Fall Leadership Conference
October 2 @ 1:00 pm - October 4 @ 12:00 pm
Making and Creating Spaces: The Power of Storytelling
with Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy
Lutherdale Bible Camp
Early bird pricing: $125 + lodging through August 31
$145 + lodging beginning September 1
Deadline to register: Monday, September 18 at 12pm noon
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Please note: Registration for this event has closed, and attendance numbers have been submitted to the host site. We’re sorry, but no further registrations can be accepted, either online or at the door.
“Making and creating spaces: the power of storytelling” captures the two main concepts that will be explored in this training: the importance of making space for people from all backgrounds and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and included, and the power of storytelling to facilitate both of these things.
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to connect with people on a deep level. It can help us to share our experiences, learn from each other, and build relationships. When we tell our stories, we are inviting others into our lives and giving them a glimpse of who we are. We are also giving them the opportunity to connect with us on a personal level.
Storytelling can be used to create spaces where people from all backgrounds can feel safe and accepted. We can use stories to share our experiences of different cultures, religions, and identities. We can also use stories to share our experiences of discrimination, oppression, and marginalization. When we share our stories with others, we are creating a space where they can learn about our experiences and see the world from our perspective. We are also creating a space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood.
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of the Lord is near.” This passage reminds us that we need to make space for each other in our lives, both physically and emotionally. We need to be intentional about creating opportunities to connect with people from all backgrounds, and storytelling can be a powerful way to do this.
By making and creating spaces where people from all backgrounds can feel safe, accepted, and included, we can help to promote authentic inclusion in our churches and communities. Storytelling can be a powerful tool that can be used to facilitate this work.
ABOUT DR. KELLY SHERMAN-CONROY
Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, Mato Wašté Winyan or Good Bear Woman, is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. She has a passion for social justice, racial reparations, healing, and storytelling that has been felt across the globe. As the very first Native Woman Theologian with a P.hD. in the ELCA, she’s passionately pursued her calling to challenge the traditional conventions of theology. Her work primarily focuses on systemic theology, with a unique approach to Lakota Spirituality and how it can inform Christianity and instill healing.
She’s not only a trailblazer in her field, but her perspectives and insights have gained her recognition and admiration both nationally and internationally. Her incredible contributions to racial reparations and advocacy for marginalized communities have changed the minds and hearts of many.
Kelly is a woman who walks alongside people of all cultures, providing a ministry that delves into the intersections of identity, personal narratives, and faith. With over two decades of experience teaching and leading in ministry, Kelly’s involvement in various organizations, such as the Minnesota Council of Churches and the American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association, highlights her passion for cultural activism. She keeps busy as an adjunct Professor, the Director for MYLE- Multicultural Youth Leadership Event, serving on the Board of Directors for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network and Minnesota Council of Churches, and the Director of Public Ministry at Nativity Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, and Convenor of the Twin Cities Interfaith Movement Chaplains. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in all aspects of her life as she actively works towards creating a more inclusive world.
Kelly’s ability to speak the truth in love from a Native perspective coupled with her humility and humor makes for a powerful reception of truth in the hearts of Natives
and non-Natives alike.
AGENDA (revised 9/20/23)
12:30 pm Registration in the Hope Center at Lutherdale
1:30 pm Welcome (Hope Center)
2:30 pm Presentation #1: Making Space for Connection
4:30 pm Free time
5:30 pm Dinner (Dining Hall)
7:00 pm Worship (Chapel)
8:30 pm Fellowship (Hope Center)
8:00 am Breakfast (Dining Hall)
9:00 am Presentation #2 (Hope Center): Creating Spaces for Grace
10:30 am Break
11:00 am Bishop’s time
12:00 pm Lunch (Dining Hall)
1:00 pm Free time
2:30 pm Open Space Conversations
3:30 pm Blanket Exercise (Chapel)
5:30 pm Dinner (Dining Hall)
7:00 pm Bonfire and Storytelling (Hope Center)
Wednesday, October 4
8:00 am Breakfast (Dining Hall)
9:00 am Presentation #3 (Hope Center): The Power of Storytelling
11:00 am Sending prayer
LODGING
Our Fall Leadership Conference will offer several housing options during the registration process. Lodging fees will be added to the basic registration fee. All registration options include meals. You are welcome to find a roommate(s) on your own and note this during registration. Lodging is available on a first come/first served basis.
Commuter Registration
Drive to and from home each day.
Hotel Lodging – $139 per night, 2 night minimum
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn, Elkhorn, which is about seven miles away from Lutherdale. A two-night reservation is required and the cost per night is $139. Each room contains two queen beds. You are responsible for making your own reservation and paying the hotel directly by following these steps:
- Visit the reservation link
- Enter the dates needed at the top of the page (October 2 – October 4, 2023)
- Select “special rate”
- Enter GMS under the group code.
Lutherdale lodging in the Hope Center – $99 per night, 2 night minimum
The Hope Center is an ADA accessible facility that features hotel-style sleeping rooms, complimentary WIFI, conference rooms, and a 24-hour Hospitality Center. Most of our events will take place in this space. The cost for Hope Center lodging is $99 per night with a two night minimum. All rooms have one queen bed and a twin bunk bed. Some rooms have two twin bunk beds or an additional twin bed.
Lutherdale lodging in the Watson Center – $35 per night, 2 night minimum + $15 linen fee.
The Watson Center features mixed housing with both dormitory and small rooms, common bathrooms, wood-burning fireplaces, and a 24-hr hospitality center. The cost for lodging is $35 per night with a two night minimum plus a $15 linen fee. Lower level rooms have three twin beds with a half bath that is shared with one other room and two shared bathroom/shower rooms. The Upper level has two rooms with three twin beds and a shared bathroom/shower room. Bed linens are included. Please plan to provide your own towels.