Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm ET

Discover how to amplify your church’s story with clarity and impact.

Whether you are a communications professional, manage communications with volunteers, or simply need to incorporate communications as a part of your role, communication is part of your responsibility. From professional communications support to nimble, practical tactics you can use on the fly, this Smart Start will help you approach church communications with purpose, creativity, and efficiency.

Through podcasts and newsletters, public messaging, events, simple graphics, and more, we’ll explore how effective, strategic communication builds connection and fosters community. We’ll take a holistic look at integrating communications into your ministry with intentionality.

You’ll also be introduced to valuable resources from Episcopal Communicators, including the upcoming Communications Certificate—developed in partnership with several Episcopal seminaries—as well as opportunities to connect in-person and virtually at CommsCon conferences.

Join us to be inspired, equipped, and supported in the ministry of church communications—because telling the story is everyone’s job.

Lunch included.

Moderator:
Alan Yarborough, Chair, Episcopal Communicators & Director of the Office of Government Relations & Global Partnerships, The Episcopal Church, Washington, DC

Speakers:
Jason Frankin, Director of Communications, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Winston-Salem, NC
Chris Sikkema, Project Manager, Office of Communication, The Episcopal Church, Rochester, MN
Summerlee Walter, Communications Coordinator, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm ET

Sustaining Mission, Sparking Innovation: Making the Most of Your Endowment

Imagine an endowment that doesn’t just sit quietly in the background but actively fuels your parish’s mission—expanding and energizing ministry and sustaining vibrant community life for generations to come while aligning investments with the Church’s faith and teachings. A strong endowment can do more than support a budget line—it can change what’s possible for your church’s future.

Whether you’re managing an established endowment, planning for your first, or reshaping structure and governance for greater impact, this workshop will equip you with the tools, strategies, and vision to unlock the full potential of long-term resources for ministry while embracing ethically responsible investing.

Lunch included.

Presenters:
Sonia Kowal, President, Zevin Asset Management, Boston, MA
Rebecca Lilly, Vice President & Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley, Greenwich, CT
Susan McDowell, Managing Director, Endowment Management, Episcopal Church Foundation, New York, NY
Anne Richardson, Senior Director, Endowment Management, Episcopal Church Foundation, New York, NY

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm ET

Discover fresh, data-driven approaches to stewardship that are rooted in purpose, connection, and tangible engagement and growth.

Whether you’re new to stewardship or looking to refine your congregation’s approach, our Smart Start will equip you with actionable strategies and trusted tools to grow generosity in your parish—no matter the size or setting.

This session features three dynamic components designed to inspire and inform your stewardship efforts:

• Joe Park (Horizons Stewardship) will offer an insightful overview of the rapidly changing giving trends and generational engagement trends, what they mean for churches today, and how best to respond.
• Natalie Akin (Christ Church, Charlotte) and Catherine Beemer (St. George’s, Nashville) will share their practical, time-tested stewardship campaign outline that works in parishes of all sizes. Their approach centers on engaging lay leaders and building a culture of generosity—and it’s full of actionable ideas from a variety of church sizes and settings that you can take home.
• The Rev. George Maxwell and David Rocchio (Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta) will walk through their targeted work with a select group of parishioners that led to increased participation, deeper engagement, and meaningful growth in giving. Their replicable, scalable model offers a powerful way to energize stewardship in your own context.

There will also be time for open Q&A, so bring your questions—even those outside the three main topics.

Join us for inspiration, encouragement, and practical tools – because generosity starts with a bold vision and faithful, inclusive leadership.

Lunch included.

Speakers:
Natalie Akin, Director of Generosity & Stewardship, Christ Church, Charlotte, NC
Catherine Beemer, Director of Parish Giving, St. George’s Episcopal Church, Nashville, TN
The Rev. Canon George Maxwell, Jr., Vicar, Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA
Joe Park, CEO & Principal, Horizons Stewardship, Dallas, TX
David Rocchio, Director of Stewardship & Gift Planning, Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA