Source: ChurchNext
A recent survey found that people know more about what goes into a Big Mac than what books are in the Bible – and they can name characters of the Brady Bunch far better than they can name the Ten Commandments. Another study found that one in ten adults thinks Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife (really).
Yes, we can do better. That’s why we’ve designed this course.
The Bible is the world’s best-selling book for good reason: it continues to positively affect people’s lives.
In this course, The Rev. Marek Zabriskie, a pastor and founder of The Bible Challenge, introduces us to the Bible. Marek and ChurchNext have partnered with Forward Movement in our work to help more people discover the joys of regular Bible reading and increased Bible knowledge.
Included in this course are 5 video lectures:
- What Is the Bible?
- Who Wrote the Bible?
- Main Themes of the Bible
- To Whom Was the Bible Written?
- How to Read the Bible
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
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.
Websites 101: Creating a Presence for Your Congregation Online (Unitarian Universalist Association)
This webinar focuses on the creation, design, re-design of a congregational website. We will look at policies and procedures, content, management and design.
Presenter: Beth Casebolt, CERG Communitcations Consultant and OMD District Administrator
Learn more at http://www.cerguua.org/ondemand/course/index.php?categoryid=25
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.
Theme Based Church (Unitarian Universalist Association)
This webinar explores Theme Based Church, how it is different from Theme Based Worship, and how you can move your congregation to Theme Based Church as well.
Presenter, Rev. Scott Tayler, Director of Congregational Life of the UUA, former co-minister at First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY and minister of UU Church of Canandaigua.
Learn more at http://www.cerguua.org/ondemand/course/index.php?categoryid=31
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.
Restoring Relationships in Congregations (Unitarian Universalist Association)
Without intention and agreements on how to process disagreements and conflicts, vows and covenants can end up meaningless, or even harmful. In other words, we need to agree on how to fight, for fight we will. In this workshop we explore how to make our behavioral covenants work for us through ongoing training and practice in social and emotional intelligence, and restorative practices. This workshop might especially appeal to Committees on Ministry and Right Relations teams. Bring your real life relationship challenges and we will work on them together.
Facilitated by Rev. LoraKim Joyner, UU District Metro NY Right Relationship Consultant.
Learn more at http://www.cerguua.org/ondemand/course/index.php?categoryid=34
This webinar uses the following 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.
Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs – SERIES (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism)
- Help! What is this book I just got in the mail?!? An introduction to the Vision for directors, teachers, clergy and synagogue professionals, and lay leaders. Listen to a recording of this webinar. Because of technical difficulties only the presenter was recorded. You won’t be able to hear the voices on the phone.
- Ethical Behavior – How do I use the Vision to infuse my school with Jewish values? For EC directors and teachers. This webinar was recorded in two parts — click here to see part 1 or part 2. Because of technical difficulties only the presenter was recorded. You won’t be able to hear the voices on the phone.
- God and Spirituality – How do I use the Vision to invite God into our school and classrooms? For EC directors and teachers. This webinar was recorded in two parts — click here to see part 1 or part 2.
- Working with Clergy (and Other Key Community Members): for clergy and synagogue professionals – how do I use the Vision to get more involved in my synagogue’s early childhood school? Click here to view this webinar. There is a webex player plugin which will need to be downloaded the first time. The video of the presenter can be seen by clicking on the video icon on the top right of the screen.
- Working with Clergy (and Other Key Community Members): for EC Directors and teachers – how do I use the Vision to increase the involvement of clergy and synagogue professionals in my school? Click here to view this webinar. There is a webex player plugin which will need to be downloaded the first time. The video of the presenter can be seen by clicking on the video icon on the top right of the screen.
- Jewish learning – how do I use the Vision to increase learning opportunities for children, teachers and parents in my school? (for EC Directors and teachers) Click here to view this webinar. There is a webex player plugin which will need to be downloaded the first time. The video of the presenter can be seen by clicking on the video icon on the top right of the screen.
- Ritual Observance – how do I use the Vision to examine and elevate the ritual culture in my school? (for EC Directors and teachers) Click here to view this webinar. There is a webex player plugin which will need to be downloaded the first time. The video of the presenter can be seen by clicking on the video icon on the top right of the screen.
- Jewish Environment – how do I use the Vision to examine and elevate the visual Jewish environment in my school? (for EC Directors and teachers) Click here to view this webinar.
- My school already does all this – A webinar for schools farther along on the journey. (for EC Directors and teachers) Click here to view this webinar.
Learn more about this series on the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism website
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.
