Azmera STATESIDE Summit 2025
Schedule and Information
SCHEDULE
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DAY 1 | Friday, June 6
3:00 Registration
4:00 – 6:00 Worship, Main Speaker, Connection Circles
6:00 Dinner with Connection Circles
7:30 Fun & Worship
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Day 2 | Saturday, June 7
9:00 Worship, Main Speaker, Connection Circles
12:00 Lunch
1:15 Workshop 1
2:45 Workshop 2
4:00 Snack Break
4:30 Workshop 3
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Extended Worship
Conference Room A (Front) Exhibit Hall (July 6 - 8)
Conference Room C (Front) Create Station (July 7)
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Day 3 | Sunday, June 8
9:00 Worship, Main Speaker, Connection Circles
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Azmera STATESIDE Concludes
Member Care Workshop Track
Conference Room A (Back)
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Session 1
Saturday, 1:15 - 2:30
BUILDING BRIDGES OF TRUST AND CO-CREATING A CARE PLAN
Jamie Suel
As part of the care network for global workers, it is essential to build trust with those we serve. Our goal is to encourage global workers to operate and make decisions from a place of honesty and peace with God. Developing an effective care plan requires transparency. The trust we establish creates a safe space for global workers to be open about where they truly are, what they need, what obstacles they face, and how they can authentically move forward. As care providers, we navigate the delicate balance of not making decisions for global workers, but instead empowering them to make choices and create care plans rooted in their reality and their relationship with God.
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Session 2
Saturday, 2:45 - 4:00
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WHOLENESS AND RESILIENCY
Jamie Suel
Resilience is a buzzword in global discussions, but being resilient doesn't necessarily equate to being healthy. Resilient individuals can become destructive if they are not functioning from a place of wholeness. In this discussion, we will explore the characteristics of resilient people, the limitations of resilience, and how shedding what hinders us—along with the sin that so easily entangles—while aligning with the truth, empowers us to run the race with endurance. This endurance comes from the overflow of who Christ is and who we are in Him.
Soul Care Workshop Track
Tekakwitha Room
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Session 1
Saturday, 1:15 - 2:30
RETURNING TO BELOVEDNESS
Judy Nelson Lewis
At two important junctures in Jesus’ life, the Father spoke into space and time. What did He say? “You are my Beloved Child.” It is a dangerous thing to be in ministry and not know who you are. At Jesus’ baptism and again before He set His face toward Jerusalem and the Cross, He needed to hear from His Father. Maybe you do, too. Come join Judy for a gentle reminder from the Word and a helpful practice to own a your belovednes a little bit more.
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Session 2
Saturday, 2:45 - 3:30
SIT DOWN AND BE QUIET
Judy Nelson Lewis
So many voices. My head is full of them. Sometimes I want to stand on the desk of my forehead and command them all to be quiet! Join this workshop to help name the loudest voices, notice what they want, and then gently lead them to Jesus. He knows just what to do. Find a quieter place to experience Him.
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Session 3
Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45
LANGUAGE OF LAMENT
Judy Nelson Lewis
There’s so few places where our tears and groans are welcome, so few places of safety and freedom. Join this tender time to name your losses in God’s gentle presence. Judy will lead you through a lament of your own. Perhaps there’s something that needs your attention, a place where you feel stuck, unseen, unheard--a place of grief. Jesus has offered a practice of prayer just for you.
Wholehearted: Healing in Community Track
St. Agnes Room
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God, a unified community of three persons, created us to become whole people with Him and with others. Join the Chronic Hope + Healing team for a sweet dive into reflections and practices that invite your spirit, soul, and body into a wholistic experience with healing in community!
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Session 1
Saturday, 1:15 - 2:30
RELEASE: Lighten Your Load
Yvonne Biel & Melissa Crutchfield
When Jesus asks the question, “What is it that you want me to do for you?” what comes to mind? The response that rises up is an invitation for you to press into your longings and heartache with Him. Together, we will engage in various spiritual practices to embody the inner heart work of identifying, expressing, and handing burdensome weights to the Lord, in exchange for His offering that is easy and light.
