Storied: Crafting our Stories for Worship & Witness – Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation

A Special Event with The Moth and Columbia Seminary’s Preachers Studio for Renewal

Storied offers instruction and a community of practice for worship leaders to explore the art of storytelling, a powerful tool for the preacher’s toolbox.

“I will open my mouth and tell a story. I will speak about things that were hidden.” (Psalm 78:2a) Personal stories have long revealed God’s good news. From swineherds healed of demon possession to women encountering Jesus’ empty tomb, storytellers have propelled the gospel into a yearning world.

Workshop stories to bring your preaching to life in fresh ways, try your hand at biblical storytelling, explore the power of testimony, and practice the art of telling the oft-silenced stories. Story-filled worship, campfires, a StorySLAM (hosted by The Moth), and opportunities for corporate or personal renewal round out the event.

Event Flyer

Details & Register

When

November 11-14, 2024

Where

Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm | Nebraska City, Nebraska (50 miles south of Omaha)

Event Cost

PC(USA) participants within the OPSF service region — $135
Participants outside the OPSF service region and non-PC(USA) participants — $185

*Lodging and some meals are not included.

What Should I Expect

Each year, OPSF offers a preaching intensive — an opportunity for seasoned preachers to develop or strengthen their capacity for proclamation of the word. This year, surrounded by 260 acred of orchards and tree canopy, ministers of word and sacrament and commissioned ruling elders will gather to experience and practice the power of story. Worship, small group workshops, and keynote are designed to hear and to tell stories in a nurturing environment. Rest, play, and community-building round out the schedule, with opportunities for campfires, a wine tasting, and a StorySLAM (featuring select participant stories and hosted by The Moth).

The sample schedule below will give you an idea of what to expect. The schedule may change slightly, but the components of daily worship, keynote, workshops, and restorative time will remain.

Leaders

Personal Storytelling Workshop and StorySLAM with The Moth

The Moth is true stories, told live and without notes. The Moth celebrates the ability of true, personal storytelling to illuminate both the diversity and commonality of human experience. Their work allows people all over the world and from all walks of life — astronauts, students, a dental hygienist, a hotdog eating champion, a mechanic, exonerated prisoners, veterans, Nobel laureates and everyone in between — to share their stories on stage in front of a live audience. Through live and virtual shows, storytelling workshops, a podcast, Peabody Award-winning Radio Hour, and New York Times Best Selling books, The Moth brings the power of personal storytelling to millions of people each year creating community and building empathy around the world.

A team from The Moth will host a storytelling keynote and workshop, nurturing practical storytelling skills, based on key principles of Moth storytelling. Each participant will develop a true, personal story with a small group of practitioners.

In partnership with Columbia Theological Seminary’s Preachers Studio for Renewal

The mission of the Columbia Preachers Studio for Renewal (PSR) is to cultivate practices, provide resources, and facilitate holy encounters to help preachers proclaim the gospel in postmodern contexts in more compelling, effective, and faithful ways. The Rev. Drs. Anna Carter Florence (Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching) and Jake Myers (Wade P. Huie, Jr. Associate Professor of Homiletics) will offer worship leadership each day. During Wednesday’s keynote and worship, they’ll guide us through exploration of testimony and the art of telling the often-silenced stories.

Lodging

Lodging is reserved through Lied Lodge, separately from event registration through. Participants may choose rooms with one king or two queen beds. The room rate is $136/night plus tax. Reserve by phone at (800) 546-5433. Ask for the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation block. To reserve online, visit the Lied Lodge website. In the drop down special rate box select Group/Block and use the block code – 2411OMAHAP.

lied lodge guest room Upper Council Ring at Lied Lodge

FAQS

How do I get there/get around?

The closest airport is Omaha Eppley Airfield, about 50 miles away. OPSF offers transportation for $15/person each way.

What if I can’t afford this event?

OPSF is committed to resourcing congregational leaders in our region. You may apply for a scholarship for lodging and travel directly on the registration form. Financial support is provided to ministers of word and sacrament and commissioned ruling elders based upon congregation size and continuing education budget. Financial assistance may be available to individuals with the OPSF service region.

What about dinners during the week?

Dinner is only provided in the registration fee on Monday night. Lied Lodge offers three restaurants for a range of palates and price points. Nebraska City also offers a bevy of options just five minutes down the road.

May my partner or friend attend?

Spouses, partners, and friends are welcome to join you stay in your room. You will be responsible for travel and meal expenses for non-participants. Guests are welcome to join in social activities and worship (space permitting). All keynote and workshop activities are reserved for registered participants.

Are there any recreational opportunities?

OPSF is sponsoring a campfire and wine tasting ($10) on Wednesday evening. Arbor Day Farm (a State Park) offers a range of activities (some free) including a pool, tree canopy tours, trails, and spa, which you may participate in at your leisure. Check out opportunities at Arbor Day Farm.

Nebraska City offers charming opportunities for eating and play.

Do I have to be PC(USA) to attend?

Congregational worship leaders from any denomination are welcome. Reduced pricing and scholarship assistance are only available to PC(USA) pastoral leaders or those serving PC(USA) congregations.