Small Membership Churches

This blog is on the move

2010-05-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. I am in the process of shutting down this blog, and moving to a new blog which I hope will be more encompassing of the work I do. You will be able to find my new blog called "The Vital Church" at the following address
http://vitalchurch.blogspot.com/

Come and check out the work over there. I look forward to having you join the conversation.

Blessings,

Bob

Episcopal Church Foundation's 2010 Fellowship Grant Cycle

2010-01-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Are you looking for some financial resources to do some in-depth work around transformational ministries? The Episcopal Church Foundation has opened its 2010 grant cycle, with applications due by March 15, 2010. If you want to learn more about this great opportunity, follow the link below.

Peace,

Bob

http://episcopalfoundation.org/tools-and-programs/leadership-tools/fellowship-partners-program

Wartburg Seminary Rural Ministry Conference

2010-01-21T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hey all...

The 29th annual Rural Ministry Conference, hosted by Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, is set for March 7-9, 2010. Here's a link to their brochure:
http://www.wartburgseminary.edu/uploadedfiles/2010.rmc.pdf

It sounds like a great conference. Check it out if you're interested.

Peace,

Bob

Episcopal Appalachian Ministries grant available

2010-01-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

Greetings all,

I just got word that the Episcopal Appalachian Ministries is receiving grant applications for its Spring cycle. The grants are only available to those in the Appalachian region, but either you or someone you know may be eligible. Some of the specifics of the grant are as follows:

Size of Grants: Grants usually range in size from $500 to $3,000.

Eligibility: Grants are made to diocesan, parish, or community-based organizations in member dioceses. These organizations will serve communities in the Appalachian region or urban Appalachian communities outside the region.

Criteria: Appalachian Initiative Grants may be used as seed money for organizations to seize opportunities of a one-time nature. On-going operating costs will not be given priority. Successful applications will usually involve helping Appalachians address regional issues such as poverty, health care, unemployment, education, cultural affirmation, or the environment through direct service.

Application deadline is February 28, 2010. Here's the link to the E.A.M website (which includes the grant application on its start page) if you're interested.

http://www.visit-eam.org

Spread the word!

Peace,

Bb

Leadership in the Small Congregation Summer Collegium at Virginia Theological Seminary

2009-10-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Applications are now available for the Summer Collegium, a project in support of small congregations at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Clergy (and their spouses or partners) from 25 small churches of all Christian denominations are invited to spend nine days at Virginia Seminary for encouragement, education, rest and renewal. All expenses, including travel, books, meals, lodging, child care at home and pulpit supply, are paid by a grant from the Lilly Endowment.

The theme of the Summer Collegium this year is Leadership in the Small Congregation. Our keynote speaker will be Alice Mann, a prolific writer on congregational ministry, and John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland will join our worship team for the conference.

The dates for the Summer Collegium are June 23 - July 1, 2010. Application forms are on our website, www.vts.edu/education/collegium or will be sent in the mail by emailing SummerCollegium@vts.edu or by calling 703-461-1760. Applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2009, to be considered.

Marilyn Johns, D. Min.

Project Manager, The Summer Collegium

Virginia Theological Seminary

3737 Seminary Road

Alexandria, Virginia 22304

703-461-1760

www.vts.edu/education/collegium

Virginia Theological Seminary makes resource available

2009-10-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. I just came across this great link (thanks JC) to a resource provided by Virginia Theological Seminary. It is video of a D.Min class at VTS focusing on applying Family Systems Theory to ministry (think Murray Bowen, Ed Friedman, and Peter Steinke). If you want to learn more about this great material, click on the link below:

http://http://www.vts.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=125409

Enjoy!

Roanridge 2010 Applications Available

2009-06-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings all,

Grant applications are now being accepted through September 1, 2009 for the 2010 granting cycle of funds through the Roanridge Foundation Trust.

"What is the Roanridge Foundation?" you may ask. Well, it is named for a farm in Missouri which had originally been donated to the Episcopal Church for clergy and laity to develop a deeper understanding of rural and small-town ministry. Eventually the farm was sold, and the proceeds became the corpus of a fund which annually distributes grants specifically for the "training of town and country clergy and rural Christian workers" of the Episcopal Church. In other words, it is for the development of ministry resources for rural and small town settings across the country.

To learn more about the Roanridge Trust... and to access an application, simply click on:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch_51593_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=51387

I invite you to apply for Roanridge funding for your most creative ministry opportunities.

God's Peace,

Bob Honeychurch

Great story about work in Iowa

2009-05-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

I've posted a link here from the on-line version of the Des Moines (Iowa) Register, which tells the story of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Ankeny, IA. They are a small church doing some marvelous work with the various immigrant families in their community. Their $25,000 grant comes by way of the Roanridge Trust fund, a pool of funds available to churches across the country through an annual distribution process. New Roanridge Fund applications will be accepted beginning on June 1, 2009. When those applications are available, I'll post another blog letting folks know how to access it. But in the mean time, check out the great stuff happening in Iowa. "Go, St. Anne's"

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090507/NEWS/905070304/1001/NEWS&community=Ankeny

What's a "vital congregation"?

2009-05-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Based on my experiences, conversations, and insights of working with communities of faith across the country, I have developed the following “definition” of a vital congregation… which is very much a work-in-progress. It is constantly being informed and revised as I continue my conversations across the church. But for the moment, it goes like this:

A vital congregation is a community of faith which:
Invites people to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ
Creates opportunities for personal and corporate transformation
Equips and empowers people for gospel mission in the world

All that said, this definition says nothing about a congregation’s size or budget, whether it is rural or urban, whether it can afford the services of full-time clergy, or what part of the country this church may be located in. In other words, I believe that all congregations have the potential to be “vital” congregations. Let me briefly unpack that definition above just a little (though in reality I could go on and on about it).

“Invites people to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ” I believe that this invitation contains 3 necessary dimensions: Teaching people how to pray; teaching people how to engage the scriptures; and teaching people how to live in community. Lots of congregations tend to dabble in this, but not necessarily in a way that gives each individual member a point of entry into that life of passion.

“Creates opportunities for personal and corporate transformation” If our lives aren’t changed by being a part of a faith community, then what’s the point of being there? I believe that transformation is a two-edged sword as well. Communities of faith are places where my life can be changed, but they’re also places where our life can be changed as well as the holy People of God. Certainly from an Episcopal perspective, one of the primary (although certainly not the only) opportunities we have for transformation is through our worship. I tell worship leaders (lay and ordained) that, when they design and lead a worship service – every worship service they lead – if they are not doing so with the intention that somebody’s life might be changed as a result of that worship service, then they’re wasting their time. Worship has to be a lot more than “going through the motions” if it’s going to have meaning in people’s lives.

“Equips and empowers people for gospel mission in the world” At the end of the day, it isn’t about “me”… it isn’t even about “us.” It’s about fulfilling the Great Commission to “go out into the world.” Vital congregations are those which give people the necessary tools – spiritual, technical, social, emotional, etc. – to ‘be the heart and hands of Jesus in the world”… for it is “in the world” where the church is ultimately called to be. We are not a cloistered community of prayer, defending ourselves from the assaults of the world around us. We are only the Church when we are fully integrated into the lives, the culture, the daily experience of our wider community. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…” not “For God so loved the church.” And so, in the words of Kennon Callahan, “when the Church is in the world, God is in the church. And when the Church is not in the world, God is still in the world.” And so it is in the world where the Church is called to be.

As you can probably tell, this definition doesn’t provide for many specific metrics to determine how effective a congregation is. It does, however, provide some real-life, incarnated examples of congregational vitality. When I use this definition with groups, we can then play it all out in some detail… out of which we can then develop some evaluative models for how a church measures up to the definition.

Welcoming Abundance!!

2009-03-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Conference on Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development is being held on May 15-16 at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA. If you're looking for a great way to connect with people from across the church (and hang out in San Diego, where the sun always shines), make plans to attend. For more information, visit the Province VIII website at http://provinceviii.org/

2010 Federal Budget -- What's In It for Rural America?

2009-03-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Rural Policy Research Institute has drafted a response to the 2010 Federal Budget, looking especially at its impact on life in rural America. Check it out at http://www.rupri.org/leftsidemore.php?selectedid=18

Want to Learn How to be a Farmer or Rancher?

2009-03-19T14:02:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding grant money to encourage the skills of new farmers and ranchers. Check out the link at http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=46027

Check out the Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study Blog

2009-03-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sarah Johnson, Associate Program Officer for Older Adult Formation and Resource Ministries, (now, that's a job title, isn't it?) maintains a wonderful weekly Bible Study blog based on the upcoming Sunday readings, utilizing the Revised Common Lectionary. If you're looking for ideas for sermons, wanting to reflect on thoughtful questions, or just get a peek at the lessons coming up this Sunday, do check it out. You'll find it at http://rclbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

Small Church Leadership Conference in North Carolina

2009-03-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a great way to expand your understanding of some of the particular qualities of leadership in small churches -- not to mention getting connected with some other great small church leaders -- consider making the trek out to Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina on May 26-29 to be a part of "The Small Church Leadership Conference." To learn more about this great opportunity, just click on the following link:
http://www.tens.org/articles/pdfs/2009_SCLC_Brochure.pdf

Alban Institute Weekly

2009-03-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the Alban Institute, that great resource for printed materials and conferences, also has a weekly e-newsletter that they distribute FREE OF CHARGE? It's a wonderful way to gain access to some of the most current thought on a wide variety of subjects of particular concern to the church today. This week's lead article entitled, "Ministry in Hard Times" talks about some of the unique challenges and opportunities which confront congregations across the country. The link to the article is:

http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=7184

If you like what you see, you can subscribe to the weekly post. Check it out... it's good stuff.

The Rub

2009-02-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

So… here’s the rub. You know the terms – “family, pastoral, program, resource – (and maybe ‘transitional’ thrown in for good measure).” They are the language of congregation size models used throughout the Church. For the past 25 years, since Arlin Rothauge wrote Sizing Up a Congregation, the “gold standard’ for most congregations in the Episcopal Church (not to mention churches in lots of other denominations as well) seems to have been “let’s work toward becoming a Program Size parish.” You see it in parish profiles. You hear it when talking with diocesan staff members. You sense it in the eyes of countless seminarians who are just looking for their first big break as a curate or associate in a Program Church.

So, if it’s such a great model, then why isn’t it working? Churches are cutting their associate positions right and left. Congregations that have languished with an Average Sunday Attendance of between 100 and 150 for the last 50 years have never “gotten over the hurdle”… despite well-meaning clergy and lay leaders; despite every new gimmick, or program, or study, or consultant they’ve tried.

Maybe it’s because “striving to become a Program Church” is a dead model, a style of church more attuned to the Age of Christendom, even though we’re now firmly ensconced in a Post-Christendom world. Let’s face it… “Build it and they will come” can’t be the mantra for the Church of the 21st Century.

So what might take its place? I think that the operative terms for the faith community of the future (and they had better become the operative terms for the faith community of the present, if there are to be faith communities of the future) are no longer “size” or “program offerings”. Instead terms like “flexibility”, “nimbleness”, and “context” should instead be at the forefront of our conversations. Vital communities of faith are asking themselves, “How do we offer the ‘faith once delivered’ in a way that will make a difference in the lives of those around us?” The question needs to be asked in churches of all sizes, in all locations, and of every theological or ecclesiological bent. Those who ask the question – and then are willing to embrace the reality of the answer – are those who will make a difference in the days to come.

From Wayne Schwab

2008-07-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Pastors and lay leaders . . . empower the laity,
God’s primary agents
of mission in today’s world

Improve your leadership
Deepen your spirituality
Make the Sunday to Monday connection for every member
Meet new colleagues

Member Mission Leadership Institute
October 6-11, 2008

From this 4-plus day event, starting with dinner on October 6 and ending with breakfast on October 11, you will come away with a wholly new way for your congregation and all of its members to understand mission and what it means to be “on mission.”

You will leave better equipped to lead your congregation and its members to embrace more fully what it really means to live as a Christian every day.

Spiritual Life Center at Greenwich, New York
(45 minutes from the Albany Airport)
Registration: $100
Up to 50% travel reimbursement
Space is limited. Register by September 15, 2008

For information: www.membermission.org, click “Training”
or 518-561-1184

NEW SMALL CHURCH PROGRAM OFFICER ANNOUNCED

2008-06-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog friends:

It is with great joy that I announce that the Rev. Robert (Bob) Honeychurch has been named as the new Program Officer who will be serving the small church through the Episcopal Church Center.

Bob Honeychurch currently serves as rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Fremont, California. In addition, he is an Adjunct Instructor in Parish Leadership at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley.

Prior to coming to St. James’ in 2001, he and his wife, the Rev. Sylvia Sweeney, served as co-rectors of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho from 1992-2001. During that time he also served for two years as a Regional Missioner for the Diocese of Idaho, serving with the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. He also served twice as an interim pastor at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Idaho Falls.

A native of Montana, Honeychurch began his ordained ministry in 1984. He served as co-vicar of two mission churches in the Diocese of Montana – St. Luke’s in Libby, and Holy Trinity in Troy – from 1984 to 1992.

Honeychurch received a B.S. degree in Education from Montana State University in 1979, an M.Div. from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1984, and a D.Min in Congregational Development from Seabury-Western in 1999.

Honeychurch will begin his ministry at the Church Center, working out of the Omaha regional office, on September 1, 2008. Part of his portfolio will include administering and posting to this blog. There will therefore be a hiatus in postings, but they will resume in early September. If you have any ideas or suggestions in the meantime, Honeychurch can be reached at bhoneychurch@episcopalchurch.org

Evangelism Staff Position!

2008-04-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

STAFF POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Program Officer: Evangelism and Congregational Life
Evangelism Focus

Announcement
Date: March 31, 2008

Closing Date: May 2, 2008

Contact: Delphine de Ternay, Human Resource Generalist
_______________________________________________________________________

The Center for Evangelism and Congregational Life groups together those activities that support dioceses, organizations and congregations to effect Church growth and vitality. The purpose of this work is to further God’s mission by serving and equipping the people of the Episcopal Church.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

With in the Center, the Program Officer focusing on Evangelism is responsible for serving and equipping Episcopal dioceses and congregations as they seek to proclaim Jesus’ message of reconciling love in today’s rapidly changing social context. An approach that includes assisting current Episcopalians to become aware of how God is acting in their lives and equipping them with the ability and desire to articulate this experience is crucial.

The position includes the development of resources, creating and maintaining web sites, planning and implementing trainings and conferences, and speaking at Diocesan and Provincial events. Building collaborative working relationships with existing networks, groups, organizations, committees of General Convention and institutions currently focusing on Evangelism, plus facilitating the formation of new networks where needed are priorities.

This position is based in New York and travel is estimated at 25%-50%.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position and not necessarily the skills you bring to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and SKILLS

A Bachelor’s degree and theological education/training (advanced degree preferred)--ordination not necessary
Thorough knowledge of the Episcopal Church
Willingness/ability to preach at worship services when requested
A heartfelt understanding of Evangelism and the ability to articulate that understanding.
Willingness to collaborate with colleagues with in and across Christian denominations
Effective written, oral and interpersonal skills
Computer literacy

Preferred Job Requirements:
Experience in program development
Bilingual Spanish-English preferred but not mandatory

To apply, submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume to eccjobs@episcopalchurch.org and indicate in the subject line “Staff Officer: Publications & Communications”.
Please, no telephone inquiries. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

Salary is commensurate with experience and provides a generous benefits package. Episcopal Church Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks applications from members of protected groups.

Position Open!

2008-03-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

STAFF POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: ASSOCIATE PROGRAM OFFICER FOR SMALL AND SPECIALIZED CONGREGATIONS (CENTER FOR EVANGELISM & CONGREGATIONAL LIFE)

Announcement
Date: March 19, 2008

Closing Date: April 18, 2008

Contact: Vivian Harrison, Human Resources Manager

The Center for Evangelism and Congregational Life groups together those activities that support dioceses, organizations and congregations to effect Church growth and vitality. The purpose of this work is to further God’s mission by serving and equipping the people of the Episcopal Church.

Within the Center, the Associate Program Officer focusing on Small and Specialized Congregations is responsible for serving and equipping congregations and worshipping communities that are small (those with an Average Sunday Attendance of 70 or less), specialized with regards to setting (including urban and rural settings) and structure (including total/local collaborative ministry, clusters, mergers, and emerging communities.)

