Please include a linen package for this person.

A linen package includes sheets, towels, and pillow. Nothing will be provided for those who don't order linens. PLEASE NOTE: Blankets are not provided for anyone anymore.

Golf Outing

The Sunrise Pointe Golf Course in Storm Lake will welcome us for a fun scramble on Wednesday afternoon. Tee time is 12:30. A $22 fee covers 9 holes of golf and use of a cart. Bring your own clubs. Limited to 36 golfers. All ages and abilities are welcome.

We reduce the fees for the first 68 first time attendees by $50.

AM01 God, Humanity, and the Covenant of Grace: An Introduction to Reformed Theology

This course will introduce participants to several of the lasting themes of the Reformed faith by engaging short primary texts in the history of Reformed theology from the Reformation to the present day, including John Calvin, the Reformed confessions, and Karl Barth. The course’s major themes will include divine election, the covenant of grace, and the Christian life as a response to the gospel.

AM02 What if you recognized your inner wisdom? Using research, reflection, and community to reconnect with your inner wisdom.

“If there is anything the world needs, it is wisdom. Without it, I exaggerate not at all in saying that very soon there may be no world” (Robert Sternberg, Ph.D. former president of the American Psychological Association). Wisdom is an elusive concept at the intersection of profound and simple. It is perhaps the most complex characteristic that can be attributed to individuals and cultures and yet, we use this word without thinking about it. Possibly a result of its ubiquity, its meaning can be challenging to articulate. In this course, we will seek to understand wisdom, with a particular focus on acknowledging your inner wisdom. Do you recognize the wisdom you live out everyday? What does the research say about wisdom? How would your ministry/relationships/life change if you tapped into your own wisdom? This class will feature brief presentations, ample opportunities for individual and group reflection, and community-building.

Danny Elenz is a psychologist at LeaderWise, a non-profit in the Twin Cities whose mission is to serve people in ministry. Danny is passionate about connecting with people in ministry through therapy, consultation, and assessment to assist them in their development

AM03 Bagel Making: Easier Than You Think [Sold Out]

In about three hours, you will learn to make bagels from scratch, from an experienced baker. Each step of the way from mixing the dough, to kneading, to rising, to shaping, to boiling, to baking, to eating will be explained with a hands-on approach.

Rick Goldfarb has been baking bagels since he moved to Seattle in 1981 and discovered that there was no place to get the kind of bagels he grew up with in Oak Park, Michigan. So he learned to bake his own. Although he worked as a lawyer for 38 years, in his office he was better-known as "the guy who brings in bagels."

AM04 Pysanky - An Egg-cellent Celebration

Dye, beeswax, and a simple tool called a kistka can be used to create beautiful, intricate patterns on eggs, a traditional symbol of rebirth and resurrection used in eastern European celebrations of Easter. With a little patience and imagination, anyone can learn to master this craft. Limited to 15 students. Materials fee = $15 per student (covers the cost of a basic kit for each student to take home - dyes, wax, a kistka, and instructions - plus materials for use in class during the week)

Randi Henderson and her sister, Cindy DeHate, have been decorating pysanky (off and on) since their father read about them in a National Geographic magazine a LONG time ago. Natives of Denver, Randi is a retired Presbyterian pastor and Cindy a retired postal worker.

AM1-6 Preparing for Sabbath: Leading & Sharing the 2022/23 PW Bible Study

In an over-programmed world and church, we are called to stop doing, doing, doing and set aside some time for just being with God. Come explore the meaning of Sabbath and discover a variety of ways we can celebrate it together as we look at "Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God's Gift of Rest and Delight" by Carol Bechtel, the Presbyterian Women’s Bible study for 2022/2023. We will experience a few of the lessons and consider ways this study and topic could encourage more rest and delight in your setting. Whether you lead or participate in a PW circle or are simply looking for a great new curriculum for your church or group, this new study has something for you!

Katie Estes is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Green Bay WI and has considered Synod School part of her sabbath time for many years. Nancy Siewert is a ruling elder at FPC Green Bay and has taught more PW studies than she can remember!

AM1-7 Transforming Congregational Mission

You may have read recently, in articles or books, how many of the Church’s current mission practices are harming communities they are trying to serve. Are you looking for ways to improve and transform how your church engages in God’s mission especially in dealing with people from another cultural background? Then this class will offer you space to reflect on you and your church’s understanding of mission and on mission practices (like short-term mission trips, child sponsorship programs, and others) and ways we can be more faithful with our time and resources. Participants will be able to share and learn best practices with one another and will be able to apply the three key principles (theology of companionship, cultural humility, and co-development) as laid out in the newly published book “Freeing Congregational Mission” by Hunter Farrell with Bala Khyllep.

Bala Khyllep is the associate director of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and regularly preaches and leads mission workshops in Pittsburgh-area churches and beyond. Before moving to Pittsburgh, he co-pastored with his wife at First Presbyterian Church of Britton, SD.

AM1-8 "I can't draw, but I'm still an artist!" Unleashing your creative side

So many people have amazing artistic talents but are stuck by the idea that drawing is required to succeed! This class will show you how to get around that block. We'll have classes where we create art that has no drawing required. We'll also have classes where we learn tricks to drawing when your project requires it. Limited to 15 students and a materials fee of $15.00.

Laura Sherlock is the Director of Christian Education at Westminster Church in Des Moines, Iowa. She studied Art Education at the University of Northern Iowa and taught art for several years to K-8 students. When she’s not at Westminster, she’s at home with her family in Norwalk, creating new projects that include painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, cross-stitch and so much more!

AM1-9 Every Step a Prayer: Finding Sanctuary in the Ordinary Movements of a Busy Schedule

We are trained to be people on the go, so sitting and meditating or taking particular time out to pray and find God seems hard to come by for many of us. This class will explore how to find meditative practices while you are walking and cheering your kids on from the sidelines, washing dishes, and prepping meals for the week. This will be an interactive class that will have us moving and shaking like we normally do throughout a week!

Lindsay Jacaruso went through confirmation classes with her then pastor, Lee Hinson-Hasty. Over the years, ministry called them to and fro, and they are SO excited to find places where their paths cross to be nerdy Presbyterians together! Lindsay is a Virgnia native, currently serving as a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Mankato, MN. Lee and his wife Elizabeth (keynoter!) live in Louisville with two fabulous kids, Garrison and Emme.

AM1-10 Good vs. Evil – Movie Heroes and Villains and Biblical Ethics

What makes Atticus Finch and Dorothy Gale good? What makes Darth Vader and Hannibal Lecter evil? Can a killer be a hero? Can a computer be a villain? We’ll look at scenes from movies and compare them with Biblical scriptures to learn more about what the Bible says is good or evil, and how these qualities are envisioned on the big screen. We’ll also talk about how the Bible influences our understanding of the ethics of movie characters, as well as how movies influence our understanding of the Bible.

Mark Bedford is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Sioux City, Iowa. He and his wife, Rev. Beth Hamilton, live with their cat and their cocker spaniel, who are not spoiled at all. He teaches about movie heroes and villains and Biblical ethics whenever he can, but is still angling for the position of Professor of Defense against the Dark Arts.

AM1-11 It’s All Greek to Me: The Gospel of Luke

Though we read the New Testament in English, it was originally written in ancient Greek. In this course we will discuss selections of the Gospel of Luke and consider how an understanding of the Greek text can enhance an interpretation of the passage. We will use the lectionary as a guide. Join us to get ideas for your sermons, Bible studies, or Sunday School classes. No knowledge of ancient Greek is necessary to participate in this course.

Matt Sherry is a PhD candidate in classical philology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He specializes in Latin poetry and also studies the influence of Greek texts on Latin authors.

AM1-12 Yoga: Vacation Style [Sold Out]

Yoga: Vacation Style encourages the participant to be present in, and compassionate towards, their body, while moving through a guided practice designed for the beginner. Poses are modified to accommodate the needs of the students and breath is emphasized. Class is relaxing, playful, and a source of daily rejuvenation.

Jodi Stanfield's practice is based on restorative and somatic yoga principals and incorporates her work with Unlimited Body and Unlimited Breath healing modalities.

AM1-13 Energy Poverty, Solar Power, and Mission

We will discuss energy poverty and how individuals and churches can support and get involved in meaningful international mission to help alleviate this problem. We will provide an overview of solar power systems that will include a “field trip” to our Solar Trailer, which houses two full demonstration systems. We will discuss existing solar installations in Honduras and Haiti, as well as potential future projects. A question-and-answer period will help you to identify ways you or your church can get involved.
Rollin Wycoff and Megan Rubio serve as volunteer instructors for Solar School, the training program of Solar Under the Sun.

AM1-14 Looping over a gourd

Looping is also know as knotless netting or needle lace. It produces an open, lace-like fabric. We will use this technique to create a beautiful design over the surface of a gourd.
Sandy Maxa is, among other things, a fiber artist. She lives in Lenox, Iowa with her husband, Tim, and some cats. Rhonda Osborn is a childcare provider who loves to do crafting. She lives in Winnebago, MN.

AM1-15 Praxis: Living our Theology

Praxis is our theology in action. Too often there is a divide between what we confess in our creeds and how we live every day. This class will explore the topics of Salvation, Grace, Evil, and Evangelism by looking at these topics historically and contemporarily and then examine how those beliefs make a difference in how we live our faith. This class will incorporate discussion, video, and music to raise topics.

Matt Sauer is a husband, father, and community activist for justice. Matt is pastor of Manitowoc Cooperative Ministry (a PCUSA/UCC ministry) specializing in Community Engagement and Transformation. He moonlights as an advisor in the ACTS DMin in Preaching at McCormick Theological Seminary and as a Police/Hospital Chaplain.

AM1-16 Reading Christian Wiman's "Home"

Much as we did in the 2021 class "Reading Christian Wiman's 'Joy,'" we will devote each class to reading and discussing a few poems from Christian Wiman's soon-to-be-published poetry anthology, "Home."

Scott Stanfield teaches in the Englsh Department of Nebraska Wesleyan University. He has been teaching at Synod School since 2000.

AM1-17 Religion and Sexuality in Three Movements

This class will look at the Biblical view of marriage and sex, how this view has changed over time. We will concentrate on the Shakers, the Mormons, and the Oneida Community, their teachings and how their beliefs influenced the role of marriage, family, and men and women within their group. This is a look at three American religious movements, the Mormons, the Shakers, and the Oneida Perfectionists. and how their beliefs influenced and defined marriage, the role of women in the group, and their views on the purpose of sex and children in the respective groups. We will look at how these groups rejected the existing marriage and family patterns, and established alternative patterns of either celibacy, group marriage and polygamy.

Brenda Griffin is a semi-retired Spanish teacher. She taught Spanish in Missouri, Iowa and Kentucky. She is currently teaching at Skills-U a program for students who are working to obtain their GED and for ESL students. She is married to Darrel Griffin and they live in Georgetown, KY. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Georgetown. She also spends her time with their daughters and 4 grandchildren.

AM1-18 Ruling Elders: Putting the 'Fun' Back in Dysfunctional Sessions

Nominating committees are finding it difficult to fill the vacancies on church councils because, let's face it, it's no fun when we face shrinking finances, low attendance, and a culture of divisiveness in our churches. Participants will relearn (or learn for the first time) what it means to be a Ruling Elder, why our current models aren't working, and how lead, love, and fight like Presbyterians. Rather than 'taking your turn' sitting on Session, let's figure out how to partner with fellow Christians to answer the call to God's ministry with purpose and joy (and probably snacks).

Ian McMullen is the Pastor to the Presbyteries of Des Moines, North Central Iowa, and Prospect Hill. He contends that his life and faith journey are a testament to the idea that God has a sense of humor. Ian is passionate about investing in people, cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, and living life in a large way.

