Popular consultant and author Gil Rendle will present a study of his book Journey in the Wilderness: New Life for Mainline Churches on Friday, Oct. 28, in Urbana, Ill. The event is open to the public.

Mark your calendar now and plan to attend. Registration information will be available this summer. Cost for the Friday workshop will be $25.

Journey in the Wilderness is part textbook on church leadership, part field guide for identifying organizational behaviors we have all seen but could never name, and part instruction manual on how to leave behind systems that are no longer conducive to our mission. (Introduction)

Rendle's workshop is part of a year-long study of his book by synod commissioners. He also will speak to commissioners during the October 29 synod meeting.

Lincoln Trails will award a number of $100 scholarships to help defray the cost of attending PC(USA)'s Big Tent event. There are nine different partner conferences involved in the Big Tent. Choose just one or design your own Big Tent experience by registering for workshops that interest you.

Event leaders recently confirmed that the event will be held in Indianapolis, after Indiana legislators passed an immigration law that did not contain elements that would have necessitated a change of venue. More about this decision

To apply for a scholarship, contact the synod office, 800-566-5996 or 317-923-3681.

More about Big Tent

Certificate in Executive Leadership: designed to equip pastors, church staff and lay leaders to meet challenges of leadership in today's church.

Certificate in Environmental Ministry and Leadership: provides clergy and lay leaders an opportunity to think deeply and broadly about the growing challenge of environmental ministry.

2012 Allen Lectures: Professor Emilie Townes will present the 2012 Allen Lecture Monday, Feb. 21, 2012.

More information

Presbyterian Women from the Synod of Lincoln Trails will gather at Geneva Conference Center in Rochester for three days of workshops, worship and friendship. Marta Rodriquez, national Presbyterian Women moderator, and Robin Chaddock, author and seminar leader, are among the speakers. Registration deadline is May 15.

Download a brochure and registration form