Essential responsibilities: The development of resources for these congregations, creating and maintaining web sites, planning and implementing trainings and conferences, and speaking at Diocesan and Provincial events. Priorities include engaging in building collaborative working relationships with existing networks, groups, organizations, committees of General Convention and institutions currently serving small and specialized congregations; and facilitating the formation of new networks where needed.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree and theological education/training (advanced degree preferred); thorough knowledge of the Episcopal Church; an ability to articulate a thorough understanding of Evangelism; experience in multiple congregations and a contextual understandings of congregational development theory; willingness/ability to preach at worship services when requested; willingness to collaborate with colleagues across denominations; effective written, oral and interpersonal skills; computer literacy. Preferred qualifications: experience in program development; English-Spanish fluency.

This position is based in the regional office in Omaha, Nebraska and travel is estimated at 25% - 50%.

Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package. EOE, m/f/d/v encouraged to apply.

To apply, submit a cover letter with salary requirements, a resume and a list of three professional references to eccjobs@episcopalchurch.org and indicate in the subject line: Associate Program Officer, Small and Specialized Congregations.

Please, no telephone inquiries. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

Episcopal Church Center Job Postings

2008-03-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Due to the reorganization and the creation of new jobs at the Episcopal Church Center, there are currently several job openings. Some are up on the site now, some will be posted soon (including the Small and Specialized Congregations position--my previous post which I hope to upload by 3/19), and several more in the future. Some are located in New York, some in Omaha, others in Washington DC, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
If you are interested in a new way of serving God in the Episcopal Church, visit http://episcopalchurch.org/hr.htm for more information.

Easter Sermon from the Archbishop of New Zealand

2008-03-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Most Rev. David Moxon, Archbishop of New Zealand, has contributed an Easter sermon for the Sermons That Work series.
(See below and at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermons_that_work_95564_ENG_HTM.htm .)

Many thanks to Archbishop Moxon for generously accepting the invitation to submit a sermon, and to the editor of this site, Sarah Johnson, Deputy for Congregational Development at the Episcopal Church Center, for her creative work.

March 23, 2008 - Easter Day - Year A [RCL]
By the Most Rev. David Moxon
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Acts: 10 34-43; Matthew 28: 1-10 The arrest, trial, torture, and crucifixion of Jesus occupy the largest single incident in any one of the four gospels. This incident has been the most widely depicted of everything in Jesus’ life. Every detail of this grisly process seems to have been carefully recorded by the evangelists. The heart-rending details of the final suffering of the Son of God reveal how deep God’s empathy is for the pain and sin of the world and how far the divine love will go to redeem them. Evil in so many forms – political, religious, psychological, and spiritual – poured itself out completely in this event. Yet all these forces exhausted themselves without finally exhausting the faith, hope, and love of God in what happened. In a way, the forces of evil, as powerful as they are, were finally put in their place, exposed as ultimately unreal, and finally overcome in resurrection. The resurrection is the place in human history where evil, injustice, and prejudice are transfigured into justice, goodness, and enlightenment.
However, the details of the resurrection itself are not recorded in Matthew’s account, neither is there an attempt to record them in the other three gospels. What we have are various accounts of the results and fruits of the resurrection, but not any attempt to describe how it happened. This is because no one was present. No one could have anticipated it; the event itself didn’t fit into any of the known categories of knowledge or understanding.
What we have is an event without comparison. You can understand something scientifically today only if you can compare it with something else or with some sort of pattern that already exists. With the resurrection this is not possible: we have an utterly unique, mind-blowing, heart-changing, spirit-restoring mystery of God. The resurrection cannot finally be assessed by human method.
However, various attempts have been made to explain what happened. Here are four of the most common explanations.
It has been suggested that Jesus didn’t really die; instead, he recovered in the tomb, rolled the stone away, and walked out. But this does not square with the known facts we have about the way he died. The Romans knew how to kill people, particularly politically prominent people. A spear was used to impale Christ’s side to make death certain.
Another version of the above explanation is that Christ was offered a highly sedative drug, mixed in the wine that was presented to his lips on a sponge. There were drugs in the Middle East capable of this effect and would have given the impression of death for a time. However, even if this were the case, the use of the spear, preceded by many lashings, would have made him unable to remove the stone or to recover within three days.
It has been suggested that the disciples were lying about the resurrection appearances. This is most unlikely, given that the disciples were not expecting an immediate resurrection in the first place, and they themselves were prepared to meet similar deaths for the Risen Christ in the years that followed. Whatever else the disciples were, they show remarkable courage and integrity. Why spend the whole of your life on something you knew to be untrue? This is how Luke, that careful recorder, summarizes their position in today’s reading from Acts:
“We are witnesses of everything that he did in the land of Israel and in Jerusalem. Then they put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But God raised him from death three days later and caused him to appear, not to everyone, but only to the witnesses that God had already chosen.”
The fourth suggested theory is that the resurrection appearances were grief-induced hallucinations. It is true that some people in deep grief do have a sense of the deceased loved one being present. However, this sense fades over time, whereas experiences of the Risen Christ remain tangible and widespread. Further, hallucinations produced by grief have never resulted in anything like the Christian mission in the world. With the resurrection, there seems to be something much more world-changing and transformative going on.
So what are we left with? None of the above explanations are convincing. In fact, there is no proof either way, in the scientific sense, for or against the resurrection of Christ. In the end, a belief in Easter is a decision of the mind and the heart. It is a choice. You can believe the witnesses who say that something remarkable occurred that has gone on recreating the world ever since by the triumph of life over death, of love over hate, of light over darkness. Or you can believe that the witnesses were mistaken and that life and death, love and hate, light and darkness are evenly matched and that there is no ultimate power for good that is stronger than death.
In the end it is very simple: you either choose to have faith, or you don’t. But the decision you make about Easter will profoundly affect the way you live and other choices you make for the rest of your life. I choose to walk in an Easter light and to live by an Easter faith because I know it brings abundant life and makes intuitive sense even in the middle of death, hatred, and darkness.
The movie “The Body” is a drama about archaeologist who discovers what he believes to be the bones of Jesus in Jerusalem. For much of the story the evidence builds toward a belief that this probably is the body of Jesus and that the idea of resurrection is unreal. At the end of the film, however, it becomes clear that the bones are not those of Jesus. Early in the story, a Jesuit delegate from the Vatican who was sent to investigate the issue says, when thinking about the meaning and reality of the risen Christ:
“I believe that Jesus Christ is God because I spoke to Him this morning in my prayers. And I've known that He was God since I was a boy. He has always been my best friend even though I haven't always been His. In Him, I have peace.”
But how do we speak with the Risen Christ? Through sharing in his banquet where he is present in a communion of bread and wine; by breathing in his Spirit in contemplative prayer; by reading and hearing his thoughts, parables, and visions in the gospels. Christ becomes living bread, life-giving breath, and living word in these ways.
Because the New Testament does not try to explain the mechanics of the Resurrection, neither do we: it cannot be explained. We can only stand under its grace and let it understand us as an unrepeatable miracle of love. Love is its only meaning because love is the only survivor, because God is love all the way through. The only people to whom the Risen Christ appeared were people who loved him – as Luke says, “to the witnesses that God had already chosen.”
The Resurrection, therefore, is made visible and possible for those who experienced it because of the love that was in them, because God is love and because God loved the world so much that he gave Christ to these people in a new and living way. With them, if you believe that love is stronger than death, then you can believe in Easter. We see this in a passage from the book With Roots and Wings by Jay McDaniel, as he describes Thomas Merton’s view of resurrection:
“Christianity may or may not make sense to you, the reader, but perhaps resurrection can make sense. It is a process of being reborn, moment-to-moment, in a freedom that is wise in its sensitivity to the interconnectedness of all things, compassionate in its empathy for all living beings, and centred in the very mystery of God. We understand resurrection when we taste a freedom and freshness that lies in the very depths of our lives. From my perspective as a Christian, this freedom and freshness is the living Christ, the resurrected One. ‘He’ does not have a body that is located in space and time. ‘He’ is more like the wind, or our own breathing, or the sky. The resurrected One is the very freshness of God, the very freedom of Holy Wisdom, as a centre that is within us and beyond us, ever-present yet ever-new. There is a freshness and freedom in the very centre of things. In this freshness and freedom, we find our roots and wings.”
Christ did not raise himself from the death-dealing hatred that killed him; God raised Christ by divine love, in and through the heart love of the disciples, so that the Spirit of God that raised Jesus from death may be divine love alive in us. By this amazing grace we can say:
“I believe that Jesus Christ is God because I spoke to Him this morning in my prayers. And I've known that He was God since I was a boy. He has always been my best friend even though I haven't always been His. In Him, I have peace.”
-- Archbishop David Moxon is the Anglican Archbishop of the seven New Zealand dioceses of the Anglican Church in Aoteoroa, New Zealand, and Polynesia. This co-presiding role is shared with the Archbishop of Aotearoa and the Archbishop of Polynesia. Archbishop David is also the Diocesan Bishop of Waikato, a diocese that occupies a third of the North Island of New Zealand, a position he has held since 1993.

Update on ordering from Abingdon

2008-02-26T07:21:00.001-08:00

From Linda Brindle:

Abingdon is a wholesaler, and does not sell directly to churches or individuals. Maybe you could add a note to your blog telling customers that they will need to order the books from a local Christian bookstore or on line bookstore. Cokesbury.com, Amazon.com, or purchase from the Episcopal bookstore at 815 2nd ave.

Hope this helps!

Linda J. Brindle
Abingdon Press
Northeast Area Sales Representative

New Books for Small Membership Congregations

2008-02-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

Ministry in the Small Membership Church: A Book Series Offered by Abingdon Press

Returning to the office this morning there was a catalog and note from Linda Brindle of Abingdon Press highlighting the book series focusing on ministry in the small membership church.

The current offerings are as follows:

Worshiping in the Small Membership Church (Robin Knowles Wallace)

Christian Education in the Small Membership Church (Karen B. Tye)

Administration in the Small Membership Church (John H. Tyson)

Spiritual Leadership in the Small Membership Church (David Canada)

Pastoral Care in the Small Membership Church (James L. Killen, Jr)

Evangelism in the Small Membership Church (Royal Speidel)

For more information visit www.AbingdonPress.com or call 1.800.251.3320

If you would like to offer a review or a comment on one of these books, please click on the comments link below and post your impression. You may do so anonymously.

Quito!!!

2008-02-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Quito!

Your small church pal is here on her first official meeting with the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. Why Quito you might ask? Because Quito is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Ecuador, one of dioceses located outside the 50 United States. We are indeed an international church, and it has been an enormous privaledge to learn about the ministry and mission of our (small) church brothers and sisters in Christ in this beautiful part of the world.

(For example, today we travelled to different parts of the diocese to work and/or visit various sites. My group toured a primary school that stole my heart--teachers paid the minimum--$200 per month--overseeing 2-3 grades, and parents spending a huge percentage of their income to afford the $56 per month tuition to give their children the gift of a quality education. It is clear that supplies are very limited, yet it is also clear that the teachers understand their work as their ministry. I'm so moved by the entire situation that I can't help but want to help, maybe by trying to find a companion school in the US that could help with used back packs and supplies, or ???)

Obviously my new position is taking heaps of time, but I very much would like to keep the blog fresh and informative. During the search period for a new small church staff person who I envision eventually adminstering this blog, I would very much appreciate hearing about any small church stories or resources you wish to share. Simply send by email, and I will credit you in the posting if you wish. And I'll continue to post what I come across on a weekly (probably Tuesdays) basis.

Blessings, and adios :-)

Suzanne

Big News for Me!!! :-)

2008-01-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

From Episcopal News Service

Directors named for three new Mission Centers

Experienced priests will lead Advocacy, Mission Leadership, Evangelism and Congregational Life work based at Episcopal Church Center.

Continuing to reorganize the Episcopal Church Center staff to achieve new levels of service and collaboration, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has named directors for three of four new churchwide Centers for Mission.
Director for the new Advocacy Center is the Rev. Canon Brian J. Grieves, who has led Peace and Justice Ministries at the Church Center since 1988. Concurrently, Grieves will serve as interim director of mission, the Presiding Bishop said, until completion of the search for a successor to the Rev. James Lemler, who has accepted a new position as priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut.
The Rev. Suzanne E. Watson, the Church Center's staff officer for congregational development, will lead its new Center for Evangelism and Congregational Life, and the Rev. Margaret Rollins Rose, the Church Center's director of women's ministries, is director for the new Center for Mission Leadership, the Presiding Bishop said.
Announced January 10, the appointments are the result of a two-month search process that invited applicants from across the church's 110 dioceses to seek leaders for the new Mission Centers, all of which are based at the Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Ave., New York City.
The search for the fourth center director, that for Partnerships, remains open.
In announcing the appointments, the Presiding Bishop expressed her appreciation to the new directors for their willingness to serve, and her gratitude for their many gifts and skills.
"We are grateful for all the individuals, internal and external, who applied for these positions," said Linda E. Watt, the Episcopal Church's chief operating officer. "Once again, we are reminded of the wealth of talent, commitment, and expertise with which the Episcopal Church Center is blessed."
Watt added that the work of each director includes an emphasis upon effective on-site management rather than travel away from the Church Center, as well as close relationships with lay and clergy leaders around the Church.
"I am delighted to accept the Presiding Bishop's invitation to inaugurate the new Center for Advocacy," Grieves said. "This will be a challenging but very exciting task. I am enormously grateful for the opportunity.
"We live in a fractured and divided world, and the role of the Church as prophet and healer is central to the mission of God's reconciling work in the world," Grieves added.
Grieves joined the Church Center staff in 1988 and has served three Presiding Bishops as the Episcopal Church's director of Peace and Justice Ministries, an extensive portfolio that includes the work of the Office of Government Relations, and social and economic justice, among other initiatives. Grieves was in 1989 named secretary of the international Anglican Peace and Justice Network and continues in that position.
Before beginning work at the Church Center, Grieves was for 10 years a member of the staff of the Diocese of Hawaii where he also served several congregations. He holds degrees from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, California, and the University of Hawaii.
In a letter of application for her new work with evangelism and congregational life, Watson wrote: "Seeing the hurt and unmet spiritual hunger of the world today creates in me a strong call to action.... Strengthening congregations' ability to be aware of their part in the greater whole and equipping them with resources to live out their call is my ministry focus."
"I am both humbled and honored by the Presiding Bishop's and the Nominating Committee's selection," Watson said of her new appointment. "My prayer is that God will abundantly bless the dedicated and gifted Mission Center team as we -- in partnership with dioceses, provinces, networks and organizations -- seek to serve God's people. May we together strive to experience, grow in and share Jesus' transformative love in our rapidly changing and spiritually hungry world."
Since joining the Church Center staff in 2006, Watson has specialized in ministries of churches in small communities. She is concurrently priest associate at Christ and Holy Trinity Parish in Westport, Connecticut.
Watson has also served congregations in New Zealand and the Diocese of El Camino Real, California, and was prior to her ordination in 2002 a manager of healthcare programs in Templeton and San Diego, California.
Moving into her new role in Mission Leadership, Rose noted that "empowering and equipping people to claim their leadership in the church, their communities and beyond" has been central throughout her 25 years of ordained ministry. "My gift is helping people imagine possibilities and act on them."
"I am excited to tap the creative energy offered by the four Centers for Mission," Rose said in accepting her appointment to direct the Center for Mission Leadership and its portfolio including theological education, leadership development, and the support and training of missionaries.
"Building on the strong foundation of ongoing work, the fluid matrix of the Centers offers opportunities for collaborative work in developing tools and resources for the whole church," Rose added. "In my new role, I bring the conviction that strong leadership in the church requires a diversity of voices whose conviction to God's reconciling justice empowers us to live out our baptismal call."
Since beginning work in 2003 as director of women's ministries, Rose has worked to launch large initiatives including the work of the Anglican Women's Empowerment organization and its close ties with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
Rose previously served congregations in Atlanta and the Boston-based Diocese of Massachusetts. While rector of Atlanta's St. Dunstan's Church, Rose worked in leading an Industrial Areas Campaign, the founding of an after-school program for elementary children, an extensive capital campaign. In Boston, she was founding director of the Jubilee Senior Action Center. She holds degrees from Harvard Divinity School and Wellesley College.
Each of the new directors now begins work in shaping the staffing and program of their respective new centers in close collaboration with the Presiding Bishop and other senior managers at the Church Center

Software recommendation?

2008-01-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Greetings small church bloggers!

I had a call today from a vicar who would like to track membership, attendance, and giving trends on his computer. Do you track your congregation's statistics electronically? If so, which program do you use? Would you recommend it? Why, or why not?

He's going to check back to the blog for answers, so please, even if you've never posted a reply, I encourage you to overcome your shyness and help this vicar out...

And, Happy New Year :-)

Blessings,

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T15:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all who serve, worship, and grow in Christ's love in (sm)all congregations...

Suz +

FREE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL! ORDER BY 1/14

2007-12-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

FROM EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE AND EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT:

Episcopal Relief and Development Announces the Arrival of the 2008 Lenten Devotional

Episcopal Relief and Development is pleased to announce the publication of the 2008 Lenten Devotional, entitled “Seeking to Serve: A Lenten Exploration of the Millennium Development Goals,” by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, Rector of Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Illinois.

The devotional features illustrations and meditations on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and offers ways for parishioners to help achieve these life-saving goals.

Serving as a complement to the Daily Office Lectionary, the devotional invites Episcopalians to reflect on the role of God’s grace in our lives and how we may act as instruments of God's healing in a hurting world. The 2008 Lenten Season will be a special one thanks to the Presiding Bishop’s declaration of Sunday, February 10th as Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday.
“We are extremely proud of this year’s publication and its focus on raising awareness of the Millennium Development Goals,” said Robert W. Radtke, ERD President. “We hope that congregations nationwide will support our efforts worldwide to help our neighbors in need by participating in Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday,” said Radtke.

Devotionals are now available. Please order an adequate supply of devotionals and other resources for your congregation as soon as possible.

To order, please call Episcopal Books and Resources at 1.800.903.5544 or visit www.er-d.org/lent. CONGREGATIONS PAY ONLY FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING.

To ensure delivery by Ash Wednesday, February 6th, orders for 2008 Lenten Devotionals must be placed by January 14th.

Standing Commission for Small Congregations

2007-12-04T07:21:00.001-08:00

Standing Commission for Small Congregation

This past week I had the pleasure of serving as the staff liaison to the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission charged with "concerning itself with new directions for small congregations" in Kansas City.

An agenda was created upon arrival by participants, and included the following:

Worship

Building resources of Best Practice (Music, Stewardship, Ethnic Ministry, Small church handbook, Style of worship)

Summit on Small Church

General Convention and Resolutions

Relief for Small Church Professionals (Pension Fund, Health Insurance, Debt)

Seminaries role in formation (Lay and Ordered)

The conversation was good and I look forward to seeing more fine work from this committee (especially the possibility of an event to be held just prior to General Convention 2009 which I will share more about as plans progress.)

What I would be interested in right now is learning (and sharing) from you, small church enthusiasts, what other issues you would like to see this committee address? If you were at the table last week, what else would you have added to the agenda? What "new directions for small congregations" would you hope that we, collectively, will articulate and possibly legislate?

New Service Idea

2007-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Greta, MyBerner

St Francis Episcopal Church, Stamford, CT

Monthly Service for Pets and Their People

Yesterday Greta (my Bernese Mountain Dog, pictured above. who is now 80+ pounds of energy), children and I attended a Eucharist designed for pets and their people. It is a simple Eucharist (no music, except for the growls, barks, whines, and excited yips), held in the sanctuary, with an especially relevant message and prayers for pets and the people that love them. Perhaps most touching was the story of the family that drove from two states away for a special healing prayer for their very ill dog. They had heard about the service through a Google Internet search.

At communion we all gathered at the altar with our pets (all dogs). The people received communion and the pets received a blessing (spontaneously it appeared, Greta’s blessing—as she dropped the half chewed bulletin from her mouth and opened her huge puppy mouth to tug on the end of the priest’s stole—was for “a long life of continued friskiness!” Right now I could do with a little less frisky.)

Besides enjoying worshipping with our new four legged addition, I was struck by this congregation’s ability to connect with pet-loving people from the wider community that were not members of the congregation. The priest said that many people attend services only on that one Sunday per month for the pet service, thus forming a new pet/people centered congregation.

Do you live in an area where dogs and other pets are a vital part of the community? If so, you might consider a monthly pet service. Post signs at the dog park, at the beach, or other places dog lovers frequent. Or even consider holding the service at one of these popular dog spots.

St. Francis in Stamford offers the service at 4PM (a great time for even the most tired teenager to attend!). If you would like more information, or to speak with the staff, visit http://www.stfrancisstamford.org/SundayPetService.htm
or call 203.322.2949.

Woof.

Member Welcome and Incorporation

2007-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Greetings small church friends!

As welcome and incorporation has been a topic of discussion in the past (remember "John's Story?) I would like to recommend a book I just finished. It is Beyond the First Visit: The Complete Guide to Connecting Guests to Your Church, by Gary L. McIntosh.

This book will be especially helpful to any congregation seeking to develop an INTENTIONAL plan for welcome and incorporation. It is filled with interesting facts (ex: A person makes eleven decisions with in the first seven seconds of arrival), step-by-step instructions (ex: a four step plan for follow-up, page 121) and suggestions (loose the word visitor and replace it with guest, drawing a metaphor between how we plan for a guest at our home vs. how we receive a visitor).

What I liked about this book is that it goes beyond "the problem is" thinking, and instead offers positive ways forward. It also grasps the fact that we are in a changing world and our ministry context is changing, that it is about the needs of our wider community, and that opportunities for spiritual transformation must abound in the healthy and vital congregation.

A great read for a group study...

S.

Thanksgiving Liturgical Resources

2007-10-31T07:44:00.001-07:00

Two Free Resources for the Thanksgiving Season!

Celebrate God's gifts for which we give thanks...

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice has created two agriculturally-themed worship resources for congregations to use this Thanksgiving season. They both focus on the intersection of food, faith and farming and the importance of a healthy environment to make it all possible. Both resources contain background information, sermon starters, liturgy, and small group discussion guides.The resources are FREE and down loadable.Go here to read about the resources and to download:http://www.nccecojustice.org/faithharvestworship.html

Please contact Adam Bray (abray@ncccusa.org) for any questions.

Kanuga Joy!

2007-10-25T11:58:00.001-07:00

October 7, 2007, over 135 people gathered at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC, for a four-day conference to explore “Creative Models of Sacramental Leadership in the Small Church.” Participants included small church leaders from the Methodist Church and ELCA, and Anglican representatives from the provinces of Canada and New Zealand. The Episcopal Church was represented by 8 provinces and 44 dioceses, including Northern Michigan, Wyoming, Western Kansas, Texas, Easton, Western New York and Northern California. Also represented were the Episcopal Divinity School and Virginia Seminary, as well as organizations that serve the small church such as Living Stones, Episcopal Appalachian Ministries, Rural Ministry Network, New Directions North East, and the Domestic Missionary Partnership.

The gathering was marked by excitement and enthusiasm, as this diverse group came together to address fresh expressions of how small congregations live out their part in God’s greater mission.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori addressed the group, inviting an expansive understanding of sacramental leadership to include the ministry of all baptized people and the ministry they exercise in their daily lives. Archbishop David Moxon of the New Zealand Dioceses further challenged assumptions by inviting participants to consider social action groups that gather to break bread as a way to live out the gospel. He also encouraged increased understanding of the scope of small church mission by inviting participants to view our gathered communities as “a mission with a church, and not a church with a mission.” The life and ministry of the late Rt. Rev. Jim Kelsey, who had planned to present at the event, was remembered with a time of silence as the podium was left vacant, followed by a co-presentation on local collaborative ministry by his brother, the Rev. Steve Kelsey, along with the Rt. Rev. Donald Phillips.

Because of the overwhelming interest in this sold-out event, a DVD will be produced and available as a free download in early 2008. An initial planning meeting was also held to discuss the feasibility of a Small Church Best Practices summit to be held in 2009.

The conference closed with a lively Eucharist where Archbishop Moxon presided and Presiding Bishop Jefferts Scori preached. Two Anglican Archbishops uniting in worship was symbolic of all that had occurred: as a (sm)all church, we can do great things when we come together to live out our part in God’s greater mission.

Final Upward Bound Seminars Announcement

2007-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Rev. Charles Fulton, Director of Congregational Development, this is to announce the final two seminars of “Upward Bound, Leading Congregations Through Change, Decisions, and Conflict”.

The last seminar scheduled for the western region will be held November 12-15, 2007 in Santa Fe, NM. Three spaces remain available – please call promptly if you would like to register.

The final seminar will be held May 5-8, 2008 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Full registration materials are at: www.episcopalchurch.org/congdev/.

Below is an overview of the seminar content. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming Upward Bound events.

UPWARD BOUND
Leading Congregations Through
Change, Decisions, and Conflict

Transformational leadership begins with a transformed leader. Upward Bound addresses the personal work leaders need to do in order to lead in challenging times of growth and change.

Upward Bound is for the congregational development leader who is ready to address the following situations:
· Your primary goals are sabotaged by distracting mini-fires.
· Emotional responses are disproportionate to the situation.
· You are leading ‘process’ with people operating in a ‘yes or no’ world.
· You are caught in a problem that is not yours to solve.
· There is a negative force that drains time and emotional energy.
· Passive-aggressive behaviors have reached an artful level.

The work is personal, intensive, and transforming. Agenda items include:

►How to examine both a conflicted situation and your place in it.
►Explore your individual awareness of how you receive approval and support.
►Different levels of needs and the implications for congregational behavior.
►Skills to stop participating in destructive games and negative cycles.
►Renegotiate relationships after conflict has erupted.
►Increase listening and feedback skills for clarity rather than inference or judgment.
►Distinguish between problems that are yours and others.

Upward Bound the primary congregational leader who has primary responsibility for leading and managing the congregation through change and growth. The goal is to heighten your awareness and skills required to lead congregations in times of change and transition. The training is highly interactive, includes teaching, role-play, conversation, and personal reflection.

You will be invited to carefully explore your individual awareness and competence, examine the congregational setting in which you lead, and apply new models of interpretation to effect change.

Space is limited to 35 registrants. Upward Bound is sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development and coordinated in partnership with the Episcopal Church Building Fund. To learn more call 800-334-7626, ext. 6003.

CANVAS

2007-10-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Too often, popular culture depicts mental illness in ways that reinforce stigma and misunderstanding. But today, we have a special opportunity to support a film that poignantly captures the effect of mental illness on a family, and contains powerful and accurate messages to help reduce stigma.

CANVAS is a feature film written and directed by Joseph Greco, depicting his experience as a young boy whose mother has schizophrenia. It stars Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden and Emmy Award winner Joe Pantoliano. More information about Canvas is at www.canvasthefilm.com

The movie is opening in very limited release. If ticket sales on opening day are good, it will go on to national release. But if sales are disappointing, the film will have no further theatrical distribution at all.

Opening day ticket sales will determine whether this film has a future. If you do live in one of the cities below, please consider seeing the film and bring your friends.

NYC - October 12thRegal Union Square Stadium 14850 Broadway(212) 253-6266
Chicago - October 12thAMC Loews 600 North Michigan 9600 N. Michigan Ave. (312) 255-9347
Los Angeles - October 19thLaemmle Sunset 58000 Sunset Blvd. (323) 848-3505
Scottsdale - October 19thHawkins Shea 147354 E. Shea Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Fort Lauderdale - October 19th Location TBD –

Please visit www.canvasthefilm.com for updates.

Request for Small Church Input

2007-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

The following is from The Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman who requests input from small church leaders:

In the next issue of Vestry Papers, we will explore how vestry meetings and Bishop's Committee meetings can be most effective. What makes for a good meeting in your eyes? Wardens, clergy, what are your hopes and expectations? How can such a meeting both accomplish church business and be faith-centered?

As we're working with some tight space, shorter answers work best. We won't be able to print all of the replies, but it would help greatly to know what people are thinking along these lines. Deadline: October 24th. Please reply to Lindsay Hardin Freeman at: VestryPapers@episcopalfoundation.org

Thanks so much -

Lindsay

The Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman
190 Cygnet Place
Long Lake, MN 55356
Vestrypapers@episcopalfoundation.org
(952) 449-0166

Solomon's Porch

2007-10-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Solomon's Porch, pictured above, now gathers in a rented space that used to be a Methodist Church. Note the mismatched and worn sofas; as one member said, "The sofas are worn and frayed around the edges, just like the people who sit on them."

A New Generation of Gathered Community: Exploring the Emergent Church in Minneapolis

From September 15-17, 2007 the semi-annual meeting of diocesan congregational development officers gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We travelled out in teams to worship with different emergent church communities and other new generations of gathered communities (I personally worshipped with four communities with in 24 hours). We had a DVD production crew along who captured clips of the different worship services, as well as filmed a three hour discussion about what we observed, what was different, and how an Episcopal congregation might gather in a similar way.

What I witnessed (and this is my own perspective) was communities of people gathered in Christ's name, seeking authentic worship (and small groups) that is (are) relevant to their daily lives, and a clear message that God loves each of us as we are and welcomes us. There was a rawness to the worship, it was never perfect and didn't aim to be. Rather, imperfect people (like all of us) shared their faith journey, came as they were, and looked to experience Christ's transformative love.

One community, "Spirit Garage" (The Church with the Big Door) met in a music theater. I knew I was in for a different experience when I was offered ear plugs with my "worship menu." What might be relevant to Episcopal congregations is that Spirit Garage is a daughter congregation of a traditional ELCA church, and is still part of that congregation. While the service is loose, the communion prayers and baptismal liturgy were still ELCA liturgy (there was a baptism on the day we visited. I was surprised that the worship was multi-generational with lots of babies and not just youth and young adults).

If this subject is of interest to you, look for a free DVD from our office to be released early next year...

Episcopal Church Center Reorganization Announced

2007-09-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

On September 5, 2007 a new organizational structure for the Episcopal Church Center (ECC) was announced. This structure arises from the new mission statement for the ECC which states that the purpose of the Episcopal Church Center is to further God's mission, interpreted by the General Convention. As the Presiding Bishop's staff, we serve the people of the Episcopal Church by:

Listening and responding to the needs of the Church and its leaders
Sharing good news about what God is doing in the Church and in the world
Advocating for justice and peace, respecting the dignity of every human being
Building partnerships and networks for mission
Making available usable resources based on creative ideas and existing best practices
Developing and managing human, financial and material resources for mission
Promoting measurable work standards of excellence and accountability.

To fulfill this purpose the new structure is built around four new Mission Centers to include the following activities:

Advocacy Center
Social and Economic Justice
Ethnic Ministry and Anti-Racism (advocacy component)
Migration (advocacy component)
International Affairs

Evangelism and Congregational Life Center
Christian Formation (all ages)
Congregational Research
Congregational Vitality
Ethnic Congregations
Evangelism and Church Planting
Migration: Resettlement
Stewardship
Worship and Spirituality

Mission Leadership Center
Ordained Ministry (including Transition)
Lay Ministry (including Ministry in Daily Life)
Young Adults (including Campus Ministry and PLSE)
Missionary Personnel
Chaplaincies (including Prison Ministries)
Theological Education

Partnerships Center
Anglican Communion
Diocesan Services
Ecumenical & Interfaith
Grants and Covenants
United Thank Offering

Concurrently, the General Convention Office will:
Coordinate Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards
Plan and execute General Convention and Executive Council
Publish General Convention and Executive Council documents
Provide support for the President of the House of Deputies

A new Administration unit, meanwhile, will coordinate:
Facilities Management
Human Resources
Legal
Technology
Translation Services
Travel and Meeting Arrangements
The Communication Office is reorganized into two units:
Episcopal Life Media
Public Affairs
The Finance Office will continue to include two units:
Treasurer's Office
Controller's Office

Another new addition is the creation of a Mission Funding portfolio including a Development Office.

Okay small church community, what are your impressions? Thoughts? Reactions? And, if you are serve in another denomination, what are your stories of restructuring? Or, if you are part of a for-profit organization, what are your stories of restructuring?

2008 Summer Collegium in Virginia

2007-08-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Applications are available for the third Summer Collegium--a nine-day ecumenical conference for clergy of small congregations and their spouses and partners. The date of the 2008 Summer Collegium is June 25-July 3.

The theme of the 2008 Summer Collegium is Worship and Preaching in the small church, and includes keynote addresses by Anthony Pappas, Christine O-Reilly and Peter Bush.

ALL COSTS RELATED TO THE COLLEGIUM, INCLUDING TRAVEL, ROOM AND BOARD, PULPIT SUPPLY AND CHILD CARE ARE PAID FOR BY A GRANT FROM THE LILLY ENDOWMENT INC.

Application forms are available for download at www.vts.edu/education/collegium or by calling Marilyn Johns, Project Manager, at 703.461.1760. Application deadline is December 15, 2007.

Position Open

2007-08-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Small Church Community:

I received the following e-mail today. It of course illuminates the challenges small churches face when it comes to sacramental leadership. I am hoping that someone will share some of the other options and creative ideas that St. Peter's could consider, or that perhaps this will find its way to a priest that might be called to this community.