AM1-19 Upcycled: Art and Sustainability within Ministry

Sustainability and upcycling are more than trendy buzz words. They are practices the Church can look to and learn from in the re-creation of ministry. This course will cover both the theology and the practical application of upcycling as we engage in conversations about how to steward the earth and minister to our communities with intention and care. We will also be making our own upcycled art.

Rebecca Dix is an artist, scholar, story teller and listener. Her path has been carved with her passion for Old Testament stories and making art. Living sustainably is a huge part of her life and she loves the adventure of re-making and re-imagining.

AM2-20 Is it too Late? Is there any Hope?

This class will explore the pressing issue of global warming and climate change. We will discuss what is happening and what can be done according to scientists, Pope Francis, Sallie McFague, John Cobb and other relevant scholars.

Hugh Stone is a member of Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive. He has taught religion, philosophy and ethics courses at Grandview University and Simpson College and D.M.A.C.C. He has a Masters of Divinity Degree from Yale University.

AM2-21 Spirit, Open Our Hearts: Fiction and Congregational Mission

Fiction gives us insight into the nuances of what it means to be the people of God. When we read broadly and deeply, we find that our hearts and minds are opened in profound ways. This course will address novels that address contemporary issues including "American Dirt," "Little Fires Everywhere," "The Kite Runner" and others.

Stacy Cavanaugh is currently the pastor at Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, WI. An avid reader, she knows how exactly how many books you can have out of the library at one time.

AM2-22 The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are a series of meditations, prayers and contemplative practices designed to help people deepen their relationship with God and their discernment of their role in God’s plan. Although historically most commonly given as a long retreat of about 30-days, the Exercises have been adapted in many ways to meet the needs of people today. Christians of all denominations have benefitted from their exposure to them. The spirituality embodied by Ignatius’ Exercises is one particularly suited to laypeople. And even apart from its use in a retreat setting, the Exercises offer useful tools for daily prayer and discerning vocation for all Christians. These include both methods of prayer, and guidelines and approaches to making good decisions. This class will include an overview of the structure of the Spiritual Exercises, an exploration of the major contemplations and prayer forms of the Exercises, with a focus on their adaption and use in our day to day lives.

Susan Stabile is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the St. Thomas University School of Law, an adjunct Instructor in Theology at St. Catherine’s University, and a member of the faculty of the Sacred Ground training program for spiritual directors. Susan also offers retreats and other programs of spiritual formation at churches, universities, and retreat houses around the country.

AM2-23 The Immediate Word: Preaching Shaped by Current Events

Each week a team of eight writers produces The Immediate Word, an e-resource for those who use the Revised Common Lectionary. After a 30 minute Zoom meeting the team produces liturgy, a list of hymn suggestions, a children’s message, two articles, and up to 15 stories and observations—all based on lectionary texts. This course will be highly interactive. Participants will take part in a typical brain storming conversation based on themes in the lectionary and breaking news stories. Then, in small groups, participants will work together to produce lectionary-based resources for future worship services. Together participants will produce ready-to-use material for five future Sundays. This offering is for lectionary preachers, people hungry for bridging the Bible/world gap and those curious about where sermons come from.

Tom Willadsen has been a presbyterian minister for more than 30 years and has served congregations in four states. He has written weekly for The Immediate Word since 2018. The best half hour for him every week is the Zoom conference with the clever, brilliant and passionate co-writers of The Immediate Word.

AM2-24 A Time to Repair: Restorative Actions

Today, fluency in the language of systemic racism--a topic previously relegated to the shadowy edges of polite public conversation--is now almost a passport to mainstream respectability. Unfortunately, much of the national conversation comes to a screeching halt at the mention of one seriously antiracist word--Reparation. “A Time to Repair” restarts the conversation about Reparation to Afro-Americans--a conversation that began in the church and places it exactly where it belongs: in the very Protestant institutions still enriched from trading in flesh, distorting Christian theology, racializing politics, and stealing labor. This Synod School class will introduce a new curriculum, “A Time to Repair,” to discuss why Reparation is distinctly Christian business and is possible. It will offer individuals and churches an opportunity to learn about reforming national culture and theological education by first; acknowledging Protestantism’s role as a key partner in the business of slavery and second; by pointing a way forward through specific objectives in education, advocacy, and economic responsibility with an introduction to Restorative Actions--an economic justice initiative designed to restore and catalyze opportunities for Indigenous and Afro-American individuals and communities in the United States to flourish; a preview at www.restorativeactions.org.

Anthony Jermaine Ross-Allam has served as associate pastor at Liberty Community Church, PC(USA) (formerly Kwanzaa Community Church) and Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, PC(USA) and is currently a doctoral candidate in Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan. Milissa Carter is a ruling elder in the PC(USA), and serves on the Social Justice & Racial Equity Teams at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, MN. Jim Koon is a ruling elder in the PC(USA). He lives in Mendota Heights MN and serves as Financial Services Director for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.

AM2-25 Traffick Signals: Human Trafficking in your backyard

This class will explore what human trafficking is, what we can do in our own communities, and case studies around the area. Resources and materials will be handed out. We will talk about trafficking with regard to sex, labor, child, and organ trafficking around the US as well as local and learn about trauma responses. At the end of the class, participants will no longer think human trafficking is only a problem elsewhere. Adult topics and discussions surrounding sexual assault and relationship violence will be addressed as it relates to human trafficking. Parental discretion advised if under 18 years of age. If you took this class last year, this is a repeat.

Kelly Andrichik has been a police officer for the state of Wisconsin for 20+ years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is a consultant for the WI Dept. of Justice on topics surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence, is a sexual assault investigator, and trains local communities and guest lectures on topics of Human Trafficking.

