewithChrist

Description: It’s not unusual for churchgoers to wonder what they can do to grow in their faith or seek to center God in their daily lives Do you often find yourself looking to the faithful that inspire you, to better understand what makes them so fill in the blank? During this workshop, Fr Scott Nonken and Fr Alex Andujar will discuss the fundamental spiritual practices that help individuals and faith communities enrich their spiritual lives and become agents of transformation in their communities

Workshop:KlineHallClassroomB

Presenter: The Rev Canon Richard Norman

Topic:EngagingGod’sMissionAftertheFieldofDreams—TheMissionalChurch

Description: We are witnessing a missional renaissance of the church as it moves from an attitude of “If you build it they will come ” to focusing on finding the intersection of the needs of the community and the gifts of the faith community In finding and embracing that intersection, we (to paraphrase Frederick Buechner) arrive at the place where our “deep gladness” meets the world’s “deep hunger” During our time together we will explore the changed landscape of ministry and mission; the five marks of mission (remember them?); characteristics of the missional church; and practical resources that will equip faith communities to engage God’s mission.

Workshop:TrippPavilion

Presenters:Panel

Topic:LessonsinExperimentation

Description: Those who recognize the shifting landscape of the church and the world may be feeling a bit stuck in recent times What worked back in the “good ole days” may reap different and disappointing results than what previously produced abundance Different times call for different approaches, and this engaging conversation will help participants be inspired to try new things, learn to appreciate failure as natural and often necessary, and reimagine new and generative marks and measurements for successful and fruitful ministry in the not-yet-new-normal

Workshop:KlineHallProgramCenter

Presenter:Melissa Rau

Topic: Change:WhatItIs,WhatItIsn’t,&HowtoManageItwithGrace

Description: “Change is easy, ” said no person ever Most people know the very real statistic that if given the choice of changing or dying, most people would choose death In this workshop, participants will learn a simple formula for implementing effective change, knowing what can sabotage the best-laid plans, and how to discern when change may not be the best solution for moving forward in faith

3:30-5:00 PM CHOOSE FROM: WORKSHOPS Saturday Read

W k h KlineHallClassroomA

The Rev Nikki Seger

UnlikelyLeader:EmbracingDifferencestoExpandMinistry

n: Join Priest Nikki Seger to share stories about unlikely leaders – and to explore how flourish when under-represented persons are embraced in leadership roles. Are you a olor, a woman, an LGBTQ+ person? Are you young or differently-abled? A lover of orship music? Or, are you curious or willing to step out of the norm? God knows -- we et us imagine spicing up the Diocese of Southwest Florida as we grow disciples

Workshop:KlineHallClassroomB

Presenter: Sue Van Oss

Topic: The Outside-In Church—Transforming Congregations Through Community Engagement

Description:Instead of "doing" church, how can we "be the church" in the world today?

Instead of starting with what we do inside the building, let's start with what we do outside the building Through four steps, this workshop will provide practical examples and strategies your congregation can use to reach beyond the red doors with worship, community events, ministries, and outreach

Workshop:TrippPavilion

Presenter:Chris Vasquez

Topic:RootedinLove EverybodyHasaStory

Description: Have you ever wondered how storytelling can engage a deeper understanding of scripture? The Bible is full of stories They are still being read and shared today, making a difference in countless lives In the Bible we find stories of creation, Jesus, the apostles, conversion, redemption, healing, grace, and more It’s all there We can make a difference by sharing our stories, too What would it look like if we all shared pieces of our stories whilst entering scripture? This workshop is an interactive exploration of getting back to basics and entering scripture together as one body with our own lives

Special Thanks

MINISTRY LEADERS

WaterandtheWordChaplain

The Rev. Alexander Andujar is the Rector of St. John the Divine in Sun City Center, the Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic and Latino Formation, and a certified spiritual director His work among diverse groups within and outside of the Church has given him the opportunity to build relationships across diverse constituencies and raise awareness of the spiritual and pastoral needs of the marginalized Fr Andujar is passionate about the study and practice of theology and spirituality as it relates to discerning the Church’s call to live out the dynamic love of Jesus Christ in a world that is hurting As Chaplain for Water and the Word, he is committed to creating an environment of prayer and hospitality so that each person may encounter God’s loving embrace He loves to spend time with his wife, two teenage sons, two dogs, two cats, and the ocean whenever he gets the chance.

MusicMinistry

LiturgicalFolk

Melissa and Ryan Flanigan

Melissa and Ryan Flanigan live in Austin, TX with their three children, Lily (16), Lia (14), and Noelle (12) They are both on staff at Resurrection South Austin (EDO as parish administrator/neighborhood engagement coordinator (Melissa) an music director (Ryan) Ryan is also the theological artist-in-residence at Bayl University in Waco, TX The Flanigan family have a music project called Liturgical Folk, which seeks to create beautiful and believable sacred music for church folk and the world. They have released eight albums of new liturgical music (hymns, settings, choruses) since 2017 and have toured extensively Their music is accessible to all ages and faith stages and is rooted in the inherently joyful sounds of the American folk traditions Melissa earned a BA with an emphasis in Worship Arts from Judson University in Elgin, IL, and Ryan earned a BAS from Dallas Baptist University, an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a CTS from the University of Oxford. Listen to Liturgical Folk's music at https://www liturgicalfolk com/music

Takethespiritwithyou!Materialsand continuingeducationfromtheconferencecan befoundatwww.waterandtheword.org.

Sign up for Bishop Scharf's blog and get notifications about future events.

Water and the Word Resources

TheRev.JaySidebotham,RenewalWorks

Renewal Works: renewalworks.org

Signs of Life: Nurturing Spiritual Growth in Your Church

www forwardmovement org/Products/2631/signs-of-life aspx

Dr.Beth-SarahWright

Thrive With Dignity: bethsarahwright.com

Books by Dr Wright: bethsarahwright com/book-reviews-2/ Deep Joy: 40 Meditations for Your Journey

The DIGNITY Lens Workbook

DIGNITY: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community

Becoming Who I Am

LiturgicalFolk

Liturgical Folk: liturgicalfolk.com

Music: liturgicalfolk.com/music

Three Gifts

Matins & Vespers

Psalm Settings

Lent & Advent

Crumbs & Table Settings

FOURPathways

A CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Four Pathways - Forming Disciples, Developing Leaders, Embracing Differences, and Transforming Communities - are a direct expression of the ministry of Jesus Christ and mirror our calling as God’s people. Throughout the Water and the Word Conference, you will find plenaries and workshops that focus on enhancing different pathways of our work together

We invite you to walk these pathways together, infusing them with your unique experiences, rich ideas, and eagerness to expand God’s ministry

Learn more about the Four Pathways at Episcopalswfl.org.

DEVELOPING LEADERS FORMING DISCIPLES

EMBRACING DIFFERNCES

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

We believe that discipleship is about forming a new way of living with Jesus. Rooted in our Bapstimal Covenant, we equip and empower our congregations to love and serve all God’s people as we walk together in the Way of Love

Jesus’ Love is deeply rooted in all of us, calling us to be a shining light for one another We believe in nurturing this call within every person, empowering lay and ordained leaders to consider where God is leading them to serve

You are welcome You are loved No Exceptions

Join us in our mission to bring God’s healing power and reconciling love to our community by authentically honoring and embracing our differences.

We live out our call to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through ministry and outreach that makes a positive impact on the lives of our congregations and surrounding communities.