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Session 2
Saturday, 2:45 - 3:30
MEND: Healing Attachment Within Community
Yvonne Biel & Melissa Crutchfield
You were created for lasting, secure attachment to God and others, but the Fall disrupted that ultimate reality. This has resulted in insecurity and perpetuates painful dynamics in relationships. Learn how you can move from insecure attachment toward security in the presence of God and community.
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Session 3
Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45
FLOURISH: The Neurotheology* of Walking in Wholeness
Yvonne Biel & Melissa Crutchfield
What are the necessary elements for breakthrough when spiritual stagnation hits? When you have tried everything and still feel stuck, what hope is there for healing? Let’s dive into the most frequent blocks to healing and which ingredients are necessary for a community that is whole: spiritually, emotionally, relationally, mentally, and even physically. We will engage in spiritual practices taken from The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks. *(Neurotheology is a fancy & fun word for “the brain science of spirituality.” It’s pretty mind-blowing, pun intended!)
Experiencing the Holy Spirit Track
Brother Anthony Room
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Session 1
Saturday, 1:15 - 2:30
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT: WHERE IS HE IN SCRIPTURE?
Veronica Gatling
The Holy Spirit came upon particular people at particular times for particular tasks in the Old Testament, New Testament, and today in you and me. Let’s search scripture for the names and character of the Holy Spirit.
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Session 2
Saturday, 2:45 - 3:30
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE HIM?
Veronica Gatling
The Holy Spirit desires to refresh and empower you daily. Just as the early church experienced the Pentecost outpouring, seek the Spirit’s continual infilling, empowering you for daily tasks.
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Session 3
Saturday,4:30 - 5:45
HOW CAN I BE SURE I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Veronica Gatling
Praying in the Spirit Eph 6:18; through the Word of God, Through the Church, In Our Gifting, In Our Spirit, Through our Circumstances. Being Filled with the Spirit of God is a continual experience that we must practice. There are ways that the Bible refers to being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Experiencing the Holy Spirit in everyday life means to engage in daily practices that foster a deeper connection with the Trinity.
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
Conference Room C (Back)
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Session 1
Saturday, 1:15 - 2:30
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Kathy Wonderly and Amie Beth Beadling
In this session, we will define what Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is and the crucial role it plays in personal and professional success. We will dive into the four domains of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, and relationship management, and how to work towards mastering them. We will explore how to not bottle or brood after a difficult situation and how to manage your relationships by learning what you can and cannot control. Lastly, we will measure our empathy level in our connection to others. There will be activities and table discussions, as well as a take-home resource.
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Session 2
Saturday, 2:45 - 3:30
NAVIGATING CONFLICT: TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
June Lowe and Jenny Courville
This session is designed to enhance participants' skills in managing and resolving conflicts effectively. The workshop covers key topics such as understanding the nature of conflicts, principles and tips for conflict resolution, and maintaining positive relationships post-conflict. Participants will engage in role-play scenarios to practice their skills and learn strategies for effective communication, empathy, and neutrality. The goal is to equip attendees with practical tools to navigate conflicts constructively and foster a collaborative environment.
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Session 3
Saturday, 4:30 - 5:45
COURAGE OVER CONFIDENCE: LEADING FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Barb Waring and Elisabeth Harper
In this session, we will explore how to differentiate between courage and confidence and gain an understanding of the power of courageous leadership. There will be table discussions and activities in this session.
Workshop Speakers
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Veronica Gatling
Experiencing the Holy Spirit Track
Veronica currently serves as the Minister to Women at the Scottsdale Bible Church. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband and best friend Timothy for 35 years. They have 3 adult children and 1 precious grand baby girl Zeriah. She retired from a fulfilling career in Christian school education in 2020. She has a master's degrees in education and Christian ministries and an earned doctorate degree in educational leadership. She now uses these skills in full time ministry to teach Bible studies and recruit women to serve in their gifting. She loves the ability to serve hands on and be a small part of what God is doing in the lives of women wherever He places her.
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Judy Nelson Lewis
Soul Care Workshop Track
Judy Nelson Lewis is a writer, spiritual director, and retreat leader. She holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Direction & Formation and is a graduate of the Renovare Institute of Christian Spiritual Formation. A long-time staff member of Cru (34 years), Judy lives in Atlanta with her husband Bob and puppy Biscuit. Her book EXHALE is available on Amazon. You can find her at JudyNelsonLewis.com and AtlantaExhale.com.
