Source: Spirituality and Practice
“Becoming a Wise Elder with Angeles Arrien” is an 18-part e-course in Spirituality & Practice’s Elder Spirituality Project. It is based on the realization that the skills developed during the first half of life are not adequate for the frontiers crossed as adults age. The attitudes, disciplines, and life skills that elderhood demands are completely different. Many world tales and perennial wisdoms point to eight gates through which adults must pass in order to fully develop into wise people. Each has its own gift, task, and challenge. They include:
• facing new experiences and the unknown,
• discovering one’s true face or authentic identity,
• exploring relationships from the crucible of love, intimacy and forgiveness,
• approaching service, creativity and generativity from a place of legacy,
• developing character and deepening wisdom,
• opening to the presence of grace,
• moving into surrender, acceptance, and equanimity,
• practicing non-attachment and letting go.
The leader for this online course is Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., a cultural anthropologist, award-winning author, educator, and consultant to many organizations and businesses. She is the President of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research and regularly lectures and conducts workshops worldwide, bridging cultural anthropology, psychology, and comparative religions. She is the author of seven books including The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom, winner of the 2007 Nautilus Award for Best Book on Aging. She is profiled as one of the Living Spiritual Teachers at Spirituality & Practice.
For this e-course, Angeles Arrien explores the eight gates to becoming a wise elder in 18 emails. Each contains a short essay and suggestions for applying this wisdom in your own spiritual journey, including:
• practices in how to trust the new and unfamiliar,
• how to create openings and initiate ways to collaborate and unify,
• how to resolve inner and outer conflict,
• time-honored skills that foster a clear mind, an open heart, a strong spirit, and courageous action in the world.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Sacred Presence with the Dying (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
Megory Anderson, PhD, is a theologian and teacher, who has vigiled with over 300 people as they lay dying. Her use of ritual, of creating sacred moments, of calming fear and hurts, has brought comfort and peace to both the dying and their loved ones. She is the Executive Director of the Sacred Dying Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, and the author of Sacred Dying and Attending the Dying, both of which deal with pastoral and ritual care of the dying. She is known internationally for her expertise in the End-of-Life arena.
In this new e-course, she will help guide you through what is for many is unfamiliar territory — the death of a loved one. The focus is entirely on how to create a peaceful and sacred environment for the person dying. These twelve sessions are designed for family members, loved ones, and end-of-life practitioners, and will cover:
- Listening to the dying and what they want and need
- Tools to use in the vigil space — music, candles, touchstones
- How to create a calming presence
- Prayers and meditations for letting go
Uniquely, this course will help enable you to focus on the needs and wants of the “other,” bringing your own gifts of sacred presence to the experience.
You will receive:
- Emails containing stories, spiritual readings, and suggested tools for each lesson.These can be scheduled at the pace you choose.
- Special suggestions for your own practices, journal reflections, and vigil arrangements.
This e-course is both practical (removing clutter from the deathbed room) and reflective (how to sit quietly for several hours). It gives insights and advice for the one vigiling, yet with the focus always being on creating a sacred dying.
Many are watching parents and loved ones become ill, age, and die. Now is the time to learn the art of accompanying them in vigil as they take their journey into the next life. This is also a wonderful opportunity to learn and share with those who have already been present at a death. It’s in learning together that you can offer your best for those in your care. (4 CEHs for chaplains available.)
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Boomers Ministry Basics (United Methodist Church)
Do you have a lot of Baby Boomer members in your church but do not have a clue about what they want or need? Have you considered starting a targeted Boomer Ministry but do not know how to get started? This webinar is a quick look at the opportunities provided by this rapidly aging cohort as they enter the last quarter of life and experience aging. This webinar looks at the various types of Boomers, their differences with prior generations, and how to engage them.
This webinar will provide participates with a Boomer Ministry reading list, selected training resources, and a best practice catalog in Boomer Ministry. It will focus on two common but competing models of Boomer Ministry though look at several others. It will also glance at issues like the Non-Affiliated/ Nones/Spiritual but Not Religious Boomer, Activism/Volunteerism as a recruitment strategy, Caregiving Sandwiches, Retirement/Migration, plus Health and Wellness.
*NOTE: In order to view the on-demand webinar you need to register with your name, email address, and state. You’ll may also be prompted to install the Cisco WebEx add-on in order to view the recording.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Courageous Conversations – Role of Facilitator and Practical Tips (United Methodist Church)
The role of the facilitator can be a “make it or break it” factor for meaningful conversations both in small groups and large group dialogue. This webinar with explore the role of the facilitator as well as offering practical tips for being a great facilitator. Join Scott Hughes and Thomas Laney from the Turner Center for Church Leadership.
*NOTE: In order to view the on-demand webinar you need to register with your name, email address, and state. You’ll may also be prompted to install the Cisco WebEx add-on in order to view the recording.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Tax-Advantaged Plans – Using Section 125, 105 & 106 Plans (Board of Pensions – PCUSA)
Tax-advantaged plans use the tax code ― Sections 125, 105, and 106 ― to allow employees to pay for certain expenses with pretax dollars. These plans need to be established and sponsored by employers and permit employees to use voluntary, pretax deductions from their paychecks to reimburse certain eligible expenses tax-free. This results in tax savings for the employee, and it’s why the plans are called “tax-advantaged.”
Adobe Flash required to view this on-demand webinar.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Increasing Employee Take-Home Pay – Using Section 125 Healthcare Dues-Only Plans (Board of Pensions – PCUSA)
A feature of Section 125, new to many churches, permits employers to set up plans that allow employees to use pretax dollars to pay any amount they contribute toward medical dues.
Adobe Flash required to view this on-demand webinar.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Answering the Call to Health in 2016 (Board of Pensions – PCUSA)
Call to Health is a website that encourages you to take specific steps to improve your health and well-being. And, when you complete Call to Health from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016, your 2017 deductibles – both individual and family – will be reduced. This year, resolve to take good acre of your health and well-being.
Watch this on-demand webinar and Answer the Call to Health!
Adobe Flash required to view this on-demand webinar.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Churches and Religious Organizations (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
Watch this free IRS webinar to learn:
When it comes to taxes, what is a “church?”
What is a “religious organization?”
How to stay exempt: do’s and don’ts
How do you apply for tax exempt status?
Recordkeeping and filing
Special rules for compensation of ministers
Rules limiting an IRS audit of a church
And more!
Presented by: Virginia G. Richardson, Senior Tax Law Specialist with the IRS Exempt Organizations Division.
Learn more about this on-demand webinar from the IRS
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Clergy Tax Law Short-Course (Clergy Financial Resources)
Source: Clergy Financial Resources
This webinar is an audio and Internet training webinar on selected topics that features an in-depth discussion designed specifically to meet the tax and financial needs of today’s churches and clergy
The webinar is designed for church staff and clergy who are interested in recognizing new ways to minimize their own tax liability, in addition to, gaining a better understanding of the current tax laws that affect churches and clergy today.
The webinar will be led by a clergy tax professional and will last between 45 to 60 minutes based on the level of discussion during the session and will cover the following topics:
• What’s new?
• Income vs benefits
• Deduction vs Exclusions
• Employed vs self-employed
• Social security tax
• Opting out of social security
• Allowance vs reimbursement
• Building your salary package
• Taxable income
• Housing Equity Plans
• Reimbursement plans
• Housing/parsonage allowance
• Tax record keeping
• Professional expenses
• Ways to reduce your overall tax liability
Learn more about this religious online webinar on taxes from Clergy Financial Resources
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Principles of Compensation Planning for Clergy (Clergy Financial Resources)
Source: Clergy Financial Resources
This webinar is an audio and Internet training webinar on selected topics that features an in-depth discussion designed specifically to meet the tax and financial needs of today’s churches and clergy
The webinar is designed for church staff and clergy who are interested in recognizing new ways to minimize their own tax liability, in addition to, gaining a better understanding of the current tax laws that affect churches and clergy today.
The webinar will be led by a clergy tax professional and will last between 45 to 60 minutes based on the level of discussion during the session and will cover the following topics:
• How to build your salary package
• Auto Expenses
• Housing/Manse/Parsonage
• Professional Expenses
• Allowance vs. Reimbursement
• Ways to reduce your overall tax liability
Learn more about this religious online webinar on taxes from Clergy Financial Resources
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
