Speaking

We long for the beauty and goodness of deeply connected, creative relationships. However, the world in which we live bears the evidence of violence that emerges from our fear and our shame, expressing itself, ultimately, in some form of social hierarchy, a feature of what it has meant to be part of human civilization for virtually as long as we have been civilized. But there is hope to be found in our suffering, hope that emerges in the context of confessional communities that work to tell each person’s story more truly—and as such, so also the story of the community that God is creating and preparing to dwell in his kingdom. Moreover, in gazing upon, in beholding beauty in the context of our violence-inflicted griefs, we give God access to transform us, as that beauty circumvents the defenses we have erected in response to our unrepaired ruptures. Hence, we become insofar as we belong to this very community that suffers together as it gazes upon the beauty of the Lord. In so doing, we each, as individuals, and we all, collectively, come to belong to our Lord and to each other, while we become more reflective of that same God whose image we bear. – Curt Thompson, MD

Continuing Education Credits

You can get 7.5 hours of Continuing Education at Connections 2025!

Connections offers a dynamic continuing education opportunity for a variety of vocations, including those working in the fields of mental health, Christian ministry, and community development. These Continuing Education Units (CEU) are designed to meet the needs of professionals working in a variety of healing practices and are available as CEUs which meet the requirements of Licensed Mental Health Counselors by the Washington State Department of Health. If you practice outside of Washington, be aware of the requirements for continuing education in your state or professional organization.

For Connections 2025, we will be working through The Seattle School to offer 7.5 hours of CEUs. Continuing Education units at The Seattle School (which houses The Allender Center) are recognized by the Washington Department of Health (DOH) because of the school’s membership in the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), a member accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Seattle School will not be held responsible if individual state or any other professional licensing boards do not recognize the requested CEUs.