October 7-9, 2004 in beautiful Anaheim, California

     What do you get when you bring 300 elementary, secondary and early childhood administrators together for three days in Southern California?  Fellowship, Learning Opportunities, Spiritual Growth, and FUN!

     The Coast Anaheim Hotel, one block  from Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, is this year’s venue for what we hope will be the first of many annual administrator’s conferences.  All guest rooms at the Coast Anaheim offer views of either the Disneyland Resort or the tropical gardens and pool area, at a very affordable conference rate.  Administrators of ELCA schools and centers meet regionally through ELEA networks and other organizations in some areas of the country, but in many geographic regions, there is not a structure in place or the number of schools and centers to organize such local events.  Directors and principals have been asking for years for a way to come together nationally and meet one another and receive training from top-notch national presenters.  The event is finally here.

     The conference, entitled “Dreaming the Dream:  Administrators Sharing Vision for ELCA Schools and Centers” will include three keynote speakers.  Dr. David Hahn, Executive Director of Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in Bronxville, New York, directed a successful $3.2 million VISION FOR TOMORROW capital funds drive for his school and is often called on to consult in the areas of administration, marketing and fundraising for schools, churches and other non-profits.  Dr. Hahn delivers his message of vision for our schools and centers in an manner than will no doubt inspire and entertain you.

     The Reverend Barbara Berry-Bailey serves as Associate Director for Worship for the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries.  Rev. Berry-Bailey’s background includes 20 years in public broadcasting and she has appeared as featured preacher on The Protestant Hour, Thirty Good Minutes and as host of the recent Christmas Eve telecast of This Holy Night on CBS.   Her message is sure to touch your heart and provide vision for your role as a spiritual leader.

     Dr. Leonard Schulze, Executive Director of the Division for Higher Education & Schools of the ELCA, is the featured speaker for the Friday evening banquet.  The Division for Higher Education & Schools (DHES) is the ELCA Churchwide division which serves school and early childhood centers and which relates to ELEA.  Before assuming the position of DHES Executive Director, Dr. Schulze served as director of international education, professor of English, communication studies and modern and classical languages at Texas Lutheran University, an  ELCA univeresity.

     The Friday evening banquet will also include entertainment by the New City Parish Choir of Los Angeles, and several awards will be presented. 

     Workshop topics for the conference include:

ô        Spiritual Development

ô        Leadership

ô        Fundraising

ô        Health and Wellness

ô        Staff Supervision & Issues

ô        Much more!

     Plan now to join us for what promises to be the conference of the year!  A registration form is enclosed in this issue and more information, including a conference schedule, is available at www.eleanational.org or by calling the ELEA National Office at 800-500-7644.    Register by July 1 to receive the best rate on registration and to ensure your accommodations.  Some scholarship monies are available from the ELCA Schools & Early Childhood Ministries (contact Donna Braband, ELCA Ass’t. Director for Schools at 800-638-3522, ext. 5074) or through your local ELEA Network. We want to see you there!

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