Objectives: ​

Work of pastors to be done first before​ pastors can lead congregations through grief process.​

Seeing the acknowledgment of grief as a gift and a springboard to healing and transformation.​

Theme:​

“Don’t hate it. See it”​

Grief Resources

Podcasts/Videos/Articles​

• NAPC on Endurance and Perseverance​ - Interview of Aisha with Megan Johnson

• David Kessler & Brene Brown: Unlocking Us, March 31, 2020, Ep. #5​ Grief and Finding Meaning​

• Grief and Loss; CDC Resources June 11, 2020​

Books

• Resmaa Menakem - My Grandmother's Hands  

• David Kessler - The Sixth Stage of Grief; Finding Meaning​

• Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler – On Grief and Grieving  

• Elisabeth Kubler-Ross – On Death and Dying​

Objective:​

To be in touch with the power of the resurrection as a source of hope,​ renewal, and restoration.​

Practice habits that lead to a steady pace and balance in daily life.​

Theme:​

“You are enough. And you are loved.”​

Resilience Resources

Podcasts/Videos/Articles​

• NYT Series on Resilience​ - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/health/resilience-relationships-trauma.html​

• On Becoming Podcast with Brene Brown – Day 2

• September 2, 2020  Nap Ministry Atlanta Magazine Article​

​Books

• Anchored in the Current: Discovering Howard Thurman as Educator, Activist, Guide and Prophet by Greg Ellison et al (Oct. 13, 2020 release)​

• Grit by Angela Duckworth​

• 13 Things Emotionally Healthy People Don’t Do by Amy Morin ​

• Sabbath As Resistance by Walter Bruggeman​

Family Resources:

• Sleeping with Bread 

• by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, Matthew Linn 

• Sabbath in the Suburbs: A Family's Experiment with Holy Time - Mary Ann McKibben-Dana

Objective:​

Holy Spirit led innovation in the church, in our lives, and in​ the world​

Encouraging one another to joyfully participate in healthy spiritual risk taking in ministry​ and in life​.

Theme:​

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)​

Innovation

Podcasts/Videos/Articles

• Postures of Discernment – by Joy Fisher: PDF

• Top 5 Ted Talks on Design Thinking ​

• Aijcast, Marthame Sander with pastor/entrepreneur John Heinz of Centerform - "Accelerator  Programs"​ using Design Thinking as part of the innovation process Part 1  Part 2 ​

• Postures of Discernment – by Joy Fisher (PDF)​

• What is Design Thinking?

Books  

• Prophetic Imagination - Walter Brueggeman​

• God, Improv, and the Art of Living - MaryAnn McKibben-Dana​

• Sailboat Church - Joan S. Gray​

• Sustaining Grace: Innovative Ecosystems for New Faith Communities​ by Scott J. Hagley​

• Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose - Lewis, Baker,  & Grenenko Baker​

• How Your Congregation Learns (resources/book) - Tim Shapiro, The​ Indianapolis Center for Congregations​

• Agile Church Spirit led Innovation in Uncertain times - Dwight J. Zscheile​

Objective:​

Listening for the truth about God and the truth about ourselves.​

Proclaiming and leading in this time as Bruggeman describes as​ ”orientation" ”disorientation" and​ “new orientation”​

Theme:​

Digging deep into the well until our cup runneth over.​

Truth

Podcasts/Videos/Articles

• “Behold I am Doing a New Thing," Isaiah 43:19, Joy Fisher, PGA Stated Meeting, Sept 15, 2020: PDF | video

•  Spiritual Journey Autobiography Template​ (downloadable version)

• For Faith - Bishop Rob Wright, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta  ​

• Ted Talks in Six Words - Sebastian Wernicki

• Robin Diangelo and Resmaa Menakemin Conversation​

•  "Who lives who dies who tells your story"

Books

• Acts: A Theological Commentary on the Bible - Willie James Jennings

• Go Preach! Mark’s Kingdom Message and the Black Church Today - Brian K Blount

• Remembering Your Story - Richard L. Morgan

• Spiritual Journal Autobiography Template (downloadable version)

• Virus a Summons to Faith - Walter Bruggeman