Hello from Chicago!

At the close of the day, we (Frank Imhoff - NA regional resource person, Karin Achtelstetter - LWF Director of Communications, Meghan Johnston Aelabouni - ELCA participant and myself, Daranne Mills - ELCIC participant) sit with our computers in our laps hoping to connect with you, our fellow young communicators. If you are reading this we are on track.

The conference schedule promises an action-packed itinerary of plenary sessions and seminars exploring many different facets of "communication arts". Pastor Peter Marty used this term in his Thursday evening sermon and it resonated with me. I like the idea of communication as art. Like a painting or selection of music communication is indeed creative, often reflects the perspective/biases of the communicator, and evokes emotion based on how it perceived by the hearer/reader/viewer.

Drawing comparison to the parable of the sower, Pastor Marty encouraged conference attendees to "sow our seed" (communicate) as prolifically as the sower sowed his seed! In such a spirit, these initial posts are just the beginning. Stay tuned for updates throughout the next 3 days. We look forward to your comments and questions.