October "Dreaming the Dream" conference a huge success!

They came from Plainville to Pflugerville; from Seattle to San Antonio; from Wausau to West Hills; from St. Petersburg to San Jose and all points inbetween.  From the opening worship with rousing hymns and inspiring words from ELCA Pacifica Synod Bishop Murray Fink to the final sending service led by Pastor Steven Goodwin of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rowlands Heights, CA, the ELCA/ELEA National Administrator’s Conference, “Dreaming the Dream:  Administrators Sharing Vision for ELCA Schools and Centers” was a great success.  Over 130 elementary principals and early childhood directors gathered October 7-9 at the Coast Anaheim Hotel in Anaheim, California, to vision, network, and learn.  This event was the first in what we hope to be many bi-annual national events co-sponsored by the ELCA’s Schools and Early Childhood Ministries and the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association.

Opening keynoter Dr. David Hahn, Executive Director of Long Island Lutheran School in Brookville, New York, entertained and energized us with “Making Dreams Come True: Vision and Leadership in Lutheran Schools and Centers”, setting the tone for the many learning opportunities to come over the following days.  Workshop selections included “Attila the Hun to Gandhi:  Whose Leadership Style Do You Embrace?”, “God is Like Mommy and Daddy and my blankie and . . . Faith Development in Early Childhood”, “Evaluations:  Who?  Why?  When?  How?”, and “Beyond Survival:  Management Skills for School Leaders”, along with many more. 

Friday evening’s banquet was filled with awards and entertainment.  ELEA presented the first Donald A. Vetter Educational Service Award to worthy recipient, Marilyn Stalheim of Westwood Early Childhood Center in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.  (See article on Page ___ for more information).  Awards were presented by the ELCA to Ghadha Huleis of Salem Lutheran School in Glendale, California as ELCA Principal of the Year, and to Linda Grund of Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Plainview, New York as ELCA Early Childhood Director of the Year.   These three recipients exemplify the ideals of quality, Christ-centered leaders – congratulations to all!  The New City Parish Choir, a gospel choir from several Los Angeles area ELCA congregations, blessed us with their voices and Davey & Goliath and their human, Rev. Eric Shafer of the ELCA, brought smiles to all faces.

The Saturday morning breakfast table discussion topics were a hit and gave participants an opportunity to gather in small groups to share information on one of 15 areas related to school and center administration.  The Reverend Barbara Berry-Bailey, Associate Director for Worship in the ELCA’s Division for Congregational Ministries, inspired many with her Saturday morning keynote address:  “Because of You, Dreams Do Come True”. 

Conference evaluations indicated an overwhelming desire to “do it again” – at least every other year.  So, plans are now underway for the next bi-annual ELCA/ELEA Administrator’s Conference, tentatively set for October 5-7, 2006, again at the Coast Anaheim Hotel.  The Coast was so wonderful to work with, the food and accommodations were superb, and all who attended seem to think being walking distance from Disneyland was a great added attraction.  Mark your calendars now!  Develop a fundraising plan at your school to include registration and travel expenses which will allow you to join us for the next great event!