Meditation Practices (Unity Church)
This course explores the practice and the experience of various forms of meditation. Benefits of the various forms of meditation will be explored as well as methods to deal with resistance to it. There will also be helpful tips for developing a regular meditation practice. Practicing the Silence, Unity’s meditation practice, is fundamental and foundational to Unity teachings. Therefore, it will be the primary meditation practice for the duration of the course.
Instructor: Virginia Roll
Register on Unity Church
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.
Sulam Leadership for Strategic Planners – SERIES (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism)
Sulam for Strategic Planners Webinar Topics
2014-2015
1. Forming a Strategic Planning Committee- Defining Scope of Planning
This session will address the recruitment of a steering committee (SC), including the skills and characteristics necessary for success. It describes the composition of the team between experienced current leaders and new and emerging leaders. It defines the scope of planning, establishes a time line of planning and the commitments of planners.
2. Situation and SWOT Analysis
This session focuses on preparing leaders to identify their community’s critical issues and needs. Leaders will be guided to create a planning SSP “FACT Book” that holds important data about membership, demographics, dues levels, school enrollment, etc. Leaders will learn how to use the SSP Committee Interview Worksheets to interview key committees that will be the focus of planning. With these two sets of data, leaders will be taught how to create an initial SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges) of their current situation. We call this first effort SWOT 1.0 because this document will evolve as planners learn more.
3. Congregational Data Gathering – Surveys & Focus Groups
This session provides an overview of survey strategies. Participants will be introduced to the SSP Congregational Survey template that includes information on members’ demographics as well as their attitudes and beliefs about the synagogue. We will discuss how surveys can involve the whole kehilla (congregation), signaling that the congregation is going through a period of deep reflection. With this in mind, this session will explore the potential of conducting focus groups to go deeper. We will learn how task forces can invite the congregation to probe into critical issues that have been identified such as religious services, the religious school, financial giving, etc.
4. Mission and Vision Statements
This session will explore how a mission and vision statement can become a sacred text that calls for continual commentary and engagement. The focus of SSP is on the vision statement because it provides a picture of the community planners seek to create. Planners will learn how a vision statement can be a source of inspiration and provide strategic direction to the SC and the task forces. We will provide a guide for the SSP Mission and Vision Team made up of the rabbi, staff and lay leaders to create “vision 1.0” in “bullet draft” form.
5. Review of Survey Results and Themes
This session discusses how the SSP Data Gathering Team will organize the data from the SSP Fact Book, the congregational surveys and focus groups. We will show how the Data Gathering Team will prepare an Executive Summary of the survey and help the SC debrief the findings. This session explores the vital work of task forces. We will discuss how to honor both the work of volunteers and staff on ongoing committees and task forces.
6. Strategic Direction for Task Forces
This session shows how the SC provides direction to task forces and coordinates their efforts. In addition, task force recruitment, the role of volunteers and staff and the scope and complexity of different task force assignments will be addressed. We will look at task force data gathering (focus groups, etc.). We will review the task force job description and their report template.
7. Priority Setting-Recommendations
This session covers the criteria for reviewing task force recommendations and prioritizing them. Planners learn how to understand the relative impact of recommendations to increase revenue (fees, members, donors) or reduce costs (cutting costs, finding partners, being more efficient). Planners will also learn how to conduct the priority setting workshop which places all recommendations on a central document and reviews the time frame of recommendations, their cost, potential impact and complexity.
8. Report Adoption and Implementation
This session prepares planners to give a final report and board presentation. It discusses the responsibility of the board to make assignments and provide a charge to committees and staff for implementation. Planners will be prepared to share findings and to inspire support and ongoing engagement in initiatives throughout the community.
To see the list of SSP Pilot “Action Community”, click here.
To learn more about Sulam for Strategic Planning, please contact your Kehilla Relationship Manager, call 212-533-7800 or email us at kehilla@uscj.org.
For more information about any Sulam Leadership offerings, please contact your Kehilla Relationship Manager, call 212-533-7800 or email us at kehilla@uscj.org.
Learn more about this webinars on the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism website
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.
Addressing Domestic and Sexual Violence: Tools for Faith Leaders – SERIES (United Church of Christ)
The Prophetic Voice: How do we preach?
June 15, 2011
Overview: How do we integrate addressing victimization into our preaching beyond a once-a-year special Sunday? Someone in your congregation is waiting for a word from the pulpit.
Abuse and Forgiveness: The Possibilities of Healing
June 8, 2011
Overview: For survivors of abuse, forgiveness is the last step . . . maybe. How do our theology and study of scripture guide our process?
