Top Ten Reasons I'm Not Afraid Anymore . . .

by Sue Thompson, 

Certified Christian Education,

Towson Presbyterian Church

After spending five days with colleagues in educational ministry attending workshops in Baltimore at the National Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Annual Event entitled, "Fear Not," I am working on the fear factor in my own life.  Actually, I've never felt so good after a conference, and it may be because:

10. I have new resources for the coming year that are dynamic and creative (so many, that I had to have them shipped to my church instead of carrying them home!)

9. The format, narratives, and ideas for the wonderful Spirituality Center are available to my church simply by giving my E-mail address to Elisabeth Williams, 2015 APCE Spirituality Center Director.

8. The more than 130 pastors and educators from Baltimore Presbytery who attended the event all week or for one day were inspired by the workshops, worship, and plenary. They demonstrated to others from across the country that we are a Presbytery that values a "thinking, fear-less climate."

7. Baltimore was also well represented by a hard working local Committee comprised of educators and pastors, chaired by Rachael Cunningham (Educator at Brown Memorial Park Avenue) and Rev. Elizabeth Lovell Milford (Associate TE at Harundale Presbyterian).  The committee and co-chairs received admiration and gratitude for a flawless itinerary of pre and post events, creative worship, and handling logistics with ease.  Seven hundred and fifty participants fell in love with Baltimore.

6. Rev. Elizabeth Milford was awarded her certification as a Certified Christian Educator at the opening worship service.  It is heartwarming to know an ordained clergyperson values education so much to put such a concentrated effort into an additional, important credential. 

5. Dr. Brian Blount, President of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, inspired us with words of wisdom, countless videos and media clips, and even invited tweeting during his presentation.  We saw firsthand, how a dialogue of substance can take place using technology and critical thinking skills to good advantage.

4. I now have a delicious recipe for Communion Bread (gluten free) provided by Elizabeth Milford.

3. I reversed my thinking on storms.  While I'm not going to go out and search for a storm, I can now face one with a new attitude.  Storms are teachable moments.  It was revealing to look at why I am afraid of "storms." Dr. Blount also focused on the fear that came upon the disciples after Jesus calmed things down and suggested it could be because they would have to face the "next step."  He pointed to the ways Jesus modeled the "Good News" of the kingdom by his risk-taking behavior and asked his disciples to have faith to do the same.

2. I was reminded through the teaching of Dr. Blount and Carol Howard Merritt that this kind of "kingdom living" has social justice implications.  If good news is preached and taught prophetically, it will most certainly bring change.  Change can be unsettling.  It is going to mean crossing boundaries.  It requires a lot of hope, big dreams, and risk taking. (And thinking about this is making me a bit afraid again.)

1. But, after spending a week with committed, passionate, imaginative, and creative educators, I am motivated to try new ideas, embrace a storm or two, and work the problems.   I give thanks for all those "fear-less" educators who believe in the power of Christian Education.   After meeting 750 people who do their very best each and every day and having personally experienced the fruit of their labors, I am not afraid!