LSA Annual Conference Highlights
April 29 - May 1, 2009
Hope as a resurgent idea
One of the bright spots of the last six months is “hope as a resurgent idea,” keynote speaker E.J. Dionne told participants on the opening day of the LSA Annual Conference. There is a sense, he said, that “Things can be better than they are; we can be better than we are; and people’s circumstances can be better than they are.”
Both Dionne and closing keynote speaker Ami Dar spoke of actions that make a difference. “There are many solutions to any one problem,” Dar said. “We need to focus less on our differences and more on coming together to see what we can do.”
The Report of the LSA President and CEO lays out Abundant Life Together in LSA. In it you will find:
Charts that describe the Lutheran social ministry system
Three key trends that will have direct and near-term impact on SMOs
The four themes that we’ll be focusing on in the coming year
Ways we have worked together in LSA this past year and how you can get involved
Grounded in faith
From a worship service at The Lutheran Church of the Reformation (ELCA) to a dedicated reflection and retreat room and Morning Worship on the last day led by St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCMS), Conference participants had the opportunity to re-energize and ground ourselves in why we do what we do.
Reception on the Hill
The LSA Reception on the Hill on Wednesday, April 29, drew an impressive array of legislators, staffers and White House representatives. LSA also presented the LSA Legislative Awards. Read more about the LSA Legislative Awards.
During the Conference, LSA members also made dozens and dozens of visits to Captiol Hill. Please let us know your experience by completing the Hill Visit Report Back sheet and emailing to Lisa Hassenstab or completing online.
Capitol entertainment
The Capitol Steps, Washington DC's premiere comedy troupe entertained participants during the Annual Conference with hits from their new album, "Obama Mia!" and other treats from the campaign trail and current events. You can listen to select songs on the Capitol Steps website.
Conference resources available
Handouts and presentations from LSA Annual Conference breakout sessions are now available. Please share these with staff members and others in your networks.
Thank you sponsors, exhibitors and planning committee
Many people make the LSA Annual Conference possible. We are grateful to the Conference sponsors and exhibitors who help LSA keep the registration fees reasonable and support the programming.
We are also grateful for the support, ideas and on-deck assistance of this year's planning committee: John Bauer, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services; Barbara Below, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod; Lisa Carr, LSA; Renee Deevey, Lutheran Home - A Lutheran Life Community; Lisa Hassenstab, LSA; Walter May, Mosaic Board Member; Ruth Reko, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Lisa Schiller, LSA; Bill Snyder, LSA; Julie Swanson, Lutheran Family Services of Virginia; Jill Schumann, LSA; Bill Serr, Graceworks Lutheran Services; Susan Sokol, Luther Ridge; Jan Ulrich, LSA; and Nancy Wellman, Lutheran Homes Society, Inc.
