Interest Groups by List

SEE THE LIST OF INTEREST GROUPS BELOW

Faith and the Fight Against Guns:

LOCATION: Room L009

Gun violence is in many ways a uniquely American epidemic. Guns are now the leading cause of childhood death, and gun violence rates in the U.S. are stubbornly 5-10x higher than the rest of the developed world. Join us to learn what young people around the country are already doing to lead us to a better tomorrow and how the church can join in.

Slam Poets, Today’s Prophets

LOCATION: Room L015

Why did all the Hebrew prophets use poetry to speak God’s word? Because they were slam poets of their times. This workshop will look at how spoken word (poems meant for speech) breaks conventional speech, and thereby challenge the “authorized” way of talking. Then we will write our own spoken word and put together a Slam Poetry event in the workshop. No prior experience of writing or performing poems required.

Hip Hop: The Music of Reformation

LOCATION: Room M103

What does rap music have to do with being Presbyterian? A lot! Join DJ5 (Bill Buchanan) on a musical journey through blues, jazz, soul, and funk to the destination of Hip Hop. We will explore how this genre provides a model for the Church to speak about the issues of today. This workshop will be done in a “silent disco” format. It will include listening to lots of music, and we will end in a dance party!

A Church for All Colors of the Rainbow

LOCATION: Room L016

Together, we will reflect on the ways our communities create safe spaces for our queer siblings and discover practical ways to make each area of our life in church more accessible to our siblings in the LGBTQIA+ community: from Sunday School to youth group to worship.

A Deeper Dive Into Recreation – Exploring the “Why?” and “What?” of Rec

LOCATION: Room M100

Recreation is waaaaaaay more than just games and activities – to many folks, it’s equally important to a conference as is worship, music, and small groups. Through group games and group conversation this workshop will explore how Rec connects to the Biblical story of God’s connection to God’s people. We will think through the “Why?,” “What?,” and “How?” of Rec in conferences and group settings. Anyone who loves Rec, wants to explore it at a deeper level, and has an interest in leading Rec is invited to come be a part of the conversation!

Dreaming Tomorrow, Together

LOCATION: Room M110

God continues to create and speak to us in new and ancient ways. Come explore with 1001 the new ways people are dreaming of connecting to God and each other and what Church could look like in our ever changing world.

For Such a Time as This: Youth Rising for Justice

LOCATION: Room M106

This interactive workshop equips young adults to connect their faith with justice and advocacy. Through hands-on activities, personal reflection, and real-world tools, participants will explore how they can make a difference in their communities and beyond. Together, we’ll discover what it means to speak out and act faithfully for such a time as this.

God Wants You To Play More Board Games

LOCATION: Room L026

In an ever-increasing digital world, filled with more technology and screens than we can handle, perhaps it’s time to embrace the joy of tabletop games. Whether you love board games or hate them, in this workshop, Jason Brian Santos will share with you the history, benefits, and formation that happens over the shared experience of a board game. Not only will you get to play a game during this session, you’ll leave wanting to play more… guaranteed!

Decolonizing Mission Trips and Service Projects

LOCATION: Room L004

Mission trips and service projects can be fun and rewarding. We will learn along the way, and we may unlearn a thing or two as well. This workshop addresses the often unspoken power dynamics, cultural confusion, and mistaken assumptions that will open our hearts and minds if we acknowledge them.

Peace in the Streets: Strategies for Non-Violent Protest and Activism

LOCATION: Room L005

The call to work for justice frequently means a call to civic action, both behind the scenes and in the streets. This workshop addresses the myriad of ways that young adults and clergy can engage public witness without violence.

Waking Up to Yourself: An Introduction to the Enneagram

LOCATION: Room M112

The Enneagram is rooted in an ancient, dynamic system for understanding ourselves (and others). The Enneagram doesn’t put you in a box, but helps you see the box you already inhabit (and offers ways to get out!) The nine ways of experiencing and being in the world articulated by the Enneagram, help us live beyond our knee-jerk, default reactions and behaviors, and engage the world, ourselves, and our faith with more compassion and understanding.

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program (an overview of the program, YAV core tenants w/ YAV sites, and connecting back with their home churches/cities)

LOCATION: Room M115

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation. Alongside this work, volunteers explore the meaning of their Christian faith and accountability to their neighbors in the community with peers and mentors.

Rooted and Real: Exploring Spiritual Practices

LOCATION: Room M111

This interactive workshop invites participants to explore simple and meaningful spiritual practices that help them stay grounded, connected to God, and present in their daily lives. Through hands-on activities like journaling, breath prayers, art reflections, and quiet time, participants will learn how to make space for God in ways that feel authentic and relevant to them. No experience necessary—just bring an open heart and a curious spirit!

Painted Prayers

LOCATION: Room M114

Creativity isn’t something we learn, but something we remember and by reconnecting with that memory we access the sacred placed in all of us by the Divine Creator. There is a long history of the connection between art and prayer. We see the intertwined journey of the two in the Monastic tradition as well as in the Tibetan practice of creating Mandalas which blend the creation of sand paintings with ancient spiritual practices. Creativity can be an opportunity to illuminate our connection to God, to Creation and to each other. Reflecting on all parts of creation as inspiration, this session is a more reflective and introspective time, allowing space to create your own prayer through the art of contemplative painting. Each session limited to 25 participants.