Taking it to the Next Level: Healthy Teen Relationships
May 17, 2011
Overview: Technology has added a new twist to teen relationships – the Internet, texting, smart phones all present new opportunities and dangers. This webinar will address ways youth pastors and leaders can address healthy relationships and teen dating violence education into the youth ministry activities. It will address signs and components of healthy relationships as well as how to respond to teenagers involved in unhealthy relationships.
Sharpening Your Premarital Counseling Tools: Addressing domestic violence in premarital counseling
Materials:
Overview: This webinar will address the importance of screening for domestic violence. How to screen for past, current or potential domestic violence and affirm the components of a healthy covenantal relationship.
The Invisible Victims of Domestic Violence: Children’s exposure to domestic violence
March 22, 2011
Materials:
Overview: This webinar will look at the prevalence of and the effects on children who are exposed to domestic violence. We will specifically discuss some of the high risks for teens living in violent homes, their coping strategies, spiritual crisis and what churches can do to advocate for them.
Men’s Ministry: Men Stopping Violence Against Women
March 8, 2011
Materials:
Overview:
What is required of Our Brothers in the UCC in the movement to stop violence against women and girls? What can men do individually and collectively? This webinar will discuss the fundamentals of gender based violence and review successful secular community based and church models for men to stop and prevent domestic violence.
Ministry with Batterers
February 15, 2011
Materials:
Overview:
We have learned that survivor safety and empowerment are of primary importance. But— what does the batterer need to do to change? What is our responsibility to the perpetrator? What does it mean to hold the abuser accountable? Whose responsibility is it to make that happen?
Religious Resources and Roadblocks
February 8, 2011
Materials:
Overview:
Why do so many survivors of abuse leave the church? What are some of the main reasons women stay in abusive marriages? What religious teachings hold women hostage in abusive relationships? This webinar will address the spiritual crisis many survivors of abuse experience as a result of traditional teachings and misinterpretation of scripture as well as how clergy and lay leaders can help.
Ministry to Survivors of Domestic Violence
January 25, 2011
Materials:
Overview:
There are survivors in all of our churches. How can clergy and churches become safe places and people for survivors to seek help? What are the roles and goals of clergy and the congregation in response to domestic violence?
Preventing Domestic and Sexual Violence: What Churches can do
January 18, 2011
Materials:
Overview:
There are survivors in all of our churches. How can clergy and churches become safe places and people for survivors to seek help? What are the roles and goals of clergy and the congregation in response to domestic violence?
Is God Still Listening . . . to the Voices of Survivors
January 11, 2010
Materials:
- Recording of Webinar
- Powerpoint Presentation
- UCC Domestic Violence Survey Results
- Aleese Moore-Orbih Bio
- Marie Fortune Bio
Overview:
This webinar discussed the results of a survey conducted in 2009 to ascertain prevalence of abuse in families within the United Church of Christ and the capacity of our leaders to successfully respond. The Rev. Dr. Marie M Fortune, FTI Founder and Senior Analyst, and the Rev. Dr. Aleese Moore-Orbih, FTI Director for Training and Consulting, hosted this webinar symposium exploring:
- Theological and ethical issues of domestic and sexual violence
- The role of clergy and laity in responding and preventing domestic and sexual violence
- The importance of integrating domestic and sexual violence education into Christian education
- The importance of national, regional and local church involvement
- How safe and healthy families make safe and healthy congregations
- Strategies for moving forward
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.
When Religion and Politics Meet (United Church of Christ)
When Religion and Politics Meet: A Conversation About the Role of Religion in the Electoral Process
Although we have heard it said that religion and politics shouldn’t mix, people of faith can and do play an important role in the public square and the political life of our nation. But what might that role look like, and how can people of faith and houses of worship engage in the electoral process in a healing, respectful and responsible way? What are some of the legal guidelines for participation by people of faith? What are some of the uses and misuses of religion in political campaigns, and how can people of faith promote civil, thoughtful dialogue across differences on critical issues of the day.
Join us in this conversation with Rev. Welton Gaddy, President of the Interfaith Alliance, and K. Hollyn Hollman, general counsel, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty to learn about ways that you and your congregation can become involved!
Watch the On-Demand video from the UCC (WebEx)
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.
Our Faith Our Vote (United Church of Christ)
This webinar explores a number of questions, including:
- Why we are involved in electoral politics and what is our unique voice as communities of faith?
- Our Faith Our Vote, a UCC campaign to assist congregations and members to be faithfully engaged in the electoral process.
- Election rules as they apply to congregations – what we can and can’t do.
- What is the Voting Rights Amendment Act? Why is it important for our right to vote and how can we support it.
- Role of “big” money in campaigns – Why this is an important issue and what we can do about it.
- Your questions and concerns
(Recorded June 5, 2014)
Watch the On-Demand video from the UCC (WebEx)
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.
