Dispatches from the assembly: Here were a couple of workshops

A congregation is transformed in evangelism
In one of the many workshops at the assembly, the Rev. Dan Wilson and leaders of Hope Lutheran Church of Enumclaw told how they stared the uncomfortable subject of evangelism in the face and didn't blink.

The Hope congregation undertook the extensive "Unbinding Your Heart" program for renewed evangelism based on the books by the Rev. Martha Grace Reese, and emerged a transformed and energized congregation than ever before, Wilson said.

The months-long process began by members preparing themselves for evangelism by getting to know each other in new settings. Rather than the usual church cliques, new groups were set up, and members found themselves having dinner with others they may never have even spoken to. New prayer partners prayed unceasingly.

"The barriers had been dropped," Wilson said. "It takes you out of yourself."

At the end, 14 new members joined. But Wilson said the goal wasn't new members; it was transformation and the by-product was growth.

Wilson said to give this process a try. He'll help. Contact him at 360-825-4120 or hloffice@skynetbb.com.

Holden Village on cusp of major environmental remediation
Synod Council member and Holden Village development team member Monica Hurley encouraged workshop participants to come enjoy Holden Village, the Lutheran retreat in the hills above Lake Chelan.

It's a contemplative place, she said, were people come to gain "some deep understanding of where their future is going."

Holden pro bono attorney Jim Hushagen explained that the former copper-mining camp soon will enter a $100 million environmental remediation to stem toxic by-products from the mining from leaching into a nearby river.

The work will begin soon, be in full swing in 2013, and be completed by 2014, he said.
To learn more, visit www.holdenvillage.org.

Pictured: The Rev. Dan Wilson explains the transformation of his congregation and invites others to learn more.

Monica Hurley explains that Holden Village is a place where visitors get back to basics.

A silhouetted trio leads the workshop in worship. Left to right are Jim Hushagen, Elise Erickson and Monica Hurley.