"These people who have been turning the world upside down
have come here also."
Acts 17: 6b NRSV

2009 Greater Houston Leadership Education School

"Upside Down Inside Out" Selections for Topics on Children and Youth Education
Children – Morning Classes The Church Nursery is More Than Just Babysitting Rev. Jan Imig and Teresa Guy, First UMC, Houston Learn the basics for setting up and operating a safe, nurturing and effective nursery ministry. This workshop will include tips on hiring and training nursery staff, safety issues, and ministering to children and families. Ministry with Pre-Schoolers Sarah Glaze, Memorial Drive UMC, Houston Learn who they are and how to teach preschoolers through Bible stories, arts/crafts, and music! I Signed Up To Teach Early Elementary Sunday School….Now What Do I Do??? Lisa Tiesman, and Lori Bigelow, Cypress UMC, Cypress Lost? Scared? Confused? If you have signed up to teach Kindergarten-3^rd grade, fear not! Seasoned teachers are on their way with fun, easy, no stress ways to help you learn the basics of teaching…to learn to go above and beyond the “leaflets”…to incorporate center-based learning centers into your classroom….and to give you lots and lots of handouts and ideas as you see how FUN Sunday School teaching should be! Two Interesting Curriculum Ideas for Older Elementary Cathy Grigory, Rose Hill UMC, Houston Hollywood in Christian Education? Welcome to More Than A Movie – your ticket to fun Bible learning! Get ideas for four popular family friendly films that will provide your children with two hours of entertainment, each while they explore important Bible truths. Each session includes a fabulous movie, a delicious snack, and a creative game or craft. Hollywood in Christian education? Absolutely…and you can find out how during this workshop. Stewardship for Children? When we think of stewardship, or first thoughts have to do with asking folks to meet the church budget. However, stewardship is much more than that, and it’s important to begin early with stewardship training. As Christians, we are to act as stewards of all of God’s affairs on earth. Come fine out how children can use their abilities and talents to help accomplish this work. Inviting, Training and Appreciating Teachers and Leaders Cathy Gokey, Spring Woods UMC, Spring Discover ways to invite and call teachers and leaders into ministry, how to equip and train them, and how to show meaningful appreciation in different ways. Adoption/Foster Care Ministry – Dream to Reality Amy Bezecny, St. Luke’s UMC, Houston; Sheryl Steely, The Woodlands UMC, The Woodlands Come hear two perspectives: Amy has just begun an Adoption/Foster Care Ministry and Sheryl has developed a successful on-going Adoption/Foster Care Ministry over the last several years.	*Children – Afternoon Classes* Bible Adventures for Early Elementary Lisa Tiesman and Judy Gober, Cypress UMC, Cypress Come hear ideas for short term studies for 2^nd through 4^th graders to help them discover the wealth they have in the pages of their Bible. Ideas for an evening program, a one-day program or a month of Sundays! Handouts will be available. Special Events and Missions Donna Reed, Memorial Drive UMC, Houston Get amazing faith-building ideas on creating special seasonal church events (such as Palm Sunday, Pentecost, VBS, Promotion Sunday, Christmas Eve Worship) and far-reaching mission opportunities for children. Prayer Connie Fowler, Mission Bend UMC, Houston Explore the many ways children can learn about and experience the power of prayer in their classrooms and in their family and personal lives as they continue to grow spiritually. “Over, Under, Around, and Through:” Perspectives on Early Childhood Learning Addressed Through Family Music Mitzi Scott, Educator and member of St. Luke’s UMC, Houston This workshop will discuss perspectives of learning theory related to early childhood experiences, concentrating on five strands of development and their address through family music. Mitzi Scott, Founding Director of Bridges Academy of Fine Arts at St. Luke's UMC Houston, and educator with experience in many settings, begins a new program of World Music this fall at Briarmeadow Charter School. Rescue In time to Save the Kids Mireya Ottaviano, Gethsemane UMC, Houston In a multi-cultural setting, what is the church’s role in helping children, tweens and their families to understand the impact of risky behavior on their lives and futures, and to make appropriate, healthy choices. Mireya is a former university Psychology Professor and Psychologist, and member of the Association of Licensed Professionals and Associate of Psychologists, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Youth – Morning Classes “I’m Caught in Your Grace” (Specialized Ministries for Girls and Guys) Sedonia Finstad, Memorial Drive UMC, Houston; Jason Trice, St. Peter’s UMC, Katy This workshop will provide insightful information and give examples of useful experiences in setting up specialized ministries for girls and guys. Come discover how to establish these groups for your student ministry! “Let Justice and Praise Become My Embrace” (Missions and Social Justice) Rev. Heidi McGinness, Christian Solidarity International, Denver, CO Pastor Heidi McGinness will SCREAM “let me go serve!” She will inspire you to take the “spark” needed to ignite or reignite your student missions and social justice ministries back to your youth! “Your Will Above All Else My Purpose Remains” (Teen Culture, Sexuality and God’s Word) Destiny Cortez, Victory Home Fellowship This presentation on Sexuality will provide solid information, consistent with God’s Word, on the current state of teen culture and sexuality.	Youth – Afternoon Classes “Consume Me From The Inside Out” (Nurturing a Call to Ministry) Rev. Justin Coleman, St. Luke’s/Gethsemane UMC, Houston Rev. Coleman will present his personal story of “his call” to preaching ministry. This compelling class will give student leaders inspiration and encouragement for nurturing youth as they journey God’s path for their life. “Your Will Above All Else My Purpose Remains” (Teen Culture, Sexuality and God’s Word) Destiny Cortez, Victory Home Fellowship This presentation on Sexuality will provide solid information, consistent with God’s Word, on the current state of teen culture and sexuality. “Your Glory Goes Beyond All Fame” (Ramp Up Your Student Ministry “Tech Knowledge”) Cody Cruise, St. Peter’s UMC, Katy This workshop on the impact and many uses of technology in student ministry will provide helpful information and numerous suggestions for “ramping up” your technology knowledge. “Your Light Will Shine Where All Else Fails” (The “Wild Ride” of Sunday Mornings with Student Ministries) Betty Christian, Lakewood UMC, Houston Christie Atnip, Cypress UMC, Cypress These two youth ministry pros will take you on the “wild ride” of Sunday Morning with Student Ministries! Come check out what is happening on Sunday mornings and see if you need a “new pair of Sunday Morning Shoes” for your youth.