Blessings...Suzanne

Dear Suzanne,
I am writing to hopefully get some help with a big problem that we, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Jackson, Alabama, are having. We are without a Priest and we can't find one. We are a small church with 30-50 members in attendance each Sunday. We have been very fortunate to have been able to secure Priests from nearby Mobile, AL. for several years. Our latest Priest was wonderful, but he left for Houston, TX (bigger church - more money). We are not able to pay big bucks (about $20-25,000) so we really need a retired person or someone with another occupation. Jackson (6,000 population) is a great place to live and raise a family. We have contacted our Diocese and there are no available Priests. Maybe you could post our plea on your website or maybe you could put us on to someone that knows more. Thanks so much!

For more information contact Lawrence Garrett, Senior Warden at bebegarrett@mchsi.com

Transformation & Renewal V To Energize Fresh Evangelism

2007-08-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Transformation & Renewal V To Energize Fresh Evangelism

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Held at Kanuga Conferences, the upcoming Transformation and Renewal Conference will prepare historically black Episcopal congregations to throw open their church doors and do the holy work of evangelism, bringing new faces to those doors.

T&R V, to be held Nov. 11-16, will explore the theme People Get Ready: A Fresh Start in Proclaiming Christ. Since 1999 Kanuga has co-sponsored this biennial program along with the Episcopal Church’s Office of Black Ministries and the Union of Black Episcopalians.

It attracts clergy and laity from throughout the United States and beyond, who take home information and inspiration to strengthen their parish or mission, regardless of its size or situation.

Returning as conference coordinator will be the Rev. Lynne Washington, executive director of the Peter Paul Development Center, Richmond, Va.

The opening speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Susan Newman, who directs the Washington, D.C. office of The Balm in Gilead. This organization seeks to improve the health of people of the African Diaspora by helping faith communities address diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Another plenary session, “Evangelism 101,” will be led by the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Watts, director of the Black Ministries Program at Hartford Seminary.

The Rev. Canon Angela Ifill, the Episcopal Church’s canon missioner for Black Ministries, will speak on “Highlights and the State of the Black Church” and “Evangelism and Congregational Development.”

Other workshops and their leaders include “Tell Me Something Good,” conference design team; “Radical Welcome,” Stephanie Spellers; “Liturgical Evangelism,” Martini Shaw; “Stewardship and Evangelism,” Anne Ditzler; “Let’s Get Moving,” Vincent Harris; and music workshops, Carl MaultsBy. Horace Clarence Boyer will be the featured musician for one day and the St. Ambrose Jazz Quartet will perform throughout the week.

For information visit www.kanuga.org or telephone 828-692-9136.

Roanridge Funds in Action

2007-08-20T06:54:00.001-07:00

Located in the north Western corner of New Jersey, Saint Luke's Episcopal Church is a small rural congregation of 43 families. St. Luke's Church always had a passion for outreach ministries, but was confronted by no longer being able to afford a full time parish priest. Responding to this reality two years ago, the congregation developed a new model for dynamic life-giving ministry that can serve as a prototype for the many small caring congregations facing similar financial circumstances.

Utilizing a small two bedroom cottage owned by and adjacent to the church, the congregation formed Haven of Hope for Kids that now provides up to 6 day vacation retreats to urban lower income families caring for critically ill children. The program opened in June of 2005. Over twenty five seriously ill children and their families have now had a vacation in the country and a respite from the constant stress and worry that illness and hospital treatment bring. The children are selected by the social workers from seven participating hospitals. Over forty five volunteers from both inside and outside the parish actively participate in the program.

For the surrounding community and for the existing congregation, this program has transformed the identity of St. Luke's Church. The Rector of St. Luke's now also serves as the Director of Haven of Hope for Kids and receives approximately 1/2 of his compensation through this 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. For its ministry Haven of Hope for Kids has attracted wide financial and volunteer support well beyond the existing parish.

St. Luke's/Haven of Hope applied for a 2007 Roanridge Grant to recruit a seminarian intern who has a passion for rural ministry beyond the traditional parish model. The intern, Jon Owens (pictured above), began in June, 2007 and will complete his 10-week training in September.

Congratulations Jon, St. Luke's and Haven of Hope for Kids. May God's blessings of abundance be with you...

If you would like to learn more about St. Luke's/Haven of Hope, contact Executive Director William A. Potter at bill@havenofhopeforkids.org or visit http://www.havenofhopeforkids.org/

Group for Congregations that Have Experienced a Split

2007-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Copied from the House of Bishops/House of Deputies list with permission from The Rev. Jim Liggett:

I have recently accepted a call to a parish that split a couple of years ago over the current unpleasantness. While fairly small, the congregation is well motivated and energetic. I am wondering if there is a network of such parishes--those rebuilding and developing a new identity after a divisive split. If you know of such a network, please let me know--and if you are interested in starting such a network, also let me know. I'll start officially in about a month, but would welcome any stories or ideas that might help. There is no need to re-invent the flat tire.

Father Liggett can be reached at liggett@crcom.net

Beijing Circles Conference Announcement

2007-07-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Office of Women's ministries is beginning a NEW series of brief conferences across the country to introduce you to Beijing Circles!!

You're Invited to Join The Circle at the first event, scheduled for 10/12/2007 - 10/13/2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Beijing Circles are a tool which can help people educate themselves and one another about the issues affecting women globally and then to advocate within our church and the world to bring about positive change.

For more information contact:

Office of Women’s Ministries

815 Second Avenue

New York, NY 10017

800 334-7626 x 5346

e-mail: womensministries@episcopalchurch.org

Episcopal Health Ministry and Parish Nursing

2007-07-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

EDUCATION FOR EPISCOPAL HEALTH MINISTRY & PARISH NURSING

National Episcopal Health Ministries (NEHM) announces an intensive 5-day course that emphasizes Episcopal traditions in the theology of health and healing, liturgy, polity and prayer. Practical aspects of developing Health Ministry in a local congregation are addressed. The course will be held at the Virden Retreat Center, University of Delaware from Aug. 27 – Sept. 1, 2007. Go to the following web link for further information: www.episcopalhealthministries.org/event/event.asp
or call the NEHM office at 317-253-1277 X34.

***Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Health professionals other than nurses are welcome to enroll, as well as other non-professionals interested in learning more about general health ministry as a lay vocation. CEU credits are available.

St. Mark's, Moscow: Love Spoken Here

2007-07-25T11:00:00.001-07:00

Written by The Rev. Kristi Phillips, Diocese of Spokane, and reprinted with permission:

Once in a while I notice a sign in one of our churches that gives a clue about how that church sees itself in the community. Something like “Love Spoken Here,” or “Servants’ Entrance.”
A few weeks ago, St. Mark’s, Moscow, opened its heart to its town and practiced servanthood in some poignant ways in the midst of a tragic weekend. Late on Saturday night, May 19, a sniper sprayed dozens of bullets across a parking lot and into the Latah County Courthouse, killing a police officer, wounding a sheriff’s deputy and a civilian and then, apparently, killing a caretaker and himself at the First Presbyterian Church across the street. Earlier he apparently had shot and killed his wife at their home.
Just after 6 a.m. officers entered the church and found the bodies of the shooter and another man, later identified as the church custodian. Many in Moscow had heard the shots during. the night and across the Inland Northwest there were live television broadcasts early Sunday morning.
St. Mark’s is about four blocks from the Presbyterian Church in this ordinarily quiet college town. St. Mark’s Sunday service went on as usual with the Rev. Chris Coppen as supply priest. The small congregation had an opportunity to offer prayers that day for their town and for the victims and their families.
But later in the week, St. Mark’s and some of its parishioners had other opportunities to open their hearts to the community. Dr. Sharon Kehoe, director of the Campus Christian Center and a member of St. Mark’s, offered hospitality to the staff of the Presbyterian Church, displaced by damage to the church and an ongoing investigation. The church’s worship services also moved temporarily to the University of Idaho campus. Some St. Mark’s parishioners attended prayer vigils that were offered in Moscow during the week and a large, public memorial service for Lee Newbill, the police officer who had died. Still others from both Pullman and Moscow assisted with grief counseling.
But there was a smaller memorial service for Newbill that not many knew about, organized by St. Mark’s Senior Warden Ben Jeness and Newbill’s parents. They had been members of St. Mark’s in the 1970’s and 1980’s before Newbill’s father was transferred by the Marine Corps. Lee Newbill was confirmed at St. Mark’s in 1979.
Jenness and Newbill’s widow and parents planned a small memorial service, for family and close friends at St. Mark’s. He kept in touch with the family daily, invited the Rev. Mary Beth Rivetti from neighboring St. James’, Pullman to officiate, arranged for a musician and found people to furnish food for a reception.
Jenness said he learned to value of being present to the family and also of being flexible as the service grew from a handful of people to close to 60. “The prayer book is a pretty good guide, too,” he said.
Rivetti said that people in both the Pullman and Moscow congregations were called on to help with many aspects of the tragedy and responded generously.
She was honored, she said, to be invited “in the midst of something so profound to help gather people – to point to Christ in the center of pain.”
Rivetti concluded her homily at the memorial service,
“A police officer is called to protect and serve the community. Like a shepherd, the officer walks with the people in his care, and knows that it is possible that he will lay down his life for their safety. On Saturday night as the shots rang out, a young woman on her first night as a dispatcher crouched behind a filing cabinet in the dispatch office in the courthouse, and prayed the 23rd Psalm. Outside, Lee Newbill laid down his life for the community he had sworn to uphold.
“As Lee lay dying, as he walked through the valley of the shadow of death, our Easter faith proclaims that he was carried home by the one who laid down his life for us all, who washes away every tear, who has swallowed up death forever. Our Easter faith proclaims that the tears we cry today are being collected in the bottle of the One who made us know life and joy and sorrow and death. Our Easter faith proclaims that no part of the world is free from the love of God in Jesus Christ.”
Love spoken here? Absolutely. A small congregation answered the call to be servants in the midst of tragedy -- to minister quietly to a community stricken by pain and grief.

Church on the Beach

2007-07-23T07:45:00.001-07:00

As an example of creative gatherings, I wanted to share information about a service my family and I attended yesterday. It was called “Church at the Beach” and is a ministry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield, CT.

It is a simple Episcopal service (drawn from Enriching Our Worship) held at 8:30 AM on the beach. People brought folding chairs, ushers distributed bulletins from sand buckets, the sermon was short yet powerful, being scripturally based with a practical emphasis and multi-layered in its message, and we stood in a circle for communion and offered bread and wine to each other. Music was a singer and a guitarist.

The service is summer only, and has grown to about 80 people on any given Sunday. It's a great example of thinking outside the walls and bringing Christ’s message to the people.

It might be something for your congregation to consider. Is there a lake near by? An ocean? A river? Are one of these places a popular weekend tourist destination? If so, maybe a satellite summer service is a way for you to reach out and meet people's spiritual needs in a new way...

2008 Roanridge Application Period Open

2007-07-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

June 1 opened the three month window for the submission of applications for 2008 grants from the Roanridge Trust. ALL applications must be postmarked by September 1, 2007. An application, and full information, can be found at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch_51593_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=51387

Specifically, the interest generated from the Roanridge Trust is to be used for the “training of town and country clergy and rural Christian workers of PECUSA” (now known as The Episcopal Church).

If you have further questions, please contact Sarah Johnson at sjohnson@episcopalchurch.org or me at swatson@episcopalchurch.org

Free Resource!!!

2007-07-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Katharine Hunt and Gail Loken from Christ Church Episcopal in Anchorage, Alaska, offer your congregation the following (free!) weekly resource. They produce the resource and e-mail it to your in-box so you can then easily e-mail it out to interested members of your congregation. It is a great lectionary-based resource and I am happy to recommend it for your further review.

Greetings from Alaska!

Join us in using Lectionary Life Links, a new, vibrant resource that
nourishes the spiritual growth of people of all ages. These weekly
bulletin inserts are free to you, funded by a grant through the
Roanridge Foundation.

Preview a sample at www.aswefrolic.org
(F.R.O.L.I.C - Fully Renewing Our Lives in Christ)

This resource is serving parishes in Germany and 19 states throughout
the United States in a multitude of ministry areas including shut-ins/LEM
ministry, Hospital visits, prison ministry, Intergenerational
Christian Education, Self/Home Study and as a sermon resource.

We invite you to contact us at lifelinks@aswefrolic.org to begin your free
e-mail subscription.

Blessings and Peace, and we look forward to hearing from you,

Rev. Katherine Hunt and Gail Loken
Christ Church Episcopal, Anchorage, Alaska

El Camino Real

2007-07-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Guest preacher and presider, Diocese of El Camino Real...

Greetings from the Diocese of El Camino Real--from another Diocese where the small church is alive with God's mission.

I'm here for one week, presenting in three different parts of the Diocese--Paso Robles, San Jose, and Marina. The first event was Saturday, and 48 congregational leaders (lay and ordained) from the Southern Deanery were in attendance. It was a day rich with sharing--statistics and resources (my part) and stories of vitality and examples of God's presence at work in the congregation (the leaders part). Sometimes I think I am the most blessed priest to be able to do this work, to share my own perception of where God's presence seems palpable and to listen to other's stories of God's amazing hand at work. To be able to share and hear these stories between diocese and Anglican provinces is truly phenomenal.

I wonder, where does God's presence seem most intense in your congregation?

Priest Wanted for Congregation on Fire with a Sense of Mission!!!

2007-06-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

The letter below was received today from Susanne Miller, from Oneida, New York. This is a wonderful group of people that I met at Start Up Start Over. They clearly understand mission, both personally and as a gathered Christian community and the priest that accepts this call will be blessed indeed!!!

Last October, the three of us along with our rector, Alan Smith, attended Start Up Start Over in San Antonio. For all of us, it was a life-changing experience, and the changes in our congregation, worship style, and focus reflect what we learned from you all.

The purpose for our church is clearly to bring people who are spiritual but do not have a church nearer to God. We have enriched our worship service with dancers, elaborate processions, Prayers of the People, sermons, hymn lyrics on screen. We have embraced the concept of door-to-door evangelism and have developed a team of 10 people for this mission. We have written and earned a $13,000 grant to be used toward the purchase of multi-media equipment and have asked our diocese to look to us to be a poster child of parishes working to redevelop ourselves.
We are serious and want you to know how much we appreciate what you did to inspire us.

Now we seek your help once more. When Alan came to us three years ago, we knew he would be leaving in three years. November is the end of his time here. We hate to see him leave, but we feel his best gift to us was to energize us to continue to move forward without his leadership.

We are, however, looking for a new leader. Because you both have had experience with starting new congregations and helping small parishes thrive, we are hoping you might know of someone who would fit our needs: a spiritual person with high energy, creativity, and commitment to working to move parishes up and into the 21st Century.

Unfortunately, our position is, of necessity, still a part-time position. We do have a wonderful bonus of being close to Syracuse University, Colgate University, Hamilton College, Cazenovia College, SUNY Morrisville, and LeMoyne College.....each within 30 minutes of Oneida and wonderful sources for advanced degrees in philosophy, medicine, law, sociology, and numerous other fields. Many opportunities for bi-vocational positions are available in our area as well. To learn more about our diocese, check out the Diocese of Central New York. Skip Adams is our Bishop......a wonderful and caring pastor.

Our deployment form is in the national church computer, but we are looking beyond that to you because the codes available to us didn’t suit our newly defined needs. Since you have so much contact with folks who become engaged with the Start Up Start Over premises, we think you may be excellent resources!

If you know of someone who might be interested in this position, please e-mail us at the following e-mail addresses:

Susan Slaunwhwite: skslaunwhite@yahoo.com
Kellie Lanz: Klanz@liberty-resources.org
Sue Miller: smiller7@twcny.rr.com

We would greatly appreciate it if you could steer us toward anyone who is excited about taking the church into the 21st Century!

Average Sunday Attendance and Percept Info

2007-06-20T08:47:00.001-07:00

Since the release of the "Where Two or Three Are Gathered" Pilot, I've had many people contact me that did not know about the Study Your Congregation web site. On this site, anyone can access the Average Sunday Attendance chart for any Episcopal congregation or Diocese. To view/print this information, visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/growth_60791_ENG_HTM.htm

Additionally, the First View Percept Report (a faith based demographic report) is also available FREE for the zip code in which the congregation is located. (An $80+ value. However, if you would like a profile for a larger zip code visit www.percept.info )

On the Study Your Congregation page you will also find links to specific information presented for congregations that match yours in terms of size, geographic location, and growth trend. This area is still under development (the material is ready and we are working with the web design team.) Check back to this area in the coming weeks as it promises to be an interactive site packed with information, stories, resources and more.