AM2-26 The Gift of Lament

There certainly are times along our journey through life where we are harshly reminded of the reality that God’s reign has not yet come. Whether it be the impact of the pandemic, the polarization in our nation, the wrongs that are “oft so strong,” personal change and the tosses that have come with them, or a myriad of other issues, hope can hard to come by. At these times, faith offers an option: lament. Drawing upon the PW Horizon’s Bible Study for 2020/2021, Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament, this class will provide a study of Biblical lament that includes opportunities to reclaim this practice that can help us live faithfully in this in-between time, this time of the already, but the not yet; engaging the real world with our faith and our faith with the real world.

Jan Christensen serves as pastor at Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars, Iowa. Through the years she has adapted the Horizon’s Bible Study into sermon series and small group studies for her congregation.

AM2-27 Biblical Shakespeare

This course looks at the interaction between two of the most culturally important sets of texts in our society: the Bible and the plays of William Shakespeare. We'll look at how Shakespeare used the Bible, from explicit references to broader themes and overlapping interests. We'll also take a gander at how people have confused quotes from the two and how Shakespeare's Bible and the early Presbyterian church are intertwined. No prior knowledge of either text is necessary (but it probably won't hurt either).

Philip Goldfarb Styrt is an assistant professor of English at St. Ambrose University. Or to put it another way, this is his day job, only with about 20% more explicit references to the Bible.

AM2-28 Stitching Circle

Join us for an hour of slow stitching, visible mending or another hand-stitching craft of your choosing. Generations of people have gathered strength, grown resilient, and enjoyed fellowship as they gathered together to sew, mend and create. We will have plenty of materials on hand for meditative stitching. Each day we’ll focus on the benefits of the craft – mindfulness, community, resilience, and sustainability. Participants are invited to bring some fabric to share or swap! Limited to 15. Class fee is $8.

Mary Koon is the Associate Pastor for Oak Grove in Bloomington and enjoys stitching because it helps her slow down! Allison Koon is Mary’s daughter-in-law, a former professional seamstress and an early childhood educator.

AM2-29 Ballroom and Latin Dance

Whether you’re attending a wedding, going out for a night on the town, or just enjoying the Synod School dance, being out there moving and grooving on the dance floor makes it all that much more fun. Join us for a week of fellowship and learn two of the most exciting and useful dances out there--the stately foxtrot and lively Latin cha cha!

Jill and Jason Johnson are retired ballroom dance instructors and competitors from Saint Paul, MN.

AM2-30 CANCELLED [Sold Out]

Working with silk using multiple techniques. Class is limited to 15 students. Materials fee is $35. Class also meets PM1.

Janey Nottage-Tacey is a fiber artist working in weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting and silk.

AM2-31 Reading Old Testament Stories

This course will introduce you to what is technically called Biblical narrative interpretation, which is a fancy way to say "figuring out what the story is trying to tell us."

Darrel Griffin preaches when needed at local churches and loves to teach about the Bible and church history. He lives in Georgetown, KY.

AM2-32 Acrylic paint pouring [Sold Out]

We will explore several techniques of acrylic paint pouring. We will mix our paints, paint several items and apply finishes. WARNING: This class will be messy. Bring a paint shirt or apron as well as a glass vase (one from the dollar or thrift store). Class limited to 10 participants. $25 class fee

Lynn Hollander is a life-long crafter who is finally retired and able to spend more time crafting and playing with her dachshunds.

AM2-33 Who doesn't love a stripe? [Sold Out]

Our project is to make a beaded bracelet using even count peyote stitch. Peyote stitch has been used for centuries and is a great basic stitch to know. In class we will learn how to read a pattern and use a method to help make our projects easy to start. The beads we use are small, so it is highly suggested that you bring your reading glasses. Beginners are welcome. Limited to 7 students. Materials fee of $15.

Gretchen Milloy is the office coordinator at the Synod.

AM2-34 Collaborative Ministry: Reclaiming the Early Church as a Leadership Model

The current church is struggling to maintain the traditional model of “one church, one pastor.” Often, financial difficulties force churches to consider sharing a pastor out of necessity. The current church has often adopted the business model for running a church and views the pastor as the CEO. Instead of working together out of financial necessity, what if churches reclaimed a tried-and-true leadership model. This is the model used by Paul and others in the early church of sharing leadership between congregations. This is not a new model, but a model which helped the church grow at a pheromonal rate, growing the from one church in Jerusalem to thousands of churches in just a couple hundred of years.

Paul Snyder has served nine different congregations in four different calls serving more than one congregation in each of these calls. He grew up in two different three-point parishes where he served as a ruling elder. He has also served as co-chair and member of the Commission on Leadership of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys. Paul is currently the chair of the Small Church Residency Program.

PM01 Great Synod School Baking Competition [Sold Out]

Have you ever wished you could participate in an iconic cooking show? You can get close here! Within the friendly competition of teams, we will bake challenging dessert creations not often made by home cooks. Can you pronounce Croquembuche? How about a Black Forest Cake or a Chocolate Pavlova? Cooking skill is not required as there should be a good mix of skill. Class fee of $25. Class is limited to 12 participants.

Suzy Browning is crafting a new life. A physician, chaplain, and mom of three, she is a Synod School devotee who seems to hear God’s discernment quite clearly from Storm Lake, Iowa. She loves to sing, cook, camp and spend time laughing with her kids!

PM02 God in the Box Office- The Theology of Animation

From Walt Disney’s original Snow White released in 1937 to the hits that continue to come out of Pixar Studios the box office has been full of wonderful stories told through animation. In recent years, a few blockbuster animated films have delved into some deep societal, emotional, and theological questions. In this class we will screen four recent animated feature length films and ask the question, Where is God in the box office?

Gray Marshall is the co-pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, Ohio. Greg Bolt is the co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing, MN. Both are passionate film lovers and critics. Greg and Gray produced a film together about faith Appalachia while in seminary.

PM03 Wade into Watercolors [Sold Out]

Do you remember the fun you had as a kid just spreading different colors of paint around a sheet of paper? This class tries to recapture some of that fun while creating something more than just blobs of paint. No experience or artistic skill required. Using various techniques and tricks in watercolor, the instructor will guide you through some interesting projects, creating paintings that will at least look great on the refrigerator door, if not matted, framed and hanging in the living room. A list of materials will be provided. For those unable to bring these materials, a kit will be available to purchase from the instructors. Limited to 10 students.

Howard Chapman has been working in watercolors for many years, attending classes and workshops in places like Tuscany, Italy and Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Howard has taught this class in previous years was Synod School’s Artist in Residence in 2014.

PM04 Academy Class on Church Leadership

This course will discuss concepts of Christian leadership, where we are called to lead while following God. We'll discuss basic leadership traits and skills and leading in a challenging and changing environment, all while following God's will. We will also discuss basic church administration skills, such as reading and understanding balance sheets, P&L sheets, and activity sheets, leading Session meetings, and delegating and self-care. This will be a full and challenging course with both a pre-load and post-load!

Loren Shellabarger is a recently retired PC(USA) minister living in Dubuque, Iowa. Loren considers himself a student of leadership and enjoys discussing all things involved in Christian leadership in a complex world.

PM05 Outdoor Cooking in a Fire Pit

You’ve been invited to a picnic pot-luck. Everyone likes to eat. Don’t panic. Whether you’re cooking for a few or many, outdoor cooking is easy and fun. We will make main dishes, accompaniments, and desserts using different methods of outdoor cooking such as Dutch Oven, foil packs, grilling, smoking, milk cans, etc. If you interested in sharing something new with the class, we are delighted to help you. Sharing cooking ideas, tips, and family secrets are what we are all about. Bon Appétit !!! Materials fee of $40 will be collected during registration. Enrollment limited to 25 students.

Meet our Celebrity Chefs:
Our very own Tie Dye Chef Boy-Arnie Hart is a retired reliability engineer who now spends his “spare” time pulling his BBQ trailer all over vending or volunteering to feed the masses. Rose Miller is a Dutch oven cooking enthusiast who learned from her son, Eagle Scout Mike and his Boy Scout Troop 139 leaders, from Kearney, NE. Doug Rutford has been realizing he is at heart a food-o-phile. He loves doing the cooking both at home and for large groups.

PM1-06 Spiritual Writings of Brian Doyle, or as he says, “True stories about sins, sons, shrines, silence, marriage, homework, jail, miracles, dads, legs, basketball, the sinewy grace of women, bullets, music, infirmaries, the power of powerlessness, the ubiquity of prayers, and some other matters.”

During Synod School 2021, our time of Song and a Prayer in the morning used the Book of Uncommon Prayer by Brian Doyle. Doyle is a prolific author of essays, novels, poetry and prayer. In this class, we'll explore his spiritual writings and use his inspiration to write our own spiritual essays, poems or prayers.

Heidi Bolt serves as co-pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Red Wing, MN and as the Commission on Ministry Coordinator of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Heidi was introduced to the writing of Brian Doyle by her father and has since read all of his novels and many of his other works. Heidi is married to her husband and co-pastor Greg and has two children, Sophia (12) and Thaddeus (10).

PM1-07 Freeing Jesus

This class will be an exploration of Diana Butler Bass's spiritual memoir, "Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence." In the process of reflecting theologically on her own experience with Jesus at different points in her life, Butler Bass encourages us to do our own reflecting and enter in to a deeper relationship with Jesus. The class will be a combination of presentation, discussion, and reflection. Participants are strongly encouraged to read “Freeing Jesus” before Synod School begins.

Richard Francis is a retired Presbyterian pastor and a former Stated Clerk. He lives with his wife, Kathy, in Carroll, Iowa.

PM1-08 The 1970s – Society and The Music

The 1970s was an interesting decade. Nam. Watergate. PONG. Secretariat. Barcodes. Microsoft. SNL. Apple. The Space Shuttle. Jimmy Carter. Garfield. Louise Brown. Three Mile Island. Inflation. E-mail. AND the Beatles broke up. While society kept moving forward (backward?), popular music kept evolving. Neil Diamond. Tina Turner. Three Dog Night. Elton John. Genesis. James Brown. Queen. Pink Floyd. ABBA. The Village People. AND, oh yes, the brothers Gibb. Spielberg, Lucas, Disco, MTM, and Good Times. They were DYN-O-MITE! Let’s relive (or live for the first time) the decade of the 1970s – both society and especially the MUSIC!

Dirk R. Brinkmeyer is an old Iowa guy who is young at heart and living in Bradenton, FL with his wife, Diane, and two very large cats. He and Diane attend Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch, FL.

PM1-09 Sharing Gods Story in Words and Art

This class will study the 2022 preaching texts from Luke and consider how art as well as preaching and teaching can bring them to life.

Sarah Henrich retired from over two decades as a New Testament professor at Luther Seminary. Since then she has served many churches as an interim pastor. She has a Masters degree in art history and loves spending time as a docent at the Minneapolis Museum of Art

PM1-10 Fasting for Body and Soul

Fasting has been around for centuries. It’s found throughout the Bible and is part of most world religions. Jesus fasted. And yet when we hear of fasting today, we might think (as I did), That’s not healthy! In fact, it’s one of the best things we can do for our bodies. Gin Stephens, author of Delay, Don’t Deny, says, “Fasting is a health plan with a side benefit of weight loss.” I would say, “Fasting is a spiritual practice with the side benefits of health and weight loss.” In this class we’ll explore the benefits of fasting for both our physical health and our spiritual health, and we’ll come up with a plan about how to incorporate fasting into our lives.

Suzanne Gorhau is a pastor, spiritual director, and retreat leader. She’s been fasting for several years and plans to make it a lifelong habit.

PM1-11 Your Life, Your Legacy- The Fundamentals Of Estate Planning

Proper estate planning is much more than passing on your financial assets. It involves taking care of you and your loved ones during your lifetime, including incapacity, and upon death. This course was first presented at Synod School in 2018, and is back by request. Foss will cover the different planning options and discuss how to design your plan so that it is about much more than merely passing on financial assets. We will also discuss what has become the biggest concern for many people - planning for long term care.

