Alban Institute News and Courses
The Diocese of Atlanta has an institutional membership in the Alban Institute. Our Resource Center has copies of most of the publications put out by Alban, so check there first.
Alban puts out a weekly e-newsletter which you are welcome to subscribe to by going to www.alban.org. Here are articles in their recent newsletters:
From May 12, 2008...
Called to Purpose and Meaning
by George M. Hillman, Jr.
Many of us come to a point where we decide to examine seriously our strengths, personality, values, and passions; a point where we carefully examine our uniqueness and how God has wired us. We begin to contemplate how God is calling us to engage people and contexts around us, loving people as God would have them loved.
Regrettably, we live in what some theologians call a "postvocational" or "callingless" world. In such a world, jobs are just paychecks, relationships are random and unconnected, and deeper meaning in life is missing. However, when we recover a biblical sense of vocation or calling, when we live our lives with an understanding that our lives have purpose and meaning, then the everyday becomes holy.
Continue reading "Called to Purpose and Meaning"
From May 5, 2008...
Eucharist as a Way of Life
by Paul GalbreathThe four basic gestures--taking, blessing, breaking, and giving--at the center of the eucharistic prayer provide a shape or outline for Christian life. As we consider the pattern of prayer at Table, these gestures provide a basis for Christian action at the Lord's Table and at the other tables around which we gather. The shape of the prayer at table builds on the shape of the gospel as it provides a pattern for our lives.
In a world driven by consumption and greed, the notion of taking can easily be misconstrued as an excuse to grab what one wants. In a time when there is an ever-growing gap between the haves and the have-nots, taking is not a justification for personal gain at another's expense, either for those who hoard assets or for those who seek a violent overthrow of the current economic system. Instead, taking is rooted in the language of the prayer at table. In this context, taking is more akin to the act of receiving. For example, in the Gospel scenes of the feeding of the multitudes, the act of Jesus's taking bread is rooted in an act of generosity--in one instance shared by a young boy who offers his lunch and, by the presence of God, provides enough for all to eat. Jesus accepts what is offered. Similarly, at the table we practice receiving in gratitude that which is handed to us as a sign of God's faithfulness.
Continue reading "Eucharist as a Way of Life"
And from April 28, 2008...
Pastoral Sabbath Keeping
by Judith A. Schwanz
The word holy means set aside for a special purpose or withdrawn from common employment and dedicated to God. To set aside a day for a special purpose suggests a break in weekly patterns. To withdraw from common employment means that sabbath should be an uncommon day in many dimensions.
Sabbath is a break from routine, a change of pace. In the midst of your busyness and achieving, God calls you to rest, to lay aside your to-do lists and let the sabbath be different than the rest of your days. If your week is filled with e-mails and telephone calls, turn both machines off for the day. If your frantic schedule has you traveling all week, a sabbath at home will provide much-needed rest. If you spend your week cooped up in an office, a sabbath walk in the woods or an afternoon at the park playing with the kids may be just the space you need.
Continue reading "Pastoral Sabbath Keeping"
Workshop with Alban Author
The Fund for Theological Education sponsors A Communion of Tribes: Congregations and Gifts for Ministry with Young Adults
Saturday May 17, 9 am - 3 pm, at Western Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC.
Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, author of Tribal Church, will facilitate. $75 for two people; $85 for three; includes copy of the book to teams, breakfast, lunch, and off-street parking. Register at www.thefund.org/programs/congregations_workshops or calling@thefund.org.
Courses Presented by the Alban Institute... being offered at Simpsonwood in Norcross, GA
Consulting for Vital Congregations 2: Presence in a Consultant Role
Now is your chance to learn the skills and tools needed for your own consulting practice, whether you work independently or on a judicatory staff. For those with some consulting experience who are ready to learn about advance assessment, reporting and follow-up; client relationship management; and the practice and skill of a vocation in consulting. (Course Description)
Where & When
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center, Norcross, Georgia
October 21 - 23, 2008
Leaders: Susan Nienaber and Lawrence Peers, Alban senior consultants
Raising the Roof:The Pastoral- to Program-Size Transition
Join Alban senior consultant Alice Mann, who wrote the book on pastoral- to program-size transition, to learn how to address barriers to growth. Discover the deep links between size, community context, and a congregation's distinctive sense of vocation. (Course description)
Where & When
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center, Norcross, Georgia
November 14 - 15, 2008
Leader: Alice Mann, Alban senior consultant
The Alban Institute
2121 Cooperative Way
Herndon, Virginia 20171
