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  • 2021 Lancaster Theological Seminary DMin Symposium

    Monday, March 22, 2021

    Symposium presentations will be conducted online using Zoom.

    Schedule of Events
    Time Presenter Topic
    8:30-9:20 a.m.   Anita Wood  "The Spirituality of Teilhard de Chardin: Transformation Through Group Engagement in Evolutionary Process"
    9:30-10:20 a.m.   Susan Claytor  "Hospitality to Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their Families"
    10:30‑11:20 a.m.   Dottie Almoney  "Reclaiming the 'D' Word: The Ministry of Diakonia in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America"
    11:30 a.m.‑12:20 p.m.  Linda Moore  "Pastor Can We Talk? A Retrospective Study of How the Black Church Fails to Support Sexually Abused Black Women"
    12:20-1:00 p.m.  Lunch Break  
    1:00‑1:50 p.m.   Tracy Mooney  "Cultivating a Culture of Electronic Evangelism"
    2:00‑2:50 p.m.   Dan Jurman  "When Did We See You Hungry: Saving the Church by Serving the World"
    3:00‑3:50 p.m.  Celestine Fields  "Black Pastor, White Church: Using Positive Psychology as a Mission-Driven Strategy for Building and Sustaining Diverse Multicultural Congregations"
    4:00-4:50 p.m.  Patricia Prendergast  "Once upon an Agency: Faith Led the Way"
    All times are Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4:00)

    Presentation Details for Current DMin Students and Guests

    • Presenters are listed below in schedule order
    • Expand the presenter's section to find:
      • Supporting documents provided by presenter (if applicable)
      • Online evaluation form (made available at the time of presentation)
      • Recorded presentation (available starting March 23, 2021)

◄8:30 a.m. - Anita Wood10:30 a.m. - Dottie Almoney►

9:30 a.m. - Susan Claytor

  • 9:30 a.m. - Susan Claytor

    Hospitality to Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their Families

    Time: 9:30-10:20 a.m.

    Abstract

    In discussion with other congregational leaders around the members of their community, a growing population seems to be absent. The individuals and the families of those on the Autism Spectrum Disorder are not present in our worship services. This neuro-different population is not participating in communal worship, nor are their family members. It is time for  intentional outreach to this important and tremendous segment of our general population. Anecdotal evidence shows that quite often the parents of children on the spectrum are worried about both the reactions and welcome their child might generate and receive, and the disruption their child may bring to the service. However, the strong theme of hospitality throughout scripture, including the teachings of Jesus, compel us to be welcoming and accepting. Providing some basic education to the congregations will increase the likelihood of a community that is able to truly welcome and embrace the individuals and families of those on the spectrum. Additionally, embracing all of God's children, including those who are neuro-different, brings new gifts and talents into the gathering and ministries of the organizations. Pastorally, all people are in need of safe places to worship, grow spiritually and to receive care and support. In addition, many of the normal activities and programs of worshipping communities will prove to be greatly beneficial to those on the spectrum, proving unintentional intervention simply by offering acceptance and interaction. This paper encompasses the theological implications of hospitality, provides a four week educational series for all members of the congregation, and has some helpful hints and understandings for those in leadership or who volunteer in various ministries where they may work directly with those on the spectrum.

◄8:30 a.m. - Anita Wood10:30 a.m. - Dottie Almoney►