We may be familiar with the term civil discourse, but how much do we understand about how to use it as an individual, how to build a community culture for engagement or even its limitations? Join this introductory program to learn more about capacity building for civil discourse and how conversation to enhance our understanding can build our ability to engage across difference, leverage our diversity, and tackle community challenges.
How does one condense a sea of information into a drop of dialogue? Episcopal Identity is so vast and robust, touching on so many aspects of the whole child, that it can be hard to effectively communicate what makes an Episcopal education unique, inspiring, inclusive, and valuable in the Independent School Market. Come join the Rev. Nate Bostian, the Senior Chaplain at the Episcopal School of Dallas, to look at different strategies and perspectives to communicate Episcopal identity with diverse constituent groups. We will explore ways to cut through the noise in our competitive school markets to show families, staff, and board members how Episcopal Identity creates a robust and inclusive educational environment that is different from other peer schools.
Living into your school’s Episcopal identity is a critical strategic topic for heads of school. It’s hard work! Success in implementing the board’s vision for a school’s Episcopal identity is most often dependent on a highly-effective partnership between the head of school and the chaplain. Join us to hear from two successful partnerships and how they cultivate collaboration in this important work.
Jesus in America is a national study released in March 2022 in a partnership between The Episcopal Church and Ipsos. The research found that while the majority of Americans polled believe Jesus was an important spiritual figure and want equality in society, it also showed Christians are not necessarily practicing what Jesus taught, and Americans feel judged when talking about their beliefs.
Read More » As the past months have clearly shown us, Episcopal schools need support in their efforts to grow as communities committed to the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and to be able to draw upon their very foundation as Episcopal schools in order to find inspiration, understanding, and courage for this work. The following statement hopefully serves as a reaffirmation, reminder, and recalling of our schools to the vital link between DEIJ work and our Episcopal identity. In essence, this is our playing field, what we are called to do and be, and we hope this statement from the staff and Governing Board of NAES will serve as a springboard for further initiatives and a deeper understanding of our very nature as Episcopal schools.
Read More » Based on his work with young children at the Episcopal School of New York, teacher and storyteller Gordh offers a collection of stories from the Bible, arranged and told to create a meaningful childhood chapel for children ages 3-7 and their families. Originally conceived as a resource for use in day schools, it is also ideal for use in Sunday church schools in Episcopal and other mainline congregations.
Read More » Episcopal school chaplains have a critical role to play in articulating and advancing their school’s fundamental commitment to being an inclusive and just community. The necessary and compelling opportunity chaplains have to partner with their school’s diversity practitioners, teams, and committees as well as serve as a prophetic voice for the theological mandate for this important work, will be explored. Join fellow Episcopal school chaplains to explore this dimension of school ministry.
Episcopal Identity and DEI work should go hand in hand, together 24/7 and every day of the school year. Taking time to develop a relationship between the person(s) responsible for maintaining our Episcopal identity AND the person(s) responsible for ensuring we are equitable and inclusive is the only way towards justice.
Common Prayer for Children and Families is a collection of prayers and liturgies written for kids and the adults or communities who pray with them. Whimsically illustrated with pen and ink, this book contains prayers for morning, midday, and evening; prayers throughout the Church year; and prayers for all sorts of occasions.
Read More » For ages 3-11. Working with the same overall themes of his first book, Building a Children's Chapel: One Story at a Time, Bill Gordh presents a wide range of folktales from around the world, stories from different faith traditions, and some updates of the original volume. The stories are presented to be told aloud, complete with storytelling tips and musical suggestions for each. Thirty-five curated folktales and stories from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, African, Asian, Scandinavian, and Native American traditions support the values that many desire to instill in children. As an award-winning storyteller, banjoist, author, and educator, Bill Gordh offers a storytelling approach that honors both the source material and the children who listen.
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