Pilot Project Announcement

2007-06-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Where Two or Three are Gathered:
Creating Multiple Worship/Gathering Options in the
Small Congregation

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”
(Matthew 18:20)

The 2005 Faith Communities Today (FACT) report reveals that:

Small congregations that offer multiple worship services are more likely to be growing (39% of small congregations that offer three worship services are growing; 20% of small congregations that offer only one worship service are growing.)
Small congregations that offer innovative and diverse worship services are more likely to be growing (37% of small congregations offer innovative and diverse worship services are growing).

These findings suggest that offering multiple services that differ in style can be an effective way for the small congregation to reach new people.
Therefore, the Episcopal Church Center, in collaboration with Dr. Charles Arn (author of How to Start a New Service: Your Church CAN Reach New People), is launching a pilot project, “Where two or three are gathered”. This project is aimed to assist small congregations interested in introducing a new style of worship service/gathering. This new service/gathering will be in addition to the congregation’s current service(s).

This pilot project will be limited to 25 congregations with an average Sunday attendance (ASA) of 70 or less who seek to nourish the unmet spiritual needs of people in their wider community.

Over a period of approximately 18 months, the Office of Congregational Development will provide these congregations support and materials. Additionally, a two-day training conference with Dr. Arn and Episcopal Church Center staff will be offered January 25-26, 2008.

If you would like to consider participating in this exciting pilot please contact:

The Rev. Suzanne E. Watson
Staff Officer, Congregational Development
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
e-mail: swatson@episcopalchurch.org

Mandatory Pension for Lay Employees of Episcopal Churches

2007-06-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

In resolution A125 of the 2006 General Convention, the Office for Ministry Development was directed to ascertain the best possible way of determining a feasibility study which would review whether lay pension benefits should be made compulsory and, if so, whether or not a single service provider should be made available for pensions of lay employees in the Episcopal Church. To fulfill this direction the Office for Ministry development determined that a study group of approximately twelve people be gathered to offer collective wisdom about these issues. I was asked to be part of the group, an invitation I gladly accepted.

Today concluded two days of meetings. And there is great collective wisdom in the group, and I am honored to be the “voice of the small congregation” in the dialogue. However, that is where I need your help.

What are your views about the feasibility of mandating pensions for lay employees in the Episcopal Church? What is the recommendation when viewed from a theological perspective? From a stewardship perspective? From a social justice perspective? And what are the financial implications for the small congregation? Are the theological and stewardship considerations different when one looks at the financial realities of small Episcopal churches? If you are not part of the Epsicopal Church, does your denomination or faith group have pension mandates for employees?

I value your opinion and wisdom, and welcome your comments, either posted anonymously below or via e-mail at swatson@episcopalchurch.org

Introducing Our New Small Membership Church Intern

2007-05-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings Blososphere:

The Office of Congregational Development is pleased to announce a new intern in our mix. Her name is Licia, and she will be working with Dr. Charles Arn and me on the development of our pilot program--Multiple Choice Church: Reaching the Unchurched with a New Style Service.

Now it's your chance. Licia's statement of introduction is pasted below. She's a bright, energetic seminarian anxious to know all there is about the small Episcopal Church. Share your wisdom...what would you like a "rising senior" seminarian to know about the small church? What would you hope that she gain from her experience here in our office? From her work? From our pilot?

Licia (and I) look forward to your response...

Hi there!

My name is Licia and I am a student at General Theological Seminary in New York City. I am a “rising senior” which means that in September I will begin my last year of school. I was born and raised in Italy and I moved to the US in 2000 due to my husband’s job. He is Italian too and works in the field of cancer research and we have a beautiful, incredibly smart, sweet, and funny (but I may be biased…) almost-five-year-old daughter.

I became an Episcopalian at St Bart’s (the church, not the island)in 2003 and one year later my family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where I went through the discernment process and was accepted as a postulant for ordination.

I always joke that the people of my sponsoring parish are so nice that I fooled them into sponsoring me, but to tell the truth they are a wonderfully supportive community who embraced my whole family and lifted me up in my spiritual journey with great love and constant prayers.

Last summer, thanks to a dear mutual friend, I met Suzanne and became interested in the process of helping churches reach out to people in Christ in new ways. I am very excited at the prospect of working on a pilot project aimed to support congregations interested in introducing new types of services in their schedule in order to share Christ’s message with a variety of different people.

Since my whole experience with the Episcopal Church has been mainly through medium and large sized congregations I am particularly intrigued by the dynamics of “smaller” churches and believe that my experience in this internship will help me become a more effective leader in times of growth and transition.

Suggested Strand: Reaching Out

2007-05-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

A reader of this blog writes:

Hi there! I am the Senior Warden at St Swithen's Episcopal Church. We are a small congregation with typical Sunday attendance around 60. There are so many other small Parishes like ours and we have a lot to share. We are currently trying to come up with ways to attain growth. I'm sure you know the struggles of doing such a thing.
Another endeavor we are embarking on is to develop an Outreach program. But we were wondering what other Parishes are doing to reach out to the Community. We're trying to find out how we could be the most effective in helping out our neighbors. Could you possibly start a thread going concerning what others might be doing to reach out to those in need? If you could provide any information, that would be wonderful! Thanks!!

Okay readers, time to stop being shy and share. With 100+ readers a day I know there are many stories and wisdom to be shared..what is your small congregation doing to reach out and help your neighbors? And if you are not part of a faith community, when you look around at "church", at what we profess to be, and see our neighbor's need, how would you answer this faithful senior warden?

Episcopal Congregations in Europe

2007-04-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

On April 20-22, 2007 my son (pictured in striped sweater on right) and I had the honor of attending the first ever mission festival celebrating the ministry carried out by the Episcopal mission congregations in Europe. The gathering was held in Rastatt, Germany.

The Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon (pictured above addressing the children at the closing Eucharist) was in attendance for the entire celebration, and played an integral role in terms of teaching, vision, and encouragement.

I look forward to sharing the pictures and stories of these congregations in the days to come --including the stories of the two missions that will be closing shortly, the booming new church plant of ex patriots and the new church sprout of refugees from Rwanda. What a gathering!

This trip reinforced (once again) that as Episcopalians we are a diverse group of people who are united by the experience of knowing the transforming love of Christ on a heart, mind and soul level, and who want to share this experience with the wider (and increasingly secular) world. I continue to be warmed by the spiritual depth and beauty of our brothers and sisters in Christ, both at home and abroad...

Blessings,

A jet lagged blogger

ECC Resources

2007-04-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

In preparation for an upcoming visit with the Convocation of Churches in Europe, I have gathered a collection of resources produced by colleagues from the Episcopal Church Center. While I was aware of many of these resources, to see them all gathered in one place (on my office floor no less--all in preparation for shipping to our brothers and sisters in Christ in Europe), to see the breadth of knowledge and passion, and to imagine the new ministry that they can catalyze is incredible.

I wrote out the name of each resource by department, and included contact information. While this document is long (probably too long for a blog) I am quite anxious to share. Departments are listed alphabetically with resources listed beneath each one. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it is a beginning...

Blessings friends, and I look forward to sharing photos and stories of our mission festival in Germany upon my return.

Suzanne

Episcopal Church Center Resources

Office of Anglican and Global Relations

“Windows on Mission-stories of DFMS missionaries around the world” highlights eleven unique mission journeys with missionaries who share their joys and challenges of doing God’s work throughout the world. 2 DVD Set, $39.95. (each of the eleven segments run between 15 and 25 minutes in length.)

An accompanying study guide will soon be available, also through Episcopal Books and Resources, and available for download with out charge at http://episcopalchurch.org/agr.htm

Contact Episcopal Books & Resources
212 716-6059
800 334-7626
E-MAIL: blucas@episcopalchurch.org

Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion

Guide to Episcopal Colleges Contact the Episcopal Colleges Office at 1.800.334.7626, ext. 6148 or visit www.cuac.org

Congregational Development

Stewardship Handbook
Visit the Stewardship pages of The Episcopal Church web site at http://episcopalchurch.org/stewardship.htm At this site you will find a large amount of downloadable and very useful information designed to help leaders in congregations and dioceses to development stewardship programs that help carry out the work God is calling them to do. Most of the information found in the Stewardship Handbook (on the display table at events) is also in downloadable format at this site. For more information contact
Terry Parsons Stewardship Officer Congregational Development
tparsons@episcopalchurch.org
or 800.334.7626, ext 6284

Small Church Growth Strategy Handbook http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch_4167_ENG_HTM.htm (Summer 2007 edition to be uploaded soon) Contact Suzanne Watson at 1.800.334.7626, ext. 6185 Or e-mail swatson@episcopalchurch.org

Voices of the Young: Listening to twenty-somethings talk about the Church (DVD) http://episcopalchurch.org/49662_78132_ENG_HTM.htm

Truth and Hope: A Time of Truth and Hope for the Episcopal Church by Charles Fulton and James Lemler available from Forward Movement Publications http://www.forwardmovement.org/showbook.cfm?prodid=1877

FACTS on Episcopal Growth (and much more statistical data) Kirk Hadaway Visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/research.htm

Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations

Interfaith Education Initiative: A Manual on Interfaith Dialogue Available through Episcopal Books and Resources at www.episcopalbookstore.org using reference number 60-0416.

Handbook for Ecumenism Available through the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations at 800.334.7626, ext. 6127 Or e-mail jschwarz@episcopalchurch.org

Episcopal Life
Visit e-Life on line at http://episcopalchurch.org/episcopal_life.htm

Episcopal Migration Ministries
“A Map of Faith-Sharing the Journey with the Uprooted” DVD Available through Episcopal Migration Ministries at 800.334.7626, ext. 6057 Or e-mail jdenaro@episcopalchurch.org

Episcopal News Service
Visit the new interactive Episcopal Life site http://episcopalchurch.org/78650_23228_ENG_HTM.htm
To receive Episcopal News Service via e-mail, subscribe at http://episcopalchurch.org/78650_23228_ENG_HTM.htm

Episcopal Relief and Development

For brochures, magnets, and more information about the Millennium Development Goals and the Episcopal Church
For gifts that will make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families living in extreme poverty, consider giving from the Gifts for Life catalog
For more information call 1.800.334.7626 ext 5129, or visit http://www.er-d.org/ for information about the vital ministry of Episcopal Relief and Development.

Office of Ethnic Congregational Development

A Disciples Prayerbook available through the office of Native Ministries at 800.334.7626 ext 5350 or e-mail at wfodor@episcopalchurch.org

Hispanic Ministry: Opportunity for Mission And The Hispanic Mission: Things to Consider in Starting an Hispanic Mission by The Rev. Isaias Rodriguez. Both Available through the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries at 1.800.334.7626 ext 6328 or e-mail at aguillen@episcopalchurch.org

Black Ministry Resources
Contact The Rev. Angela Ifill at 800.334.7626 ext 5343 or e-mail at aifill@episcopalchurch.org

Asian Ministry Resources
Contact The Rev. Winfred Vergara at 800.334.7626 ext 5344 or e-mail at wvergara@episcopalchurch.org

Office of International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership

For more information on the Service Learning Summer or Semester Programs or the Master of Arts in International Service, visit www.ipsl.org or at 212.986.0989 or e-mail at ino@ipsl.org

Ministries With Young People

· For all handbooks, publications, DVD’s, and music resources contact Luke Fodor at 800.334.7626 ext 6158 or lfodor@episcopalchurch.org

· Handbooks and Publications (most available for download with out cost):

· Handbook for Ministries with Young Adolescents in the Episcopal Church
· Handbook for Ministries with Older Adolescents in the Episcopal Church
· Discovering: Called to Teach and Learn—A Process to Explore the Church’s Primary Teaching Resource
· Called to Teach and Learn: A Catechetical Guide for the Episcopal Church
· Youth Ministry in the Age of AIDS
· In Dialogue with Scripture: An Episcopal Guide to Studying the Bible
· Awake My Soul: A Liturgical Resource for use with Children and Adults
· Youth and Young Adults: Resource Book For Ministries With

DVD and Music Resources:
· Voices of the Young: Listening to twenty-somethings talk about the Church (DVD)
http://episcopalchurch.org/49662_78132_ENG_HTM.htm
· REMix: Greatest Hits from Ministries with Young People

Announcements of Mission Opportunities:
Young Adult Service Corp
Short-Term Domestic Internship Program
Young Adult Internship Programs

Mission Program

2020 The Vision for Mission Today and Tomorrow James Lemler Available from Forward Movement Publications www.forwardmovement.org

Groundwork (Lenten Study Guide) Available to download with out fee at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/groundwork/

Truth and Hope: A Time of Truth and Hope for the Episcopal Church by Charles Fulton and James Lemler available from Forward Movement Publications http://www.forwardmovement.org/showbook.cfm?prodid=1877

Office of Ministry Development

Supporting Christians at Work: A Practical Guide for Busy Clergy by Mark Green, available through Episcopal Books and Resources at www.episcopalbooksstore.org or at 800.903.5544

Theological Education for All: Knowledge of God, not a forbidden fruit. Go to www.TEforALL.org/go

Ministry in Daily Life: Go to www.episcopalchurch.org/mdl

Office of Government Relations

Visit www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn/ or 800.2280515 for more information on:
God’s Mission in the World: An Ecumenical Christian Study Guide on Global Poverty and the Millennium Development Goals
Corporate Engagement by the Episcopal Church on Issues Related to Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Office of Peace and Justice Ministries
Engage God’s Mission: Policy for Action—The Social Policies of the Episcopal Church, USA
Anti-Racism Training and Material
Jubilee Ministry: Outreach Ministry Program of The Episcopal Church for the Past Quarter Century
"Changing Lives: Behind the Walls at Angola" is a new feature-length video documentary following the effects of an Episcopal chaplain's ministry inside a prison once considered the bloodiest in America: the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, Louisiana
Contact 800.334.7626, ext 6050 for more information or e-mail eblair@episcopalchurch.org

United Thank Offering

UTO 2006: Grants List
Contact 800.334.7626 ext 6022, or e-mail Steven Bailey at sbailey@episcopalchurch.org

Women’s Ministries
Shall We Gather: Anglican Women Together (DVD)
Anglican Women’s Empowerment (AWE) Brochure
Beijing Circles: Resource for Women of Faith Changing the World
Beijing Circles: East Timor to Yonkers (DVD)
For more information contact Kim Robey at 800.334.7626 or e-mail krobey@episcopalchurch.org

Additional Resources on Table:

Changing Lives for Good: visit www.changinglives.org.uk

Happy Easter

2007-04-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

from Connecticut...

Continuing Christ's Mission of Making Disciples

2007-03-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Should Your Congregation Consider Starting a New Church Service With a Different Style?

Charles Arn, in his book How to Start a New Service: Your Church CAN Reach New People begins with a chapter on which congregations should, or should not, begin a new church service. By new, he means new-style, with the goal of reaching out to new people to continue Christ’s mission to make disciples. Should your congregation consider starting a new-style service? The following questions help determine the answer:

1. Is your congregation’s highest priority being “like a family”?
2. Is your congregation’s highest priority preserving “correct” doctrine and “correct” interpretation of Scripture?
3. Has your congregation split from a more liberal church or denomination in the past 50-75 years?
4. Is your congregation’s highest priority survival (i.e. with avoiding death than pursuing life)?
5. Does your priest/pastor/leadership team plan to leave in the coming year?
6. Does your congregation seem too small to add another service?
7. Is your congregation’s attendance declining?
8. Is your congregation’s sanctuary less than filled on Sundays?
9. Does your congregation lack the personnel to add a new service?
10. Does your theology or liturgical beliefs not allow for a different style?
11. Is your church in a bad location?

Response: Did you answer yes to question number 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5? If so, starting a new service is probably not the best strategy for your congregation at this time. About 50% of congregations fall into this category.

Did you answer yes to question number 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11? Guess what? These are excuses for not starting a new service, but they are not reasons. If the idea of a new service (despite the excuses) seems like it might have merit, consider purchasing Arn’s book which is widely available (http://www.amazon.com/How-Start-New-Service-Church/dp/0801090377/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9706170-8008855?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175021528&sr=8-1 . )

Additionally, watch this space (or e-mail swatson@episcopalchurch.org ) for the announcement of a new pilot program for small churches interested in making new disciples through a new-style service.

Start Up Start Over

2007-03-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Start Up Start Over, the congregational development seminar in its twentieth year (!!!) is launching a new blog.

While attending the event, community quickly forms among the participants. Participants then return from Start Up Start Over energized to equip their congregations to bring Christ to the post-Christendom world in new ways.

What has been lacking is a way to stay in touch, to share stories, struggles, accomplishments, ideas, etc.

If you have attended Start Up Start Over in the past, please visit www.startupstartover.blogspot.com and share your experience. If you have not yet attended, please feel free to visit and see what others say. It may be a seminar worth your (and your congregation's) consideration.

