Fall of 2020, Earshot got to join the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the UCC for their (unusually great) online Annual Meeting. Rebecca spoke during the week’s opening, led a workshop, and coached seven tellers who told their stories as part of the closing celebration. Here’s Rev. Michael Vollbrecht (Communications, KO Conference UCC), reflecting on the experience:
Rebecca's workshop & presentations during our recent annual meeting turned what is generally a "business affair" into an intimate experience that saw us shedding our masks and leaning into one another's stories, many of which we heard for the first time. We entered as professional colleagues, and left more attuned to the humanity within us. Thank you for unveiling that gift.
In spring of 2019, Earshot headed to the Pacific Northwest. Pastor Gail Rautman, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Lynnwood, WA) had this to say:
Rebecca Anderson was the keynote speaker at a three day Bishop's Convocation for the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA. Not only did she present several dynamic, engaging, and oftentimes very funny sessions on the art of storytelling, she coached three pastors prior to the event to share their stories with the group as well. Rebecca is personable, energetic, and passionate about her work, inspiring the participants to incorporate more storytelling into their preaching, pastoral care, and other professional work. One participant stated that this was the best Bishop's Convocation he had attended, thanks to Rebecca's contributions to our time together. If you have the opportunity to hear Rebecca's storytelling, don't miss out! If you have the opportunity for her to engage with your particular group, she comes highly recommended by the pastors and deacons of the Pacific Northwest!
Some feedback from Rev Michael Karunas, Central Christian Church (Decatur, IL), November, 2017:
Rebecca Anderson led a fantastic 3-day storytelling workshop for our congregation which culminated in a storytelling event with 7 first-time storytellers and over 60 in attendance. I cannot recommend her highly enough for congregations and para-church organizations interested in storytelling.
Rebecca’s easy-going demeanor and talent for communicating things clearly not only put the 15 workshop participants at ease but enabled them to get in touch with some of the many stories that lie within them. Her clear passion for the value of storytelling is itself inspiring, as is her ability to encourage apprehensive storytellers while simultaneously offering critical feedback gently. A master storyteller herself, her passion for drawing out the transforming stories within us is evident in all she does.