Yoga Nidra: Deep Rest for a Restless Mind

LOCATION: Room L103

In today’s fast-paced world, young people are facing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Yoga Nidra offers a powerful tool to support emotional balance and mental clarity. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) is a deeply restorative practice that guides you into a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping—similar to the moments just before you fall asleep. Participants will be guided through a series of gentle techniques, including a body scan and breath awareness, to help them reach a state of relaxation. As your body releases tension and your mind quiets, you’ll enter a place of deep rest that soothes the nervous system, reduces stress, and supports emotional and physical healing. Please wear comfortable clothing and ensure you can lie down comfortably for approximately 60 minutes.

Justice in Action – Young People Leading Change for Food, Climate, and Community

LOCATION: Room M101

Are you fired up about fighting hunger, ending poverty, protecting our planet, and building a world where everyone matters? Ready to learn ways to speak out, plug into powerful initiatives, and create change? Join a dynamic conversation to learn about ways to plug into local and national initiatives making a positive impact and connect the dots between food justice, economic fairness, climate action, and social equity—discovering how all these movements are linked and how YOU can make a difference.

Hear from inspiring young leaders who are already changing Louisville and beyond:
• Cayla Johnson of the Food Literacy Project, empowering children and youth to reconnect to food and dirt
• Mark Robinson from Change Today, Change Tomorrow, driving grassroots action for racial and food justice
• Maria Tori from the Louisville Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, turning big ideas into real policies for a greener, fairer city

These changemakers will share their personal journeys—how they got started, what motivates them, and how you can join the movement for justice in your own way. You’ll also learn about ways to plug into local and national initiatives making a positive impact—whether you want to volunteer, advocate, organize, or lead your own project. Bring your questions, your ideas, and your passion!

Knowing Your Rights

LOCATION: Room L018

This interest group time will use the lens of immigration enforcement and immigration status to understand the current situation regarding immigrant rights and communities. We will talk about how to find useful information. We will talk about how to support one another. We will talk about how to seek change.

Grooving with God: Blending Movement with Worship

LOCATION: Room M104

Anyone else think we do too much sitting in church? Whether you’re a trained dancer or someone who likes to dance like no one’s watching, come share your passion for dancing through life as we engage scripture, turn up the music, and find ways to celebrate God’s radical love through the gift of movement. With an emphasis on positive vibes, we’ll create some meaningful movements together and even equip you with a few ideas to take home.

The Jesus I Didn’t Meet in Sunday School

LOCATION: Room M102

In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.” One of the joys for me of maturing in faith from a child, to a teenager, to an adult has been to meet Jesus again at each stage of life. In this Interest Group we will engage in Bible study looking at stories about Jesus and stories that Jesus told that are often part of children’s Sunday School lessons or Vacation Bible School, but we will study them from where we are now and see if Jesus’ teachings have grown and matured as we have. If geeking out on Bible Study sounds like fun, I hope you’ll come geek out with me.

Walking With Jesus in Loving the Least of These

LOCATION: Room M109

Participants are invited into the work of anti-poverty and ways that they can make a difference in their churches and communities. Through interactive exercises, media and conversations, participants will learn more about the myriad ways they can be empowered to address poverty while learning about the Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People program of the PC(USA).

From Dreams to Reality: Bringing Art to Life

LOCATION: Room L010

Participants will play with art supplies and, using scriptures, songs, poems, etc., learn about the creative process of animating a theme and how, in doing this, hospitality is expressed.

Out of Chaos, Hope: The Work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

LOCATION: Room M105

PDA is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that works to support communities who have experienced natural or human-caused disasters in the U.S. and throughout the world. In this workshop you will learn how the denomination is responding to disasters through volunteer work, preparedness trainings, emotional spiritual care, story ministry, migration accompaniment, and more. Our time together will feature disaster preparedness tips, practices for healthy volunteerism, and opportunities to get involved.

Youth Work 101

LOCATION: Kentucky C+D (Marriott)

Come explore basic youth & learn from others about basic youth worker skills to use in your setting.

Participants are limited to Adults only.

Who Is My Neighbor?

LOCATION: Room L014

We are called to love our neighbors; but what does that look like when our neighbors are Black, immigrant, or queer? How can we embody the love of Christ and their love for justice, as a way to center the voices, concerns, and interests of those often “othered” by the church and greater society? Join an interactive workshop to explore how creating safe, affirming and welcoming environments for all God’s people and unpack some of the harm the church has caused.

Brave Conversations on Sexuality

LOCATION: Room M113

Brave Conversations on Sexuality, a new PYWA curriculum resource is designed to help church communities engage youth in thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations about sexuality from a reformed faith-based perspective. Grounded in principles of dignity, empathy, and justice, this curriculum equips church educators in guiding young people through complex topics with openness, sensitivity, and theological grounding.

Restricted to Adult Leaders this conversation will provide tips for creating the safe respectful spaces to engage with youth while staying rooted in faith, compassion, and integrity.

Safe Space Starts with You

LOCATION: Room M116

Creating a safe environment doesn’t start with someone else — it starts with you. This hands-on, youth-focused workshop explores how small actions, simple words, and smart decisions can have a big impact on personal and community safety. Through interactive and guided discussion, participants will learn:

• Situational Awareness: How to recognize your surroundings, trust your instincts, and spot early signs of potential conflict or danger.

•🗣️ The Power of Hello: How a simple, respectful greeting can break tension, show presence, and build human connection that deters harmful behavior.

•✋ De-escalation Strategies: How to stay calm under pressure, manage emotions, and respond to conflict with tools that reduce tension — not add to it.
This workshop empowers youth with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to become everyday leaders in safety — for themselves and for others. Because sometimes, the safest space begins with a “hello” and a choice to lead with awareness.

Contact pytgroups@gmail.com with any questions.