ELCA Pre-Conference
June 8, 2007, American University, Washington, DC
Sponsored by ELCA World Hunger and the ELCA Washington Office

• Register for the ELCA Pre-Conference on the Sowing Seeds registration form
• Download a 2-sided bulletin insert to promote Sowing Seeds and the pre-conferences (pdf)

Featuring informative speakers, inspiring worship, and practical workshops, this event will equip Lutherans with knowledge and skills to lead their congregations, campuses, and communities in advocating against hunger and poverty in the U.S. and internationally. Setting the stage for "Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement," sessions will inform participants about current domestic and international hunger and poverty issues, including the 2007 Farm Bill and the Millennium Development Goals; train participants to lead grassroots advocacy campaigns; and help participants plan for activities surrounding the 2008 elections. A social dinner will provide opportunities to network with other Lutherans who are passionate about hunger and justice issues.

Thanks to the ELCA Washington Office and ELCA World Hunger, the pre-conference program and food are free for participants. Participants are responsible for lodging costs. Registration is required, and space is limited, so register early!

Tentative agenda:

*Participants will rotate through each of the following three workshops:

Effective Congressional Advocacy Techniques for the ONE Campaign
Kim Stietz

Still Hungry in the Land of Plenty: Changing Hunger Policies in the U.S.
Andrew Genszler

Civic Participation and the 2008 Elections
Jim Hudson

Speakers:
The Honorable Stephanie Herseth Sandlin - Keynote
The Honorable Stephanie Herseth Sandlin is South Dakota’s at-large Member of Congress. She is a leader of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. She is the Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Pastor Dave Berg - Worship Presider
Dave Berg has a passion for reaching emerging generations with the Gospel through innovative and imaginative ways. Currently serving as Lead Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Rochester, MN, he has presented around the country on topics such as the use of projected visuals in preaching and worship and reaching out to emerging generations. He has served as an Evangelism Partner for the ELCA, as a board member for Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota and has helped develop preaching resources for Augsburg Fortress Publishers. In reaching younger generations, Dave encourages service learning and working for social justice as crucial elements to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Andrew Genszler - Plenary and workshop leader
Director of Advocacy, ELCA

Mary Minette - Plenary leader
Director of environmental and rural policy, ELCA Washington Office

Kim Stietz -  Workshop leader
Director of international policy, ELCA Washington Office

Annie Lynsen - Plenary leader
Director for grassroots advocacy and communication, ELCA Washington Office

Jim Hudson - Workshop leader
Program Director, Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest

Women's Pre-Conference and Brunch
June 9, 2007, American University, Washington, DC

• Register for the Women's  Pre-Conference on the Sowing Seeds registration form
• Download a 2-sided bulletin insert to promote Sowing Seeds and the pre-conferences (pdf)

Within Christian denominations, women’s organizations are responding to hunger and poverty in effective ways. To further these efforts—and to explore how women leaders can deepen their connections and strengthen their advocacy—the Women’s Missionary Organizations of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches are inviting representatives of other Christian women’s organizations to a special event on Saturday, June 9th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The session will include brunch, panel presentations from women leaders on anti-hunger and poverty work and inspiring worship. You can register for this session ($50) when you register for Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement at www.bread.org/gathering2007.

Learn more about Sowing Seeds: GROW the Movement to End Hunger and Poverty