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Jamie Suel
Member Care Workshop Track
Jamie’s passion is to create space for people to stand in the light of God’s love and grace, throw off what hinders, and live fully the life for which they were created! One of the primary avenues she has been able to do this for the past seven years is through being the Care & Development Director at via (vianations.org). She and her husband and 5 children served in Kenya for 7 years. She now has 3 grandchildren and calls Texas home, but loves getting to travel to visit face-to-face and leading retreats with people serving overseas.
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Melissa Crutchfield
Wholehearted: Healing in Community Workshop Track
Melissa Crutchfield was on staff with Cru for over eight years, ministering in Italy, Texas, and Colorado. As an LPC, she walks alongside individuals struggling with spiritual and identity-related trauma. She received her counseling degree from Denver Seminary and is trained in trauma resolution therapy techniques. She writes and teaches on brain science, psychology, spiritual formation, and navigating life challenges with the light of God’s presence. Connect with her at chronichopeandhealing.com.
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Yvonne Biel
Wholehearted: Healing in Community Workshop Track
Yvonne Biel is a creative pastoral teacher. She served as a missionary teacher for five years in Vienna, Austria. In her writing and teaching, she loves to create Kingdom encounters to make God accessible to others. She has an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary and is trained in Spiritual Direction and other faith-based trauma interventions. She can be reached at chronichopeandhealing.com.
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Kathy Wonderly
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
Kathy Wonderly is the proud Owner of two Chick-fil-A restaurants and a consultant for a licensee restaurant. She has been married to Brian for 33 years, and they reside in Mishawaka, Indiana. She is a mother of two—Aaron, married to Brenda, and Cory, married to Kelsie—and a proud grandmother to LouElla. Kathy has a heart for mentoring women and developing leaders, and her faith is the foundation of all that she teaches others. In her free time, you can find her soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring new travel destinations, sipping on chai tea, or spending time with Jesus.
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Amie Beth Beadling
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
Amie Beth Beadling serves global partnerships as a Program Manager. She is originally from the Washington DC area where she worked in Elementary Education. More recently she has supported nonprofits, both domestically and internationally, in a wide range of capacities focusing on discipleship and leadership development. She loves exploring, meeting new people, and making friends all over the world.
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June Lowe
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
June and her husband have been married for 20+ years; she has 2 married step-sons and one biological son. June was born & raised in Atlanta and has spent the majority of her life there. She’s worked with Chick-fil-A for 12+ years now and presently serves in Customer Technology Solutions within our IT department. She loves to hike, sing, read, visit amusement parks, and complete endurance walks to raise money & awareness for breast cancer.
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Jenny Courville
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
Jenny was born and raised in Texas but currently lives in Georgia. She has been married for 27 years to her high school sweetheart, Troy. They have two adult children, Faith and Evan. Faith lives in Texas and works for Pine Cove Camps. Evan is in Athens, GA studying Computer Science. She has been on staff with Chick-fil-A for 4 years on the Restaurant Cash Management team. In her free time, she loves playing pickleball, investing in deep, authentic relationships, sharing how I see God working in my life and the lives of others, and enjoying a good slice of (pizza) pie!
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Barb Waring
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
Barb has worked with Chick-fil-A 12+ years, currently serving as Lead Technical Product Owner for Spotlight, a tool used by Operators to care for customers. She has served as a teacher and coach for women and girls, specializing in endurance sports and helping people realize their dreams of accomplishing what they thought was impossible. Barb has always had a love for family and friends, a deep appreciation for the outdoors, a passion for seeing the world and meeting new people and a servant heart and spirit.
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Elisabeth Harper
Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Leaders
Elisabeth is a wife and mother of 4 in Lexington, Kentucky. Elisabeth attended ministry school in Colorado where she focused on women and children’s ministry where her heart to see women empowered and encouraged in their relationship with the Lord grew. Armed with this passion, she decided to take that ministry into the marketplace, and open her own salon. Now that Elisabeth is a full- time mom, that passion to see others grow in the Lord has not diminished one bit. It is something she cultivates with her husband in their home and what she hopes to take out into the world!
