God’s Beloved Community Educational Retreat: Fostering a Synod Where Trust Can Thrive

Download a full schedule here (PDF). You can access the resource page for the retreat on our Pasque Learning Community website.

Speaker Information: 
Valerie Webdell is a consecrated Deaconess with the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA,) a multi-Lutheran organization forming people for ministry as Deaconesses and Deacons.  What makes the LDA unique is its focus on intentional community.  After being consecrated in 2014, Valerie worked for the LDA for eight years as one of the Directors of Education and Formation. As a graduate of the ELCA Natural Systems Academy, Valerie works with individuals, clergy, and congregations on managing conflict and anxiety. She was introduced to systems theory when she served as Council president and was trying to navigate a difficult situation within her congregation in 2012.  She has never looked back! She is passionate about this ministry and the potential benefit of systems thinking in individuals and congregations. Currently, Valerie’s ‘full-time’ gig is as Program Director for Camp Strawderman, an all-girls traditional overnight camp located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In this role, she hires and works with staff, plans the programming for the organization, and generally has the time of her life doing it.  She grew up attending Strawderman and feels so lucky to be wearing this hat.

Chaplain Information: 

Rev. Shadoe Hanson is from Mount Vernon, SD, and serves at West Prairie, Lennox, and Bethany, Hurley. Here’s more from Pr. Shadoe:

• “Married to Marcy, and we take care of 5 ½ cats.”
• “Finished with the Family Systems Academy in June. (or that’s when they’ll be finished with me).”
• “I’m always punctual but never on time.”
• “I like to make sure that no one eats alone (even if they want to).”
• “Currently working on a 1984 Volvo Diesel with my little brother.”
• “Huge fan of irony.”