Foss Hooper is a member of First Presbyterian in Neenah, Wisconsin, and an attorney who specializes in estate planning. He founded an estate planning law firm that now has 5 attorneys and offices in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Foss is the author of multiple books on estate planning, several of which he will distribute to the class participants.

PM1-12 The Presby-Tones

Sign up for this course to join The Presby-Tones, Synod School's one and only a capella group. A very lucky group of up to 12 people will learn the basics of a capella vocal performance, including (but not limited to) beatboxing, harmonizing, imitating instruments, blending, dynamics, and even a little bit of choreography. The class will explore a handful of arrangements from different genres and, ideally, we could perform at the talent show on the last night. No a capella experience necessary, although some experience singing and sight reading is preferred.

After singing a capella and in choir during high school, Liz Stanfield joined the Brown University Chattertocks and spent four years singing, beatboxing, arranging, and becoming an extreme a capella aficionado with a group of extremely talented young women. She can't wait to bring a capella zest to Synod School. She is currently a graduate student in California.

PM1-13 Dungeons and Dragons: The devil is NOT in the details

Role playing games have made a come back in recent years, but they started out as a very small niche hobby that within ten years became huge. With their popularity came disturbing stories of devil worship and more. This course will go over the history of role-playing with a focus on the most well known game Dungeons and Dragons. We will learn what role playing is and we will actually create characters and play. This course is designed for those who have never played before, but all are welcome.

Steve Tyykila is a geeky minister who got started role playing at the age of 11. In addition to this he loves board games, sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes, and almost anything geeky. Morgan Tyykila has inherited her families love of role-playing games. She is a student at U of M Morris.

PM1-14 Presbyterian Theological Ethics of Peacemaking

The Presbyterian contribution to Peacemaking in the United States has unique features which will be explored through examination of actions and policy since 1975. Ronald Stone is Professor Emeritus John Witherspoon Professor of Ethics at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He will join the class via Zoom.

PM1-15 That's NOT in the Bible?!

Although the Bible contains multitudes, some sayings are missing - from "God won't give you more than you can handle" to "life begins at conception". And they forgot to include a picture of Jesus! In this class, we'll discuss some popular Christian ideas and phrases and where they fit (or don't fit) into scriptural teachings and our own faith. This class offers few definite answers, but plenty of space to learn together. Limited to 30 students.

Katie Styrt is a pastor serving at First Presbyterian in Milan, IL, but still lives in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. She enjoys close-reading scripture, baking, and quilting.

PM1-16 Faith in Action: Stories of Solidarity with the Poor

Seeking to understand key elements of being co-creators with God in His response to poverty in our world, we will explore Mother Theresa's experience in the slums of India, Henri Nouwen's life with the mentally challenged people in the L'Arche Community, John Woolman's fight against slavery, and Elizabeth O'Conner's journey as a member of the Church of the Saviour's mission among the poor of Washington, D. C. Using film clips and written quotes from their lives, we will discuss such topics as Hearing God's Call, Risk-taking and Trust, Compassion, Community, and Sacrificial Love. Let's learn together from the stories of these four who choose to live out their faith in action by having solidarity with the poor.

Dave and Dee Waggoner are a son and mom ministry committed to promoting spiritual growth. Dave is an insightful young man while Dee is becoming an ancient traveler.

PM1-17 Sewing 101 [Sold Out]

Do you own a sewing machine but are afraid of it? Would you like to learn how to sew by machine? Join us as we learn the basics of sewing and learn how to use your machine. We will make a simple project for you to take home finished and ready to wear. You will need to bring your machine, some fabric, and basic sewing supplies. An email will be sent with a supply list before Synod School.

Karen Bickel is a life-long crafter who is finally retired and able to spend more time crafting and playing with her dachshunds.

PM1-18 Ultimate Sports 1

Participants will engage in a variety of team sports ranging from Ultimate Frizbee to Soccer, but also including basketball, volleyball, and football. Expect to get a good workout. The youth who participate in the class play "all out." Adults and Senior Highs will be welcomed.

Tim Maxa is Pastor, United Presbyterian Church, Lenox, IA and Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church, Sharpsburg, IA. Jazelle Group will assist in the class.

PM1-19 Acoustic Sounds

Musicians and singers of all skill levels are invited to gather together to share their musical talents and passion in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, fiddle or any other acoustic instrument. And if you don’t play an instrument, you can sing along! All class members are asked to bring a few songs (with music or chords and lyrics if possible) to share with the class. If you have some original music, we’d love to hear that, too!

Mac Stanfield is an attorney by day, musician at heart, from Des Moines, IA. Curt Anderson is a musician from Los Angeles, CA.

PM1-20 Knit a Mitered Square [Sold Out]

A mitered square is a knitting pattern that creates a square with a diagonal line down the middle, like the corners of a woodworking project. With this pattern, you can create decorative dishcloths, place mats, and afghans with great visual effects. New knitters can take this class to learn to knit. Experienced knitters can choose to make a small project, or start a larger one. A materials list will be sent prior to the start of Synod School. Class limit is 16.

Co-taught by mother-daughter team Barb Straus, a knitter from Lincoln, Nebraska, and Julia Norman, a high school chemistry teacher from Livonia, Michigan.

WAITLIST for PM1-20 Knit a Mitered Square [Sold Out]

This class is currently full. Please enter the class name in the PM1 Waitlist below. This allows you to be on a wait list and also select another class for this time.

PM1-21 Designer Christmas in July: Trees, Table Scapes, and Modern Wreaths

Do you ever think about new trends and how to upgrade your old decorations? This class will be a hands-on experience with demonstrations, tips and techniques to help transform & update your favorite items. Bring a picture of your favorite Christmas tree or decoration as we share our ideas & joy. Class limit is 25.

Suzy Pfliiger, (an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Mandan, ND) brings 40 plus years of experience in retail, marketing and real estate. She holds a certificate in Decore, Staging and Decluttering. Suzy adds depth, fun and fabulousity to church decorating. Suzy is a lay pastor who has been in the church from birth as a PK.

