A conference designed to show Lutherans how to start a congregation with a child-care center will be held Nov. 2-4 in Las Vegas.
The conference is sponsored by the Open Arms Institute, a ministry that fosters and guides “Lutheran church planting with child care.” Co-hosting the conference will be Faith Community Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, which operates an elementary school and early childhood program.
Conference speakers will explain the “church planting with child care” concept, including the process for starting such a ministry, and how to assure a quality program and financial success. Participants also will tour the child-care facility at Faith and talk with those who are involved in the ministry.
The conference is open to pastors, district and congregational leaders, parents, early childhood professionals and anyone with an interest in planting a church with a child-care center.
The Open Arms strategy has been used to start more than 30 congregations with child-care centers nationwide, according to Martin Barlau, executive director of the Open Arms Institute.
Registration, postmarked before Oct. 1, is $195 for those without Open Arms membership, or $245 after that date. (Open Arms members receive a discount.) Lodging is available for $70 per night at the Suncoast Hotel.
For more information, or to request a registration form, contact Martin Barlau at (970) 988-6064; openarms-cc@juno.com.
Posted Aug. 26, 2004
