Bleak weather could not dampen the spirit of the 400-plus lay and clergy leaders from across the Diocese of Olympia who participated in the second annual Ministry Resource Day, March 13, at the Tacoma Community College (TCC).

The purpose of the day was to offer a variety of workshops on many ministry topics in one location at one time, not only to provide information, ideas and resources for congregations and individuals, but also to encourage dialogue and the exchange of ideas among a large group of people used to working only within a single ministry area.

Thirty-nine workshops were offered, sponsored by diocesan commissions, committees and ministry groups. Topics ranged from youth issues, such as resources and curriculums, youth ministry, early adolescence, setting up preschools, and safe and caring nurseries; to developing web pages. There were workshops for congregation treasurers, Sunday school teachers, altar guild members, vestry and bishop's committee members, and outreach coordinators, to name a few.

The large variety of workshops also looked at adult faith formation in small groups, singles ministry, hospitality to the uprooted, leadership and organizational systems, ministry to persons with AIDS, and stewardship and planned giving issues,

Two workshops which garnered considerable interest and high attendance dealt with bringing in and keeping new members, attended by more than 70 persons in the course of two sessions; and the history of vestments offered by the diocesan altar guild, which attracted more than 40 to its two sessions.