PM2-22 God’s Mission – The Church’s Vocation

Many congregations are busy doing local and/or global mission and raising funds for mission projects, and in this busyness often lose sight of God’s mission itself. The plethora of mission organizations in our society have resulted in varying understandings of mission. This class will begin by exploring the New Testament mandate for mission as well as how the church understood and practiced mission over the centuries. We will discuss the role of the North American church in God’s mission especially as we face membership decline, shirnking resources, and diminishing influence. We will also draw on eamples o fhow churches in other parts of the world (with much fewer resources) participate in God’s mission. The class will examine the relationship between mission and proclmation, evangelism, advocacy, and the public and social witness of the church. Participants will have opportunities to identify and share with one another faithful and effective practices of mission.

Amgad Beblawi is the Mission Executive for the presbyteries of Des Moines, North Central Iowa and Prospect Hill. Before moving to Iowa, Amgad was coordinator of the PC(USA)’s mission engagement in Europe and the Middle East. He is a ruling elder and a graduate of Fuller Seminary. Amgad and his wife, Susan, enjoy watching Masterpiece Theater.

PM2-23 The Excellent Way: Love in Theory and Practice

A Bible Study of Love Texts from the Old and New Testament: We all like love, right? But Jesus’ practice of love is dangerous— leading to the cross for him and to very broken places for the rest of us (Matthew 5:44, 1 John 4:18). Could part of the challenge be that we could use a deeper understanding of Biblical love? With that in mind let’s study “love” texts from the Psalms, the prophets, the Gospels and the Apostle Paul. Let’s spell out a richer theology of love and then apply it to our daily challenges, personal and corporate. Could God be calling the Church to heal social ills through a more disciplined and systemic practice of love? How do we keep from being naïve about evil or enablers of cheap grace? We will share stories, examples and practices that nourish our growth in this excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:13).

Sarah Dickinson is pastor at Discovery Presbyterian Church, Omaha, NE, dancing partner with Jeff, and mother of Erin.

PM2-24 Improv, with Song! [Sold Out]

A Stanfield sibling team-up that combines comedy improvisation and musical fun. We will be using all the skills that we always bring to improv – being present, listening to each other, and saying “Yes!” – and we will add one more magical element, music. Each class will contain a mix of musical and non-musical improv exercises, so everyone will get a chance to play favorite games as well as try something new. There will still be warm-ups that make great icebreakers for youth groups back home and entertaining scenes, but every so often, we will burst into song. Please come and play with us. You do not have to be a Broadway-level singer, or a soloist, to participate. Everybody has their own special element to add to the fun. The joy will be in finding what we can create together. The class size limit is 25.

Burns Stanfield is the pastor at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Boston, and was formerly a touring musician. Heather Stanfield Anderson works for the school district in Los Angeles, and was formerly a member of various comedy improv troupes.

PM2-25 Herbs in the Bible

Herbs, spices, and oils were important to the life of the people in the scriptures. What herbs and spices might Mary and Martha have used to clean and cook a meal? What oil was used to anoint the feet of Jesus? How might the gifts of frankincense and myrrh brought by the Wise Men been used. What special foods and beauty treatments might Esther have received as she was prepared to be presented to King Xerxes? Come find out and make a herbal tincture for your own use.

Jo Hart has been growing and studying herbs for 25 years. She teaches the adult Sunday School class at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa.

PM2-26 Legacy of the "Also Rans": How Heresies Have Honed the Doctrines We Depend On

Survey course/seminar that puts pre-medieval Christian heresies (including Ebionism, Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism) into conversation with canonical scripture and early creeds. From its emergence as a messianic sect of strictly monotheistic Judaism, Christianity has straddled the line between orthodoxy and heresy. Despite their rejection and suppression by prevailing orthodoxies, devout Christ-followers have always comprised heretical sects. This class explores how pre-medieval Christian heresies undergird now-orthodox doctrines about creation, resurrection, the sanctity of the Jewish scriptures, Christ’s dual nature, and the Trinity. Why were some ideas sanctified and others vilified? Who made those decisions? Does a text’s exclusion from the Biblical canon presuppose “wrongness?” And how do heresies function to this day to perfect our faith in Christ? Join us for a glimpse of early church history and some of Christianity’s most colorful and influential debates.

Erica MacCreaigh is the minister your mother warned you about. After 25 years as a librarian, she bid farewell to Dewey and his decimals in favor of doctrine and the dog collar. A consummate nonconformist, she combs biblical commentaries to determine what hasn't yet been said; having underdeveloped verbal inhibition, she then proclaims whatever that is. Her interest in Christian heresies arose from her desire to give voice to those silenced by orthodoxy. She serves as Transitional Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Independence IA.

PM2-27 Bible art journaling

Don't let the word "art" scare you! Bible Art Journaling has quickly become a new avenue for spending time with God in God's word. Whether you've done art journaling before or have never heard of it, this is a wonderful class to learn the basics, get some new ideas, and try out different techniques. Some supplies and books will be available to use. If you have a Bible, notebook, or journal that you're comfortable with, please bring that! Class size is limited to 25.

Jessica Harrison is a full-time Personal Banker at Fortifi Bank in Winneconne, WI. In her free time she enjoys container gardening, knitting, reading, spending time with her fur babies, and playing Dungeons & Dragons or Call of Chthulu with her friends. Bible Art Journaling has given her a new way to interact with God's word.

PM2-28 Star Wars Class II: There is always hope

A long time ago in a studio far far away the imagination of George Lucas gave rise to the universe of Star Wars. Now, a new generation has taken over the legacy and discovering new ways to connect to the Force. Join us as we explore our Christian faith through the eyes of new characters from Grogu and the Mandalorian to Rey and Kylo Ren.

Jedi Sara Ver Burg is a member of the free-range clergy, a behavioral analyst, and a life-long sci-fi fan. Her Jedi companion Karl is a solar engineer and fellow nerd. Together they are raising their teenage daughter to know about her nerd inheritance from Ren Faire and anime, to galaxies far far away...

PM2-29 Poets as Conversation Partners

Poetry engages all of our senses. We read poetry in a different way than we read fiction. In a few lines, poetry invites us into seeing the world differently. In this course, we will explore using poetry to deepen devotional and preaching lives.

Stacy Cavanaugh is the pastor at Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Wisconsin. Introduced to poetry by her fourth grade teacher, she has engaged poets as conversation partners throughout her life and ministry. Beginning in 2020, she began sharing her favorite poems with her congregation and has found that this broadens the way that we engage our world together.

PM2-30 Cards for Special Occasions

Have you found yourself needing a delightful card for a fun occasion and your cupboard is bare? Are you needing a sympathy card for a dear friend’s family and you don’t have one? Well, have we got a class for you! Come enjoy making at least sixteen special occasion cards. Planned cards include birthday, congratulations, wedding, and sympathy. Please bring your own scissors, and favorite adhesive. Class size is limited to twenty card makers. Materials fee is $ 5.00.

Carol Ferrell is a retired teacher and card maker. She is a member of Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa. Liz Snyder has been making cards for over sixteen years. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

PM2-31 Ultimate Sports 2

Participants will engage in a variety of team sports ranging from Ultimate Frizbee to Soccer, but also including basketball, volleyball, and football. Expect to get a good workout. The youth who participate in the class play "all out." Adults and Senior Highs will be welcomed.

Tim Maxa is Pastor, United Presbyterian Church, Lenox, IA and Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church, Sharpsburg, IA. Jazelle Group will assist in the class.

PM2-32 Liturgical Stole Design and Making

Stoles (and related items like banners and paraments) serve as statements of faith, track the liturgical calendar, and give us a chance to share creative gifts. We will design and create stoles while talking about ways we can use color, surface design, and lettering to create something beautiful and unique. A basic pattern and fabric suggestions will be provided, and class participants will have a chance before Synod School to order a supply kit with base and lining fabric in selected colors if desired. Sue will bring a couple of sewing machines for class use--feel free to bring your machine if you want or plan on doing the finishing sewing at home. You don't have to be an experienced sew-er; the planning and design are the main focus points of the class. Material fee $10.

Sue Rutford is from White Bear Lake, MN. When she's not sewing and dyeing and doing other fun fabric things, she is a software analyst, Clerk of Session at First Presbyterian of Stillwater, and definitely not least--Grammy to Oliver and his eagerly expected sibling!

PM2-33 One Church One Book

Each year, the General Assembly co-moderators commend a relevant and challenging book for study across the denomination. We’ll study Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villanueva and equip participants to facilitate book studies in their home congregations. (If the co-moderators don’t announce a new book study before Synod School, we’ll study the 2020 recommendation, Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villanueva.)

Nathan Williams is pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines, where he teaches various topics to a patient group of adults.

PM2-34 Prayer Practices for All

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul encourages them (and all the rest of us) to "pray without ceasing." But how do we do that? Throughout the ages, countless people of faith have tried to answer this question with countless different forms of prayer. Why? Because God made all us blessedly and vastly different. This form of prayer that brings meaning to him will undoubtedly be completely different from that form of prayer that brings meaning to her and this other form of prayer that brings meaning to them. So in an attempt to pray without ceasing, we’re going to spend the week exploring a wide variety of different forms of prayer for all types – traditional and contemporary, contemplative and kinetic, quiet and out loud, and everything in between. Friends, let us pray.

Lisa Johnson is the pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Oronoco in Oronoco, Minnesota. She is also a mother of three - 9yo twins and a 4yo. And she's currently working on a Doctorate of Ministry in the field of renewal practices for individuals and congregations through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. When she's not pastoring, mom-ing, and studying, trying out different prayer practices is one of her favorite things to do.

PM2-35 Let the light shine: LGBTQIA+ Church 101

In this class we will explore what it means to identify as LGBTQ+. We will learn to understand the basic concepts of gender and sexuality, privilege and oppression, and discrimination versus affirmation. We will delve into liberation theologies and faithful practices of solidarity and hospitality. Using videos, role-play, and self-reflection, we’ll work on putting these concepts into practice in our daily lives. Our goal is for this class to be a welcoming space for people who identify under the queer and trans umbrella, and those who are working to be better allies.

Emmett Stanfield (they/them) is a white, queer, trans licensed clinical social worker who hails from Lincoln, Nebraska, and is currently living in Seattle, WA. They spend their non-working time building intergenerational friendships, organizing for justice, and having fun. Susan Phillips (she/ella) lives in an interfaith family, pastors First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL, and works on community engagement, equity advocacy, anti-racism collaborations, and talks to strangers.

PM2-36 Trauma Stewardship: Caring for Ourselves as We Care for Others

This class, based on the book Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Deroot Lipsky, will explore the various ways we manage our vicarious trauma. We will learn about and practice different centering techniques and focus on 16 Warning Signs of Trauma Exposure Response introduced in the book. Participants do not need to read the book for the class.

Gina Meester is a chaplain resident at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY. She loves her two cats, Neville and Lupin, reading, and traveling.

PM2-37 Rube Goldberg Class [Sold Out]

This class focuses on the whimsical magic of Rube Goldberg machines, overly complicated mechanisms built to achieve simple, silly goals. Balls on tracks, pulleys, balloon cars, and even hamsters on hamster wheels can all play a part in these chain reaction machines. The more complicated the better, especially when the goal is as simple as flipping a light switch or tossing a treat to a dog! Through building our own Rube Goldberg inspired machines we will explore novel methods of problem solving and practice the cathartic art of nonsensical design. Each machinist in this class will employ imagination, wit, and ingenuity all in the effort of solving simple everyday problems.

Henry Koon is finishing his mechanical engineering degree at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on the mechanics of novel meta-materials, but his hobbies are centered around repurposing old electronics for fun and profit.