Growth in ASA vs. Transformation: Lent 3 Reflection

2007-03-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

One of my fondest memories as a child is of spending time with my grandmother in San Diego. She was a loving, down-to-earth woman who loved and served God with her whole heart and soul. And it was through her, and the times we spent together, that I began to learn about what it is to be a person who follows Christ.

Her lessons were never overt. Instead, they were taught in subtle and earthy ways. Ways that I could somehow hear, and that took root to sprout later in life. For example, she had a many fruit trees in her back yard. She would save her kitchen scraps, and after meals, we would march out and spread the organic scraps around the base of the trees. She told me that the sandy soil in coastal San Diego made growing fruit trees difficult, but with proper care and extra nutrients it was possible. I remember one day harvesting several ripe figs from her garden, warmed from the sun, and then returning to her porch swing to enjoy our feast. As we enjoyed the figs, she read me the parable from Sunday's (Lent 3) gospel.

A MAN HAD A FIG TREE PLANTED IN HIS VINEYARD. AND HE CAME LOOKING FOR FRUIT ON IT AND FOUND NONE. SO HE SAID TO THE GARDENER, SEE HERE. FOR THREE YEARS I HAVE COME LOOKING FOR FRUIT ON THIS FIG TREE, AND STILL I FIND NONE. CUT IT DOWN!!! WHY SHOULD IT BE WASTING THE SOIL? HE REPLIED, SIR, LET IT ALONE FOR ONE MORE YEAR, UNTIL I DIG AROUND IT AND PUT MANURE ON IT. IF IT BEARS FRUIT NEXT YEAR, WELL AND GOOD; BUT IF NOT, YOU CAN CUT IT DOWN.”

Let me dig around it and nourish it…if it bears fruit next year well and good. If not, you can cut it down…

Today’s gospel raises the question, how can we, as communities who profess to follow Christ, dig around and nourish ourselves so that we bears fruit?

How do you know if your congregation is “baring fruit”? A great deal of my work involves traveling and speaking at provincial and diocesan conferences, both in the US and overseas. I always ask people why they made the choice to take a Saturday and attend. Almost universally the response is “because we want our congregation to grow!” It’s always a set up, because the one characteristic most linked with decline in attendance in a congregation is the desire to grow. Most often, wanting to grow means a congregation is looking a little empty on Sunday mornings, or maybe that the congregation is aging a little bit, or that finances are getting a little tight. Growth, or wanting to grow, is not how we tell if a congregation is baring fruit.

Instead, a congregation is baring fruit when people are being transformed by the love of Christ. This means that with in the congregation member’s lives are being transformed, and that the congregation is reaching out, and transforming their corner of the world and, possibly, beyond…Transformation is the fruit of the congregation in full bloom. A bi-product of transformation is that the congregation that transforms people and wider community usually does grow, but growth in numbers in the congregation, in and of itself, is not the end.

This Sunday I'm attending a new church...here's hoping that as my family and I walk in we find a place as welcoming as my grandmother's porch swing, and discover a community of people happily producing plump figs, warmed by the sun...

Tween Talk

2007-03-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

When speaking to gatherings of congregational leaders, one of the most common frustrations voiced is an inability to keep the "young people" engaged in the church.

One of the issues might be the gulf between how different generations profess belief in Christ.

As a mum of teens and tweens myself (four of them!) I am keenly interested in this subject, and frequently challenged by my kids about generational "church-speak."

As an example, I share something written by a teen to profess his belief in Christ to back up an assertion he made about a controversial issue:

"Yes,>> >>as a matter of fact I AM a...>> >>Wideyed Sanctified >> >>blood bought spirit taught>> >>Bible totin' scripture quotin' Satan bashin' sin trashin' Christ>>followin`>> >Pride swallowin hard prayin' truth conveyin' >> >>faith walkin' gospel talkin'>> >>BONAFIDE BIG TIME BELIEVER>> >>And proud of it!!!" (original source not cited in post)

Compare these words with the form of language used in worship to profess faith--words which speak to my soul at a deep and resonating level. I see a huge gulf between the two (although a Lenten discipline of "faith walkin' gospel talkin'" has a rather appealing ring to it--even for this boomer mom!)

So friends, what is the way forward? Is it to try and train up the young in "our" ways so that they understand when they hit the tween and teen years, or is it beginning to reach out, understand, and listen to these meaning-seeking kids and help them to develop and grow in Christ through worship in ways that touch their soul at that deep and resonating level. If it is the latter, are we ready to facilitate that process?

Living Stones: A Gathering to Focus on Total Ministry

2007-02-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

On February 17-20, 2007, I was honored to be included as a guest at the annual gathering of Living Stones in Spokane, Washington. Living Stones is a partnership of dioceses and communities of faith engaged in Christian mission, committed to the ministry of all the baptized. In the context of theological reflection, the Living Stones Partnership exists to support, challenge, and strengthen ministry in their respective jurisdictions.

The gathering included over twenty diocese and communities of faith from ECUSA and the Anglican Church in Canada. Those present formed "cluster groups" in which four different groups presented a situation for peer evaluation and consultation. Many of the presentations focused on the "nuts and bolts" and "strengths and opportunities" of living out the ministry of "locally identified and trained teams" as congregational leaders (called total ministry, ministry of all the baptized, local shared ministry, or many other names...this is a model where teams with in the congregation are identified, locally trained, and ordained--including the ministry of priest and deacon--and are then facilitated by a regional missioner who is commonly seminary trained and works with several congregational teams.)

The gathering in Spokane was filled with life, and it is exciting to see such a large group of dynamic church leaders creatively working together to find ways to continue to proclaim the gospel locally in these changing times.

If you are part of a diocese that has small churches that might wish to explore the concept of total ministry, attending Living Stones as a visitor would be a great opportunity to explore this option. Many of the congregations present initially looked to this alternative model because of finances and budget, but now embrace it and clearly state that they would not return to the one-priest one-altar model.

Unfortunately Living Stones does not have a web site for further information. If you would like more info. send me an e-mail and I will forward it to someone who can assist...

Bringing Christ to the Post-Christian World

2007-02-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends from the Seattle airport! I am in transit from New Zealand, where myself, and a team of ten other Americans (from three denominations), presented the seminar entitled "Bringing Christ to a Post-Christian World."

Over 60 leaders from New Zealand (both North and South Island), Canada, and the United States gathered to look at where and how God is calling us to proclaim Christ in this rapidly changing world.

The design of the conference included a 30-minute cultural relevance discussion to follow each presentation. These sections were informative and much cross-pollination of thought, learnings, and passion for Christ's mission were exchanged. However, it was also abundantly (and quickly) clear that the churches in New Zealand, Canada, and the United States are all facing similar circumstances. What was also clear is that we together, as brothers and sisters in Christ, are on fire with the mission of Christ, and hungry for ways to proclaim Christ's timeless and always relevant message in new relevant ways to this post-Christendom world. I, for one, am honored to have been part of this event.

Blessings mates...S.

Being...

2007-02-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

The meditation below is written by the Rev. Donald P. Fuselier (revchfdon@sbcglobal.net), who serves at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, Carmel Valley. Don is also a Volunteer Chaplain at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Chaplain for the Monterey County Chief Law Enforcement Officer's Association, and Chaplain for Monterey Peninsula College Police Academy.

Don's reflection warmed my heart--even on a day when it is well below freezing in New York City--and brought a tear to my eye. It especially touched me because it reminded me of my own grief and that of my four young children when my husband died suddenly several years ago. It was other people's ability (and willingness) to just be present that somehow helped us to know that God really was present, even through the darkest of valleys...S.

"Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh" (Luke 21:21b)

As volunteer hospital chaplains, we become accustomed to ministering to individuals facing life threatening illness in their own lives and those of family members. Recently, however, I found myself in a situation that overwhelmed me and left me feeling completely helpless and speechless.

After completing my "rounds", I returned home only to be paged and directed to return for an emergency. On arrival at the hospital I was informed that a 28 year old mother of two had just died very suddenly and unexpectedly. I was told that this young woman's mother, brother and sister, and fiancee had just been informed and were sequestered in a "quiet room" just 30 feet away. The charge nurse asked me to go to them and "bring them comfort".

As I slowly walked the short distance I felt as helpless and inadequate as I have ever felt in my life. What could I possibly say to a mother who just lost a beautiful young daughter? What could I say to her brother and sister? What could I say to her finance who just saw his hopes and dreams vanish in a heartbeat? Everything I could think of seemed flat and empty.

When I entered the room I found it was even more complicated than I thought. The mother was foreign born and spoke little or no English. She was wailing and pulling at her hair as the others in the room sat weeping. I stood there trying to find something to say.

Nothing came to my mind other than this woman's uncontrollable and overwhelming grief. At last I simply reached out and hugged the woman to me and held her as we rocked back and forth in silence. After quite some time she regained her composure and wept silently. After a while I offered a prayer in English and she prayed in her language. I could not understand her and doubt she understood me but we were united in prayer. As she left with her remaining children she gave me a slight smile and nod of her head.

Sometimes there are simply no words to offer. There is just being there for a brother or sister in pain and holding them, just as God holds us all.

Appreciative Inquiry Opportunities (and discussion!)

2007-02-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

The below is from the Rev. Dr. Robert Voyle, Director of the Clergy Leadership Institute. I would welcome a conversation about the use of the Appreciative Inquiry technique in small congregations and stories from those who have implemented some of the principles. What are the strengths? In what situations is AI most appropriate? When might other alternatives be better?

Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a positive organizational process that uses focused interviews and dialogue to discover, build on, and grow the inherent life giving qualities of any individual or human system. The appreciative approach contrasts many contemporary organizational development interventions that utilize an illness model to focus on and eliminate problems. Beyond being an organizational process, appreciative inquiry becomes a generative way of being in the world that energizes and enables the creative best in people and their organizations. While positive in focus the appreciative approach does not avoid problems. Rather AI looks to what is working and creatively expanding those activities to motivate and inspire transformational solutions.

The Clergy Leaderhsip Institute is offering many AI trainings in 2007 in locations across the country.

For further information and to registger, please contact
the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Voyle, Psy.D.
Director, Clergy Leadership Institute
24965 NW Pederson Rd. Hillsboro, OR 97124-9210
http://www.clergyleadership.com/
503-647-2382

eMinistry Classes Announced

2007-01-31T05:54:00.000-08:00

From The Rev. Elizabeth Hasen:

eMinistry's February newsletter is available for download. It has information on all of our classes, how to become a class leader, and statistics on eMinistry's first six months. New and upcoming classes are noted below. For more information on eMinistry visit their website at http://www.eministrynetwork.org/

Classes in the next two weeks:
Designing a Confirmation Program that Speaks to Youth and Invites Ministry -- new expanded (90-minute) format, this Thursday, February 1 at 7:00 pm Eastern.

Praying in the Celtic Way -- Monday, February 5 at 7:00 pm Eastern. Leader: The Rev. Mary Earle

How to Find and Do God's Work in Today's World -- Begins Tuesday, February 6 (two sessions) at 7:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Wayne Schwab

Knowing and Loving Scripture: A Class for Adults Who Work with Youth -- Thursday, February 8 at 7:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Greg Syler

The Women Jesus Knew Begins Tuesday, February 27 (two sessions) at 8:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Bonnie Ring

The Spirituality of the Labyrinth (with Lauren Artress) -- Begins Monday February 19 (two sessions) at 7:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Lauren Artress

The Millennium Development Goals: Strategies and Resources for Adult Education -- Thursday, March 8 at 8:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Lallie Loyd

Progress and Strategies for Millennium Development Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger -- Thursday, March 29 at 8:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Lallie Loyd

Creating A Singles-Friendly Congregation: Ministry To and With Single Adults -- Begins Tuesday, March 13 (2 sessions) at 7:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Dr. Kay Collier-McLaughlin

Faithful Words: A Class for Lay Preachers -- Begins Thursday, March 1 (2 sessions) at 7:00 pm Eastern. Leader: Elizabeth Hasen

Your Story--God's Story

2007-01-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

As a previous comments reflected, a key to evangelism and faith development is becoming aware of how our own story, and that of our congregation, is part of the larger unfolding story of God's redeeming and saving work in the world.

A tool was developed through the Episcopal Church's Office of Congregational Development by the Rev. Charles Fulton and Susie Miller to help people become more aware of how God has and is acting in their lives. This exercise, which I have pasted below, can be used individually or in small groups (or even reprinted in your church or diocesan bulletin or newsletter.)

Personally, I have worked through it a few times. Most striking was seeing clearly how God is and was always active and truly present in my life, even through those times when I had turned away from God's love or thought I was all alone.

I'd encourage you to take some time to do this exercise (I did it for the first time on the train on my way to work.) Then share it. And of course, let me know (and others if you are brave) what you discover...S.

Preparing to Tell Your Faith Story
Charles Fulton and Susy Miller

Draw a time line from left to right on a sheet of paper, the left being your birth, the right being the present.

Time line:

Birth________________________________________________Present

On the time line mark and identify (by year) significant events that were turning points in your life.

Above the line describe the context within which the event occurred. What else was going on in your life at that time?

Below the line describe your awareness of God at that point. Was God present or absent?
What was God doing with you in that event—comforting, challenging, provoking, teaching, giving, providing, loving, affirming, etc.?

Look at the whole time line. Are there patterns in the turning point events of your life? What initiates turning points, what is required of you, how were you different after these events?

What are the patterns in your experience of God and your relationship with God? Is there a consistency in God’s actions and responses in your turning points?

Remember: God is the main character in this story, what God has done and is doing in your life. You are the acted upon.

Imagine telling someone about your insights into God’s presence and working in your life.

Tell your story of how God has come into your life and what has been the result when you have recognized God’s presence.

Tell the story to yourself, then tell the story to a friend. Listen for the story your story will trigger in your friend.

Tell your story to someone outside a faith community.

Commit to inviting God into your life as your life line lengthens into your future, regularly engaging the Gospel with others.

Spiritual Direction

2007-01-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

From the Spiritual Directors International Web Site, found at www.sdiworld.org

Seek and Find a Spiritual Director

Are you looking for some direction in your life? Do you have a feeling there just must be “something more” than what you are currently experiencing? Use the Seek and Find Guide to find a spiritual director, companion, mentor, or guide to help you along on your journey of discovery. Use this FREE interactive database to search for spiritual directors in your area. Not sure how to choose a spiritual director? Don’t worry. The Seek and Find Guide includes a handy set of review questions to help you.

What Is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is the process of accompanying people on a spiritual journey. Spiritual direction helps people tell their sacred stories everyday. Spiritual direction exists in a context that emphasizes growing closer to God (or the holy or a higher power). Spiritual direction invites a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, counseling, or financial planning.

What Is Spiritual Directors International?

Spiritual Directors International is a global learning community of people from many faiths and many nations who share a common concern, passion and commitment to the art and contemplative practice of spiritual direction.

International Rural Church Conference Announcement

2007-01-29T06:34:00.000-08:00

The Canadian Rural Church Network &

The International Rural Church Association

invite you to participate

in Brandon 2007...

Cry of the Heart: How Can we Find Hope in the Rural Landscape?

Dates: July 3-9, 2007

Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

The Gift of God's Church to the World

2007-01-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

From the Rev. Canon Victoria D. Duncan, Canon for Development of Mission and Ministry, Episcopal Diocese of Western New York

I have a "building as evangelism" story for you from Church of the Ascension in Buffalo, New York (pictured above). Ascension has welcomed in their worship midst for years now a "homeless" man, who draws from the offering plate as often as he contributes. He's there every Sunday at exactly the right time for church. When I've met him, we've had moments when we've connected, eye to eye, and I've blessed him and greeted him. Then his eyes would roll and he'd be somewhere else....

The Ascension folks missed him for a few weeks, then saw in the obituary a person whose basic description was like his, and had the same name. It was their "homeless" Paul.

They shared the news amongst themselves and independently went to the funeral home wake. They met Paul's cousins who all live in the area, and found out that he was a Marine Corps officer in Vietnam who never successfully reintegrated into society and became a drug addict. Ascension learned that he never made it anywhere and hadn't seen his family in over 15 years. The family learned that Paul had a faith community, and that it was the one
appointed time he made -on time- every week. The family welcomed Ascension's presence, and they celebrated the Eucharist together.

Ascension is experiencing his loss, but celebrating the blessing that they both received and were able to share. Amazing people. An example to me of the gift of God's Church to the world.

The Great Commission

2007-01-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

CONFLICT BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN TINY RURAL ARKANSAS CHURCH LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE BIBLE BELT

Submitted by Susie Mosly from Christ Church, Mena, Arkansas

Our tiny mission church in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas is experiencing an awakening. Since Sept. 3 eleven individuals have joined our little church.

