| African American Spirituality grows out of a deep sense of suffering, gratitude, hospitality and victory. African American people have found joy and methods for survival in their ability to claim their identity as a people created in the image of God. Any conference participant is welcome to attend this workshop which will explore the unique expressions of this deeply moving spirituality. Led by Rev. Stephany D. G. Jackson |
 Bible Study I & II: Jonah - A story for Our Day. "A whale of a tale," the Book of Jonah is fun, packed with action, and full of surprising twists and turns. Examine the story, the humor, the irony, and the theological delights that truly make it a book for our time. This workshop will be based on the 2007–2008 Horizons Bible Study Program, “Above and Beyond: Hearing God's Call in Jonah and Ruth” by Carol Bechtel. Led by Rev. Joyce MacKichan Walker |
| Centering Prayer is a way of deepening our relationship with God through being still. In a world that is often so fast and busy, this method of “resting in God” allows us to be open to the Divine within us and in the world. In this workshop, participants will explore prayer as a relationship with God, before experiencing the gift of silence. This method of prayer requires no more than a brief period of time and a loving heart. All conference participants are also welcome to join in Centering Prayer each morning at 6:30 am (without instruction). Led by Rev. Dr. Steve Shussett |
Conversations with Rev. Joan Gray. Scheduled to give our conference participants the opportunity to meet our new Moderator and discuss her presentations in a casual and more intimate setting, these occasions promise to be special ones, as Joan Gray shares fellowship and words of faith with those in attendance. This workshop will be offered in two different time slots to give everyone the opportunity to speak with our new Moderator.
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| Discernment: The Art of Choosing God’s Will. We shall explore ways in which we as individuals and groups can allow the experiences of a dynamic relationship with the Living God to give shape to our decisions, as we seek to judge between choices that are obedient to God’s will and those that are contrary to God’s desires. Led by Rev. Kris Haig |
| Dwelling in the Word. The Bible is not just history, or just a “guidebook” – it’s the narrative of God’s wondrous activity in God’s creation through Jesus Christ, activity that continues today. “Dwelling in the Word” is a modified form of Lectio Divina and a means of engaging scripture through prayer, reflection and dialogue that recognizes and celebrates God’s continuing work in us. Many sessions, prayer groups and other church groups have experienced the use of "Dwelling in the Word" as a transformation of their work together. In this workshop you will experience Dwelling and will be equipped to use it yourself with other groups. Led by Rev. Dr. Bruce Stevens |
Labyrinth Prayer Walk & Ministry. Used as an ancient, sacred tool, the  Labyrinth Prayer Walk is used for individual walking meditation and prayer. Its winding path into the center and back out again is a metaphor for the journeys of life and faith and has become a bridge for reaching Christian seekers and friends of all faiths. A public labyrinth will be available daily. Dr. Lois Lang will be onsite to assist participants as they traverse through the pathways. She will provide orientation on the history and contemporary use of the labyrinth, as well as how to use this ministry in your own church.
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| Mission Networks and Group Displays. Displays from the Synod Mission Networks and Synod -affiliated groups will be available for viewing daily with some groups having special presentations held during workshop times. Some of the groups expected to be present are the Synod Mission Networks - Adults with Disabilities, Eastern Church Transformation, Peacemaking Ministries, Presbyterian Medical Equipment Delivery, Resource Centers, and Trinity Youth Conference - as well as the West Virginia Advocacy Work Camps (WVMAW), and The Presbyterian Foundation. |
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Muslim-Christian Dialogue: Spirituality in a Time of Conflict. This workshop summarizes the religious elements of the two major conflicts now occurring within Islam: Sunni/Shiite and moderate/puritan. Participants will consider the theological and spiritual dimensions of appropriate Christian responses to these conflicts. Led by Rev. Karin Carroll |
| Sabbath Keeping: God’s Countercultural Invitation to Rest. In a culture that defines our worth by what we produce and achieve, encourages overwork and other compulsive behaviors, and thrives on addictive consumption of material goods, the Bible offers a liberating alternative: stop and rest in God on a regular basis. We shall explore ways of helping one another receive this gift. Led by Rev. John Sonnenday |
| The Contemplative Art of Spiritual Friendship. Spiritual Friendship is an important instrument for nurturing the human spirit in its relationship with the Holy. For those who desire a deeper experience of God and to live a more faithful response to the pull of divine grace, it is invaluable. We’ll explore some of the deceptively simple but effective practices of the ministry of spiritual companionship, with special attention to its meaning in the context of Christian community and the Reformed faith. Led by Rev. Linda Robinson |
Spiritual Simplicity of Money. Money is a gift from God. When we are in a  relationship with God we are right with money. The question is, “Does money open our gate to freedom or does money lock you into a prison of possessiveness?” Scripture, spiritual practice and group discussion will uncover patterns of attitudes, thoughts, feelings and behaviors that block our intentions to be stewards of God’s gift of money. Led by Dr.Ruth Rusling |
Taize Worship is a service of sung prayer, characterized by its meditative quality. In this workshop we will explore the elements of chant, silence and liturgy, as well as the history of Taize. This is intended to serve as an introduction to Taize Worship. A Taize Service will be held on Wednesday evening. Led by Rev. Lois Nell Richwine
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