We were asked by the General Assembly Council to hold two Vision Enablers Training Event in the year 2003, so that denominational folk, General Assembly Council members, and Board of Stewardship members might attend to learn more about TOUCH THE FUTURE. For this reason, we held an event May 19-21, 2003 and have one scheduled for October 13-15, 2003.

The training event in May was held at St. Columba Episcopal Retreat Center in Bartlett, Tennessee. We had 23 participants at the event representing nine presbyteries outside the denominational staff participation. There were nine denominational staff persons/board members.

It was well attended and well led with our original and new leadership. Chris Joiner did an outstanding job on the Bible study from Acts. Davis Gray was able to stand in admirably in Roger Rickett's place. Fran Vickers was able to "go it alone" in the absence of Frank Ward. We again had "testimonials" from Fran Vickers on use in the local congregation, and Lisa Anderson on use with an institutional board. Judy Keith and Jean Garrett, participants, were also able to add to Lisa's information about the Children's Home.

Participants were still prepared for working with discernment task forces through each Vision Enabler participating in a small group to role-play scenarios throughout the event. This fostered a special bond for many of the Vision Enablers while equipping them with valuable skills.

The leadership for the event included Chris Joiner with Bible Study, Davis Gray with discernment how-tos, Fran Vickers with group process, Margaret McKee with prayer and meditation, Lisa Anderson and Nancy McSpadden with worship, and Elinor Swindle Brown with the brass tacks of the TOUCH THE FUTURE process.

Page updated on April 19, 2005