As a child, Emma Malloy left isolated Coal River, Pennsylvania, vowing never to return. Now, orphaned and penniless at nineteen, she accepts a train ticket from her aunt and uncle and travels back to the rough-hewn community. Treated like a servant by her relatives, Emma works for free in the company store. There, miners and their impoverished families must pay inflated prices for food, clothing, and tools, while those who owe money are turned away to starve. 
 
Most heartrending of all are the breaker boys Emma sees around the village—young children who toil all day sorting coal amid treacherous machinery. Their soot-stained faces remind Emma of the little brother she lost long ago, and she begins leaving stolen food on families’ doorsteps, and marking the miners’ bills as paid. 
Though Emma’s actions draw ire from the mine owner and police captain, they lead to an alliance with a charismatic miner who offers to help her expose the truth. And as the lines blur between what is legal and what is just, Emma must risk everything to follow her conscience. 

Leader – Sarah Erdman 
In an uncertain world, educators are now looked to as caregivers, academic foundation builders and one of the first lines of defense for children who have faced trauma. We want to be the helpers, but what does that look like? In this session we will explore trauma and trauma informed care, rooted in practical curriculum and environmental applications for young children. We will also look at how to recognize when we, and other helpers, are in need of care and what that can look like.   
Sarah Erdman is an early childhood educator, museum professional, and mom. She has degrees in Child Development, Museum Education (MAT), and a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education and was the lead author on “Trauma and Young Children: Teaching Strategies to Support and Empower.  For over a decade, Sarah has taught children ages 3–5 and is currently Director and Lead Teacher at FB Meekins Cooperative Preschool. 

Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Healthy congregations prepare for leadership change before crisis forces it. This webinar explores practical and pastoral approaches to succession planning for pastors, board officers, and key volunteer roles. Participants will learn how to reduce disruption, protect relationships, and steward institutional memory during times of transition. Includes time for live questions and practical examples.
Keith Clark-Hoyos is the Founder and Partner of Church Training Center, where he serves as a consultant, coach, and spiritual guide—supporting church leaders as they align with God’s calling, lead with clarity, and steward resources with integrity. Church Training Center provides practical, Spirit-led support for congregations and judicatories through coaching, consulting, training, and church-specific accounting services that bring steadiness to governance, finance, and leadership development. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership & Service from Claremont School of Theology and is the author of eight titles on discernment, church governance, and church finance

Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Financial transparency is essential—but how information is shared matters just as much as what is shared. This webinar explores how churches can communicate financial realities in ways that foster clarity, confidence, and shared responsibility rather than fear or confusion. Participants will learn practical approaches to reporting and congregational communication that strengthen trust and support faithful stewardship. Includes live Q&A.
Keith Clark-Hoyos is the Founder and Partner of Church Training Center, where he serves as a consultant, coach, and spiritual guide—supporting church leaders as they align with God’s calling, lead with clarity, and steward resources with integrity. Church Training Center provides practical, Spirit-led support for congregations and judicatories through coaching, consulting, training, and church-specific accounting services that bring steadiness to governance, finance, and leadership development. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership & Service from Claremont School of Theology and is the author of eight titles on discernment, church governance, and church finance. 

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad, Heidi Unruh
What can we do to make God’s love and justice visible in these tumultuous times? Listening is key. Ministry consultants Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh equip you for Contemplative Community Listening (CCL) as a pathway to transformative action in the world. CCL inspires resistance to hopelessness, injustice and isolation. Joy and Heidi share examples of the impact of CCL and practical steps to make listening a vital part of your church’s ministry.
Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs.  She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.
Heidi Unruh  is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work. 

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson 

Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Unhealthy power dynamics can quietly erode trust and spiritual vitality within a congregation. This webinar identifies common patterns of bullying behavior in church systems and explores how governing bodies can respond constructively and faithfully. Participants will learn practical strategies for setting boundaries, restoring clarity, and strengthening leadership culture without escalating conflict. Includes live discussion and Q&A.
Keith Clark-Hoyos is the Founder and Partner of Church Training Center, where he serves as a consultant, coach, and spiritual guide—supporting church leaders as they align with God’s calling, lead with clarity, and steward resources with integrity. Church Training Center provides practical, Spirit-led support for congregations and judicatories through coaching, consulting, training, and church-specific accounting services that bring steadiness to governance, finance, and leadership development. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership & Service from Claremont School of Theology and is the author of eight titles on discernment, church governance, and church finance. 

Leader – Jo Nygard Owens 
With Microsoft Publisher reaching its end-of-life in October 2026, it’s time to discover your next “page-layout powerhouse!” Join us for an introduction to Affinity, a FREE professional-grade design suite that offers a familiar yet upgraded experience for those comfortable with Publisher and Canva. In this session, we’ll demystify the learning curve by covering the basics of page layout, showing you how to find and create stunning templates for bulletins, newsletters, and more. 
The Rev. Jo Nygard Owens is an ordained Presbyterian (USA) pastor and the founder of Vibrant Church Communications, where she blends her theological background with a passion for graphic design. Currently serving as the National Program Coordinator for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and formerly the first-ever Pastor for Digital Ministry at Washington National Cathedral, Jo specializes in helping churches tell their stories through clear, beautiful visual language. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, she is a sought-after consultant and creator known for making ministry resources both vibrant and easy to use.

Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Plateaus in giving can trigger anxiety and reactive decisions. This webinar invites leaders to move beyond panic and instead assess patterns of generosity with clarity and faithfulness. Participants will explore practical steps for evaluating giving trends, strengthening communication, and aligning financial response with mission rather than urgency. Includes time for live questions and discussion.
Keith Clark-Hoyos is the Founder and Partner of Church Training Center, where he serves as a consultant, coach, and spiritual guide—supporting church leaders as they align with God’s calling, lead with clarity, and steward resources with integrity. Church Training Center provides practical, Spirit-led support for congregations and judicatories through coaching, consulting, training, and church-specific accounting services that bring steadiness to governance, finance, and leadership development. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership & Service from Claremont School of Theology and is the author of eight titles on discernment, church governance, and church finance. 

With her adopted son missing and the rest of her family increasingly estranged, SandraKaye Darden is drawn to the little pink house where her Uncle Poppy once provided security. But what begins for Sandra as a simple painting project to help sell the house becomes a secret venture that starts to change everything… 
 
Cass Blue is having trouble keeping food on the table since her mother died. When Sandra shows up with sandwiches for the neighborhood kids one day, Cass has no way of knowing that the meeting will lead to the creation of a place of refuge that could reunite a divided community. 
 
In this moving story of second chances, two unlikely allies realize their ability to make a difference…and the power of what becomes known as the Summer Kitchen to nourish the soul 

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson 

 Leader – Patti Berner 

This annual 90 MINUTE training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.  

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session at Elmhurst Presbyterian and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson