CPR Presents BRIDGES in Idaho.       CPR's first presentation of Bridges in Idaho was a big success. Over 40 people from 6 different congregatoins learned about effective outreach to their local culture. Based on the positive response to this training, CPR was invited to present BRIDGES to the LCMS Southern Idaho Pastors' Conference. This beautiful camp and retreat center in Idaho's rugged Sawtooth Mountains was a fantastic setting in which to present BRIDGES. It was an excellent opportunity to make new friends and share the positive outreach approach BRIDGES has to offer. Three churches in the Salt Lake area, Zion Evangelical, St. Matthew and Our Savior's recently completed our proprietary "PACES" training course. This step–by–step series of workshops is designed to help churches prepare for growth and change, attract newcomers and visitors, connect people to God and each other, equip members for ministry and serve others through small groups and teams. PACES training takes place over a period of six to eight months and allows us to develop a long-term relationship with our partners. We have an opportunity to identify challenges and propose custom solutions for each church's unique situation. Bridges evangelism training at St. John Lutheran in Idaho Falls Bonnie discusses relational evangelism in Idaho Falls We completed a series of workshops for the Episcopal Diocese of Utah. Every parish in the diocese was invited to one of 5 regional workshops. The workshops were custom designed to provide practical welcoming skills to dovetail with a state–wide television ad campaign: "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You." Please contact us for a complimentary overview of our work. We would be happy to discuss how our professional training and coaching services can help move your congregation from where you are to where you want to be. "Our congregation has completed a year-long visioning process with Rick and Bonnie Ehrheart which has equipped and empowered our lay leadership in ways I had never dreamed to be possible. Rick and Bonnie present a concise visioning process enriched with valuable resources and permeated with their love of our Lord and his church". Rev. Steve Klemz Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City, UT "It has been just over a year since we engaged you as church consultants and what a year it has been! You have opened our eyes to take necessary steps to enhance our ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. "I have seen members of our Vision Team grow and mature as leaders of our congregation. Your resources gave so many ideas that it will take us awhile to implement them all. Most of all, I want to than you for the energy that Church Planning Resources has given. You have helped us prepare our congregation for change, and then look at our facility with new eyes, the eyes of a visitor. "I have greatly appreciated the time you have made available to me as a pastor when I had questions and needed input from you. I heartily recommend your services for any church that wishes to grow in service inwardly and become a dynamic mission center in their community." Pastor Gordon J. Young Our Savior's Lutheran Church Roy, UT Zion Vision Team hard at work This first snow of the season could not dampen the spirits of Pastor Gordon Young (far right), and the Vision Team from Our Savior's Lutheran in Roy, UT. "You both are current on the successful trends in visitor outreach and hospitality, and present your information superbly. We have sensed a greater pride in our "hosts" and "ushers" in performance of their ministries since your training. Thank you for sharing your talents and positive spirits with us." Rev. Catherine Putnam Associate Pastor Wasatch Presbyterian Church Salt Lake City, UT Bonnie and Rick discuss welcoming tactics with theWelcoming Team from St. Francis Episcopal Church. "There seems to be a new feeling of excitement and willingness to work together within the congregation. The fact that our small groups are currently running far more than we've ever accomplished in the past is ample proof of your effectiveness. Thanks again for your expertise and friendship." Ron Holdsworth Minister, Granger Christian Church West Valley City, UT Bonnie evaluates "tactics" with the team from Cottonwood Presbyterian. Other clients have said: "Great combination of overview, strategies and tactics. Enjoyed the day. Thanks for your ministry." "Enjoyed the workshop. Presented very valuable tools for greeting newcomers. It's a critical issue for today's church." "The presentation was excellent. Very down to earth, practical and usable. I would like to encourage other pastors and people to be here." "Excellent material/content. Just right. Appreciate leaving with specific, user–ready ideas. Thank you for sharing this information with us." "Thank you. I found this invaluable and am looking forward to implementing what we've learned at our church." "Very well presented, good materials, many beneficial and sensitive ideas. Should help churches improve in substantial ways. I have enjoyed and benefited from this day!!" Rick covers Spiritual DNA at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Turlock, CA.