THE brief recent history:
Over the summer of 2006 eight members left to form a conservative Episcopal church in our town. They took their story to the statewide newspaper which ran a front page story which included quotes from several Arkansas dissidents including Mena. Before the exit, we had 40 on the roles with the average Sunday attendance of 15. After the exit, we all made a commitment to each other and the church. Individuals stepped forward to do the everyday chores of a church. Individuals renewed their efforts as lay readers and the reading of sermons on Sundays. We did not gossip or say hateful things. We were just very sad. We were making it but...

THE story:
Why are we experiencing this awakening?
For the first time in decades we have a missionary priest. His name is Father Jos Tharakan. He comes to Mena twice a week from his isolated farm 110 miles north of Mena. His biography is fascinating: born a Catholic in southern India, became a Franciscan monk at 16, worked as a priest with lepers for Mother Teresa for three years, came to America and was assigned as a priest to Arkansas, decided priests should be married, left the Catholic church, became a hospital chaplain, met and married an ordained American Baptist minister, had a child, was called to be an Episcopal priest, and his first Episcopal church is Christ Church--Mena, Arkansas.
Father Jos is a very special person!
.
THE rub:
We are desperate to keep Father Jos. Why? We are being spiritually fed. It is as if an angel has been placed in our lives. There are so many in our area who are in need of a spiritual family. We are poor financially. The people of Ouachita Mountains are poor. Our tiny congregation has pledged $6,000 more than last year for a total of $24,000. We are pledged out and are now trying to find ways to pay for Father Jos and his family to be fulltime in Mena. It will take $72,000 according to the salary and benefits required by the Diocese of Arkansas. The irony is our little church for years has given 18% to the diocese which is above what is requested by the diocese. We are a sister church for an Episcopal mission on an Indian reservation in the Dakotas. We now have special needs of our own.

THE question:
We are willing to do what we can to fulfill the Great Commission. Do you have any suggestions or ideas?

Susie Mosley (smosley1@allegiance.tv )

The Right Rev. C. Christopher Epting Joins the Blogging World

2007-01-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

The below is from Bishop Epting, who serves as the Episcopal Church's Deputy for Ecumenical and Interfaith relations. He announces the launch of his new blog...

Well, friends, I have decided to take the plunge into the “blogosphere!”

That We All May Be One will contain periodic reflections from me about unity – in the church, among people of faith, in the human family.

You can access it at http://ecubishop.wordpress.com/

The good thing is, you may choose to go to it – but it will never come to you (in your inbox) again!

Happy New Year!.

C. Christopher Epting, Bishop
Deputy for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
The Episcopal Church
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Diocese of Western New York

2007-01-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

Mission Renewal in the Diocese of Western New York!

On January 12 and 13, 2007, over sixty people representing several small Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Western New York gathered to explore how they are living out God’s mission as individuals, congregations, and as members of their larger community. The event was organized by the Rev. Victoria Duncan, who also served on the design team with The Rev. George Martin and me. Both George and I presented. Church of the Ascension in Buffalo served as the host congregation.

The focus of the event was on Sharing Your Story…On Friday evening, participants worked in small groups, together becoming more aware of the ways God has worked, acted, and touched their individual lives (an awareness of how God has worked and acted in our lives and an ability to articulate this awareness is at the heart of evangelism). Saturday morning was devoted to learning more about the particular community in which each congregation is located (with the goal of encouraging congregations to look outward to identify where and how they might make Jesus’ reconciling love known on a local level). Saturday afternoon explored the degree of rapidity of secular change and looked at the tremendous field of mission opportunity that exists today; the question becomes are our congregations willing to change to meet the changing circumstances?

I came away from this gathering with great hope for many reasons. First, the number that gathered exceeded our expectations, once again exemplifying how hungry people are to find ways to become more effective communicators of our faith (the fact that every Start Up Start Over books to capacity is another example) The thoughtfulness, experience and insight on the part of the participants was also inspiring. And, quite simply, this group was one of the most hospitable I have encountered. May God continue to bless the people of the Diocese of Western New York, and I can not wait to see how they will continue to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in new and motivating ways.

From a still unthawing blogging priest

A Lighthearted Wednesday

2007-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

They're Back! Church Bulletin and Announcement errors. This is from a widely distributed e-mail with out an identified author/editor. There are some of the old ones I've seen a bunch of times, but some new ones as well. Even the second or third time through they are good for a laugh...

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy."

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

The Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours!"

Welcoming and Incorporation

2007-01-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is really true…

I recently became reacquainted with an old pal from college who I had not spoken with for over 20 years (says the geriatric pastor). We’ve been enjoying our renewed friendship, and he’s intrigued by the fact that I went on to pursue ordained ministry. To more fully understand this development in my life, he decided to attend an Episcopal Church last Sunday (we live in different regions of the country.)

Why is it a big deal that he went to church? The rub is he has never, ever entered a church in his life. Any church. Any worshipping community. And off he goes to St. Swithens…this is how he described the experience:

I looked in the phone book and found two Episcopal Churches listed. I went by the first one, but there was no sign and I thought it was abandoned. I wondered, “Can a church go out of business? I didn’t think they could.” I then went on to a larger church a little further on. I sat in the parking lot for a long time with my knees shaking, watching as people got out of their cars, and wanting to go in a little late to just sneak in to the back. However, when I finally mustered the nerve and entered the courtyard where I had seen people enter, I was faced with two closed doors. Not knowing which to choose, I opened one and entered. Unfortunately I had selected incorrectly and entered the front of the church. Trapped with everyone staring, I quickly found my way to the first row.

I was unable to follow anything anyone was doing, and no one brought me the program that they all seemed to be using. I was kind of freaked out--everyone stands, then they sit, they say prayers and words, they cross themselves, they change books. I didn’t know what on earth they were doing or what was going to happen next. Increasingly intimidated, as I sat in the front row the preacher suddenly decided to “preach” from the center aisle, right next to where I was sitting. As he was preaching he then said something that made everyone start mumbling some phrases again, and the preacher, still in the center aisle, totally freaked me out and grabbed my hand. I thought I was being singled out, but then realized that everyone was getting up and moving all around the church hugging and shaking hands with each other.

Next, something happened at the table up front, and then everyone got up to leave. But they all headed for the front door where I’d entered. As I followed them up I realized that they weren’t leaving; instead, they all kneeled and someone brought around some bread, then we all went back to our seats.

Finally, after it was all over, someone came up to me with a card and asked me to write my contact information and answer a question. The question asked what my interest at St. Swithens was. As I really didn’t know what to put, I remembered that I’d often heard Christians talk about baptism, so I wrote baptism. All the people then disappeared off into another building, I watched, and then left in my car.

That evening, when he shared this story by phone, I couldn’t help but want to redeem the situation. I asked if the preacher perhaps said something that made him think, or that might be relevant to his life (he has recently began to care take his elderly mother). He said that the preacher mostly talked about something called a diocese, and asked me what a diocese was. Sigh.

While his story reads like a farce, it is, once again, instructive to those of us who profess to be followers of Christ. We never know who it is that will walk in the door (maybe even the wrong door), what issue that person may be experiencing, and if this is the only opportunity they will ever have to be introduced to the transformative love of Jesus Christ.

What guest might you have among you this Epiphany?

Resource for Sunday, January 7

2007-01-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

Nancy Ann McLaughlin, in her new book Do You Believe? Living the Baptismal Covenant (Morehouse Publishing, 2006) offers a tremendous resource for Sunday, January 7, the Baptism of our Lord. On page 26, McLaughlin offers an opening prayer, the body of a sermon, a guided meditation, the renewal of the Baptismal Covenant, and concludes with the peace.

In addition to the liturgy, McLaughlin's book presents the findings from her examination of forty Episcopal parishes in the Untied States. Specifically, she sought to discover what an "active, intentional, energized awareness of baptismal ministry looks like." In a focused and clear way, she looks at each section of the baptismal covenant, chapter by chapter:

Do You Believe?
The Church
Will You Continue?
Return to the Lord
Will you Proclaim?
Christ in All Persons
Every Human Being
God's Help

The book is especially helpful in that it provides study questions at the conclusion of each very readable chapter, making it an excellent resource for a vestry or a Lenten Study group. I highly recommend it.

Establishing a Health Ministry Program in the Small Church

2007-01-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Health Ministry in the Small Church: An Introduction Tele-seminar

Jointly sponsored by National Episcopal Health Ministries, The Episcopal Church Center Office of Congregational Development and The eMinistry Network.

Leaders: Jean Denton and Maryfran Crist

Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Time: 8:00 pm Eastern (one-hour teleclass)

Cost: $12.00

Class size: Limited to 12

Class#: OMC-NEHM-100

To Register: http://eministrynetwork.org/omc.htm#HealthMinistry

Health Ministry in a local congregation is an intentional ministry focusing on both healing and health, and combining the ancient traditions of the Christian community and the knowledge and tools of modern health care. This introductory class will have a focused presentation of information along with plenty of time for questions and answers.

Who should attend?

Anyone from a small congregation (average Sunday attendance of 70 or less) who is interested in learning about health ministries and how to incorporate health ministry as part of pastoral care and outreach in their congregation

What will you learn?

Understand the definition of health ministry
Learn the process for beginning a health ministry in your congregation
Understand how to implement and evaluate a health ministry
Identify resources available to you for beginning a health ministry

The presenters are the Rev. Jean Denton and Maryfran Crist.

The Rev. Jean Denton has been active in health ministry and parish nursing for fifteen years. Drawing on her background in medical-surgical nursing, community health, teaching, and administration, she began serving as the full-time Director of Health Ministries at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis in 1989. She co-chaired the national task force that incorporated Health Ministries Association, and served as its first vice president. Ordained to the Vocational Diaconate in 1992 and to the Priesthood in 2005, Jean served as the Director of National Episcopal Health Ministries for several years and is now Senior Associate Rector at St. Paul’s Indianapolis,. She has written the booklet An Episcopalian Answers Questions about Health Ministries and Parish Nursing, and the manual Steps to a Health Ministry in Your Episcopal Congregation. She helped develop and now teaches the health component of CREDO, the clergy wellness program of the Episcopal Church. She is the author of Good is the Flesh: Body, Soul and Christian Faith (Morehouse Publishing, 2005).

Maryfran Crist is Regional Representative for National Episcopal Health Ministries and a parish
nurse in rural Illinois. She has been a registered nurse for over 25 years and a parish nurse since 1994. Currently she balances her work between a rural health center in LaSalle County Illinois as a family nurse practitioner, an asthma educator and as a parish nurse for a cluster ministry of four small Episcopal churches. Maryfran has worked with multi-staff churches as well as very small churches and feels that health ministry is for all churches. She speaks throughout the Midwest as well as leading workshops from finding joy to dealing with grief. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her husband John, an Episcopal priest, is a clown (Marygold) and plays with eight grandsons.

Gulf Coast, USA Mission Trip Opportunity

2007-01-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

The below is posted by Shiela Vossler ( mabear2@sbcglobal.net )

There will be another trip to Mississippi Camp Coast Care in the spring. The dates are March 17 - 31, 2007. The Fearless Leader and Resource person on this trip will be Emilie Holder (wonderlady_7@yahoo.com) . She would like to have a big group accompany her for all or any part of that time. She will need to know as soon as she can as reservations for a cot must be made with the camp director of volunteers. Al and I had such a marvelous experience in our last 2 trips that if you haven't been, we encourage you to lend a hand to help those who have lived through such devastation and are finding hope and joy during the rebuilding of their lives.

If you cannot go in person, please consider a donation to send along. Also we ask that you PLEASE talk to your friends about joining the team. We especially welcome those with construction type experience, however, all willing hands and feet will find meaningful work to do. Please prayerfully consider this invitation to take your spiriitual life up a notch by becoming God's Ambassador on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

Love and Peace, Sheila Vossler

New Year's Blessing

2007-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Watching the ball drop in Times square as 2007 dawned, thoughts and new learnings about congregational development from 2006 swirled through my head (similar to the confetti falling from the buildings—while those pieces of confetti had secular inspirational messages, my own thoughts were of a decidedly Christian nature.)

In particular, I thought about congregational development, the area where God has gently led my ministry over the past year. What really is the mission of congregational development? (Equipping congregations to better experience, grow in, and make known the transformative love of Christ would be my answer.)

So many factors contribute to small membership congregational development, and what makes these congregations unique. If the factors were to fall like confetti, among them would be members’ profound sense of belonging and acceptance, the congregation’s fortitude to not just survive but to adapt and thrive under sometimes challenging circumstances, and the single-cell system dynamics. Financial sustainability and creative models of leadership are also factors. As is an innate ability to know the wider community and reach out in incredible and inspirational (Herculean) ways.

Therefore this New Year’s post serves as a virtual toast—to the small church. To all who worship, minister, and serve in small churches. May God continue to bless you with the mission, passion and energy to reach out with Christ’s love for decades to come…I consider it an honor to be part of the journey.

S.

The Unspoken Message

2006-12-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

This morning on my way to work I passed a church in Manhattan (which will remain unnamed). I was so surprised to see their "Christmas" display. So surprised I took out my camera and captured the image.

In front of this admittedly urban church, six Christmas trees had been placed in holders, and then each one was tethered and locked with paddle lock and chain to the railings on the sides of the church entrance.

Now keep in mind these are small trees (3 feet or less), rather sickly, and not even big enough to fill their stands. Therefore, when the chains were put on, the trees were pulled to the side, making the whole scene sad and pathetic. To make it worse, passers-by constantly throw their trash around the base. While I am certain this was done by a very well meaning and faithful Christian, the message sent was certainly not one of the abundant life and light that Jesus brings to our lives and the world.

For me it raised several points that might be instructive:

How often do we in the church continue to do things because we've always done them, and not evaluate whether they still work in today's context? This tree was a perfect example.
Are we, who are close to the church, able to "see" what an outsider might see? Or are we blind to the unspoken messages and signals that we send? We might be blind to the way our buildings and worship space look to the outside world, blind to how our practices might be intimidating, or unaware of how we might speak in our own form of Anglican tongue that a visitor might not understand (ex: "Oh, you're visiting us today with your four children? Well when Don, the head usher gets here, you'll find him in the Narthex. He can tell you where the kids will go for Sunday school, but they stay with their parents until after the collect for purity and then leave for their classes, following the crucifer...They'll rejoin you after the Great Amen so keep an eye out for them." This really happened to our family! While I did understand, mostly, I couldn't imagine what I would have thought had it been my first visit to an Episcopal Church.)
How do our actions show our priorities and values? When I saw those chained trees, I asked myself, if someone was so desperate that they chose to steal a very small, ugly Christmas tree, would that be such a great loss to the church?

A rant and a rave from this priest, but it comes with the heartfelt prayer that all who strive to be followers of Jesus Christ will make the true message of his love and light known this Christmas and always...S.

FACTs on Growth Released

2006-12-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

A press release from the Hartford Seminary:

Worship, Websites, Conflict Affect Growth in Congregations

December 11, 2006 – Contemporary worship, geographic location, a website and the absence of conflict are key factors in why some congregations in America are growing, according to the latest national survey of U.S. faith communities.

The survey, sponsored by the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership, found that wanting to grow is not enough. Congregations that grow must plan for growth: “Congregations that developed a plan to recruit members in the last year were much more likely to grow than congregations that had not.”

The survey findings are available in a newly released report, “FACTs on Growth.” The data was taken from the Faith Communities Today 2005 (FACT2005) survey of 884 randomly sampled congregations of all faith traditions in the United States. The survey updates results from a survey taken in 2000, and is the latest in CCSP’s series of trend-tracking national surveys of U.S. congregations.

David A. Roozen, Director of the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership and Professor of Religion and Society at Hartford Seminary, said that, “If you are at all interested in research on ‘church’ growth, this brief report is must reading. It tests the continuing salience of long ‘taken for granted’ principles of growth (e.g., location, conservative theology) as well as the more recently proposed (e.g., contemporary worship, spiritual practices and purposefulness).”
“Perhaps most importantly, it suggests several newly emergent dynamics to consider (e.g., the potential for growth in downtown areas and within multi racial/ethnic congregations). It is a helpful and important follow-up to the “Pockets of Vitality” analysis of the ground breaking FACT2000 national survey,” Roozen said.

Among the findings in the new FACTs on Growth report:

Congregations that change worship format and style are more likely to grow. More than half the congregations that use contemporary styles of worship have experienced substantial growth since 2000. Frequency is important as well: The more worship services a congregation holds, the more likely it is to have grown.
Congregations located in new suburbs are more likely to experience growth. But surprisingly the second best area for growth is the downtown of metropolitan areas.
Congregations that have experienced major conflict are quite likely to have declined in attendance. The strongest correlate of growth is the absence of serious conflict.
Congregations that have started or maintained a website in the past year are most likely to grow. The effort to have a website indicates that the congregation is outward looking and willing to change by non-traditional means.
While most congregations in America are composed of a single racial/ethnic group, those that are multi-racial are most likely to have experienced strong growth in worship attendance.
More important than theological orientation is the religious character of the congregation and clarity of mission and purpose. Growing churches are clear about why they exist and about what they are to be doing – “purpose-driven growth.”
Congregations that involve children in worship are more likely to experience significant growth. Also, important to growth is the ability of congregations to attract young adults and children with families.
Almost all congregations say they want to grow, but it takes intentionality and action for growth to occur. Congregations that developed a plan to recruit members in the last year were more likely to grow than congregations that had not. Particularly helpful in achieving growth are sponsorship of a program or event to attract non-members or the existence of support groups.

The report was written by C. Kirk Hadaway, Director of Research at the Episcopal Church Center in New York.

A link to view “FACTs on Growth” online is available at: http://fact.hartsem.edu/products/index.html.

Full color, printed copies can be ordered at the same web address. Single copies of the 17-page booklet cost $8.50 including postage and handling; discounts are available on multiple copies. For special orders and questions, contact Mary Jane Ross, at Hartford Seminary’s Hartford Institute for Religion Research, (860) 509-9543 or mross@hartsem.edu.

Faith Communities Today surveys and publications are products of the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership, a collaborative, multifaith coalition of American faith communities affiliated with Hartford Seminary’s Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Researchers, consultants and program staff representing 39 denominations and faith groups contributed to the FACT2005 survey.

FACT/CCSP strives to offer research-based resources for congregational development that are useful across faith traditions, believing that all communities of faith encounter common issues and benefit from one another’s experiences. It also informs the public about the contributions of congregations to American society and about the changes affecting and emanating from one of America’s major sources of voluntary association – local congregations. For more information on CCSP, visit fact.hartsem.edu.

About Hartford Seminary and the Hartford Institute for Religion Research: Hartford Seminary focuses on interfaith relations, congregational studies and faith in practice. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research has a 30-year record of rigorous, policy-relevant research, anticipation of emerging issues and commitment to the creative dissemination of learning.

For more on the Seminary and the Institute, visit the websites (http://www.hartsem.edu/ or hirr.hartsem.edu) or contact David Barrett at (860) 509-9519 or dbarrett@hartsem.edu.
David Roozen, Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary, is available for interviews at: roozen@hartsem.edu or (860) 509-9546.
C. Kirk Hadaway, Director of Research at Episcopal Church Center, New York, can be reached for interviews at: khadaway@episcopalchurch.org or (212) 922-5331.

Weekly Lectionary Scripture and Study Guides Directly to Your Own Church Web Site!!!

2006-12-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

A NEW RESOURCE FROM CHURCH PUBLISHING!!!

Preparing for Sunday is the quick, easy and affordable way to include the weekly lectionary readings on your own church website. Now, your parishioners can have the Sunday readings at their fingertips anytime, day or night.

No more clicking to connect with outside websites. No more searching through scripture to track down different readings. With an easy one-time setup, we update your church's website every week... with no advertising!

Preparing for Sunday includes last week's, this week's and next week's readings. Plus overviews, scripture backgrounds, reflections and prayer starters designed to enrich the understanding of each Sunday's readings.

For $15 a month, give everyone in your parish the chance to read, reflect and pray over the Sunday scriptures.

For a sample and easy sign up, visit http://www.preparingforsunday.com

Open University

2006-12-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE!!!

The Open University is making some of its educational resources freely available online for learners and educators anywhere in the world to use. The OpenLearn Website initially includes "some 900 hours of material on a variety of topics - from access to postgraduate level……..The OU sees the project as an obvious extension of its mission to address significant differences in the access people have to educational opportunities…"

It is possible to browse the outlines without registering: when you do register (which is free) you can also gain access to the learning activities etc. They aim to have 5,400 hours of material available by April 2008

The Open University class offering are particularly beneficial to those in rural and/or geographically isolated areas.

Go to :http://oci.open.ac.uk/

This information comes from a list serve distributed by Joanna Cox, National Adviser in Lay Discipleship and Shared Ministry in London.

2007 Roanridge Awards Announced

2006-12-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Picture from Roanridge, circa 1947

2007 Roanridge Awards Announced

On November 13, 2006 Office of Congregational Development announced the 2007 Roanridge Trust grant recipients.

A record number of grant requests were received for 2007 funds. Thirteen different diocese and organizations were awarded grants including:
· The Diocese of Northern Michigan for a Ministry Development Internship Program.
· The Diocese of Vermont for the development and expansion of a Companion Program for congregations in a period of transition in terms of leadership (one of the two applicants to score the maximum possible points).
· The Diocese of Lexington/Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center for providing experiential training in rural ministry for seminarians from urban backgrounds.
· The Diocese of North Carolina: Christian formation training by the Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer targeting rural parishes, plus a training program by the Sand Hills Cluster to strengthen and expand cluster ministry.
· The Diocese of Eastern Oregon: A training by Helen Spector and Anne Hallisey in the use of family systems and Appreciative Inquiry for the development and implementation of mission and ministry.
· The Diocese of Newark/Haven of Hope for Kids: A seminary internship in a revitalized rural parish that found new life by starting a vacation retreat home to be used by urban lower income families caring for critically ill children. (The second of the two applicants to score the maximum possible points.)
· Diocese of Southern Virginia: A training by the Rev. Dr. Robert Partlow and Mrs. Judith Carlson to evaluate the possibilities open to rural congregations that can marginally afford a full time priest.
· Rural Ministry Network: rural ministry training via the quarterly publication of Crossroads and the participation in rural ministry trainings.
· Diocese of Colorado: a training by the Rt. Rev. Elliott Sorge, the Rev. Lada Hardwick, and the Rev. Wayne Schwab to help congregations move from maintenance to mission and help them to be vital with out full time clergy.
· Diocese of South East Florida: specific training for the creation of a multi-cultural, multi-generational, multi-parish and multi-lingual ministry in a rural, lower socio-economic, ethnically diverse agricultural area.
· Diocese of El Camino Real and the Diocese of Northern California: the training of local church leaders in a satellite Filipino church across diocesan borders (approved by the Ecclesiastical Authority in both dioceses.)
· Diocese of Alaska: the development of a cross-generational web-based Christian formation program by the Rev. Katherine Hunt and Gail Loken to be used in rural churches.

The Roanridge Trust is to be used specifically for the “training of town and country clergy and rural Christian workers of PECUSA” (now known as The Episcopal Church).
The application period for 2008 funds will be from June 1 to September 1, 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch_51593_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=51387
or contact the Rev. Suzanne Watson at swatson@episcopalchurch.org

Conference Announcement!

2006-12-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Save the Date…

The Office of Congregational Development is pleased to announce a conference on

Creative Models of Sacramental Leadership
In the Small Church

October 7-10, 2007

Kanuga Camp and Conference Center
Hendersonville, North Carolina

Confirmed Presenters:

· The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church in the United States
· The Most Rev. David Moxon, Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand
· The Right Rev. James A. Kelsey, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan
· The Rev. Stephen M. Kelsey, Missioner/Superintendent Greater Hartford Regional Ministry

Additional presenters to be confirmed on the topics of interdenominational clusters and mergers, plus other creative models.

This conference is designed for Bishops, Diocesan Staff, Clergy and Lay Leaders interested in exploring different models of sacramental leadership in churches with an average Sunday attendance of 70 or less.

Look for more information and registration material in early 2007, or contact The Rev. Suzanne Watson at swatson@episcopalchurch.org

CCAB Meeting In Chicago

2006-11-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

From November 15-17, 2006 the Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards of the Episcopal Church met in Chicago.

The Standing Commission for Small Congregations is composed of 11 members (representing the dioceses Navajoland, Southeast Florida, Kansas, Vermont, Northern Michigan, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, North Dakota, Spokane, Easton, and Louisiana.) Additionally, appointed members (with out vote) were present from the House of Deputies, Executive Council, and the Church Center. All in all, it was a Spirit-filled gathering of mission oriented church leaders that filled me with hope for our small churches.

During the meeting four goals were outlined for the next triennium. Specifically:

Continued dialogue with the Church Pension Group re: church benefits and compensation for lay staff and clergy (esp. part time) and creating mechanisms to assist graduating seminary students with debt relief.

Reporting on convergence of statistics on Status of Women and Small Congregations and leadership of lay and ordained women in small congregations to General Convention '09.

Continue to share stories of vitality.

Demonstrate a presence at General Convention '09 that moves the whole church beyond sympathy to action.

Means to achieve these goals include:

Tools for publicity and evangelism in the small church.

Tools for worship in small congregations.

Tools to engage targeted constituencies.

Networking with other CCABs.

Support Church Center Staff with leadership training/dissemination of information to diocesan staff and parish laity and clergy with the above identified tools that encourage churches to grow spiritually/missionally, and sometimes in numbers, recognizing that many small churches are vital in place and size while other small churches can and want to grow in membership.

From you own small church experience, would you concur that these goals and means reflect the most pressing needs and concerns of the small congregation? Why or why not?

Latino/Hispanic Congregational Development

2006-11-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Office of Ethnic Congregational Development--Latino/Hispanic Ministry Department offers a wealth of information on their web site, found at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/hispanic_41704_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=1149

At this site you will find sermons in Spanish, Spanish liturgies (such as for The Quinceanera, a fiesta for the thanksgiving of the coming of age for girls--the image above is an example of a decoration), the Office of Daily Prayer in Spanish, many links, plus much much more.

For more information about the Latino/Hispanic Congregational Development, contact

The Rev. Anthony Guillén Missioner, Latino/Hispanic Ministries at aguillen@episcopalchurch.org or phone 800.334.7626 ext. 5349.

Voices of Young Adults: A DVD

2006-11-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

In June 2005, the Episcopal Church invited young adults from across the USA to share their opinions about the church. Some of these persons are active in congregational life, some are not, but all share a wellspring of affection for the Episcopal Church and hope for a church more engaged with the gifts that young adults have to offer.

Every congregation in the Episcopal Church was sent a copy of the DVD. On it you will find three video segments of 9 minutes each, each followed by a set of suggested discussion questions. I encourage your congregation/vestry to listen to these voices with pauses for questions and discussion.

You will also find a down loadable version, along with the featured young adults' biographical statements, a user guide for the videos, and abridged transcripts at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/49662_78132_ENG_HTM.htm

Mutual Ministry in Northern Michigan

2006-11-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Mutual Ministry: A Primer

Greetings!

I am just back from a dizzying trip of church visitations, teaching and learning.

Part of this trip involved attendance at a Visitor’s weekend in Northern Michigan for those interested in learning more about Mutual Ministry. . Despite the fear of crashing the Bishop’s car which I’d borrowed during a snow storm to drive through a mountain pass (not a good idea for a San Diego native), the weekend was informative, inspirational, and provided a good opportunity for anyone wishing to learn more about the experience of congregations in Northern Michigan. The visitors were from areas across the United States, and abroad (Scotland).

In this depopulating and geographically isolated part of the United States, small congregations face many seemingly overwhelming challenges; but despite these challenges, these congregations have not just struggled to survive, they are creatively finding ways to thrive and continue to bring the message of Christ’s transformative love to their region and the world in a very vital way.

In the Northern Michigan model “ministry support teams” are raised up and commissioned for ministry from the congregation. This includes the ministers of education, music, and pastoral care, as well as the preacher, deacon and the sacramentalists (which are ordained but not seminary trained and work with out financial compensation) to name a few. Regional missioners and the bishop (all seminary trained at present) work as a support team for the individual congregational teams across the diocese.

Did I walk away with questions? Yes. Do I think it is the answer for every small congregation? No. But what I walked away with was a profound appreciation for how ministry has developed in Northern Michigan, and a challenge to continue to look, find, discover and share new and creative ways of “being church” in this post-Christendom world.

I invite your response…

If you’d like to find out more about Mutual Ministry in Northern Michigan the next visitor’s week end is scheduled for April 27-29, 2007. Contact Jane Cisluycis at jane@upepiscopal.org or call 906.228.7160.

Church Conflict: A Good Sign?!?

2006-10-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Most of us cringe at the thought of conflict in our congregations. But is conflict something to be avoided? A recent study of small Episcopal Churches seems to suggest that the answer is no.

When the Faith Community Today 2005 responses of the most rapidly growing, most rapidly declining, and stable small churches are compared, both the rapidly growing and rapidly declining congregations report far more "very serious disagreements or conflict" in all areas. For example, serious disagreement over how worship is conducted occurred in 7.1% of declining churches, 6.9% of growing churches, and in no stable churches. Money was another divisive issue, with serious disagreements erupting in 18.5% for the rapidly declining, 13.3% in the rapidly growing, but in only 3.4% of the stable churches. When one looks at the areas of priest's leadership style, use of church facilities, and the actions of General Convention 2003, a similar trend emerges. Both growing and declining congregations experience serious disagreements and conflict; it is the stable congregation that reports being least conflicted.

These statistics suggest that lack of conflict may be a sign that a congregation is at a plateau, or at the point of stability in its life cycle. This point is an ideal time to begin the revisioning process, looking towards new ministry and mission in the future. What is God's intention for your congregation in the coming years?

Do you have a story about how your congregation discovered new vision? If so, please post your response. If you've never posted to a blog, you can do so anonymously. Other (sm)all congregations can benefit from your wisdom and learnings...

Sermon for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2006-10-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The sermon below was preached today at the Episcopal Church Center by the Rev. Jayne Oasin ( joasin@episcopalchurch.org ).

Sermon for
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 12, 2006
Episcopal Church Center

SAFETY – a word that many of us have traditionally taken for granted perhaps prior to 9/11 and even the tragic event yesterday. Safety – a simple word that most of the rest of the world has not been able ever to take for granted

Webster’s Dictionary defines SAFETY as Freedom from danger, injury, or the threat of harm such as
A Place where one is free of worry from potential harm
And it gives as the
example of safety -- “as safe as you are at home”

Well the irony is that for many, HOME IS THE LEAST SAFE PLACE OF ALL

When I decided to speak about safety today, I assumed that there would be several passages in the Scriptures that spoke about safety. Much to my surprise there were very few that spoke directly to the idea of safety and fewer that spoke about the safety of a home. In two passages, safety was used to speak about holding a prisoner in safety so that he couldn’t escape but somehow that didn’t convey the meaning I wanted. Perhaps that is why many people and sadly, many ministers and priests don’t seem to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and what it really means to be and to feel safe in the family home.

In my time of serving in a domestic violence shelter, I listened with sadness and horror to the stories of how many of our colleagues, who are good men who have dedicated their lives to serving God, yet who nevertheless sent women and men back home to their abusive partners in the mistaken theology that going back home to the abuser is the best way to preserve the unity of the family. This is bad theology, my friends and I reject it. It springs from a place of power and control that negates all of the principles of love and care given to us by our Savior Jesus Christ. Some Jewish friends of mine shared with me the concept that in a Jewish home, the woman alone is responsible for keeping the family together and while that sense may not be explicitly stated in other denominations, often it is implicitly felt and so women and men, hundreds of thousands of them annually go home, go home to more abuse and often, death.

And the story does not end there - their children, the children who witness this abuse, day after day, month after month and are themselves abused, those who actually survive, carry the physical and emotional scars with them for a lifetime. Their daughters make unwise marital choices, often marrying abusive men themselves and their sons, are almost 75% more likely to grow up to be abusers themselves, have substance abuse problems and often spend many years in prison. So SAFETY is neither a word nor a feeling that is familiar to them.

I wish, sincerely I wish, that this sermon could have a happy ending. But it does not. Abuse continues and the most that we can do is to keep both the abused and the abusers in our prayers because most people who abuse have themselves been victims of abuse. And we can watch for the signs of abuse and continue to work to identify possible victims and help them to get to a safe place and pray and work to help them gain a sense of their own empowerment. We can lobby our legislators to pass more stringent legislation to protect the victims of abuse and we can examine the seeds of violence in ourselves that contribute to an overall climate of violence in our society.
And we can offer to victims and victimizers the assurance that God is present in every situation and that there is no place, no place, no place where God is not.

And we can dedicate ourselves to work for peace and safety for allLet us pray…Sheltering God…Amen

For more information on domestic abuse, including downloadable resources for programs that your church might implement, go to http://endabuse.org/.

Being the Small Church in a Big Space

2006-10-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Are you a small-membership church that worships in a BIG space? For a creative, and humorous, look at how one congregation solved this dilemna go to Fr. Matthew Moritz’s newest v-blog (video blog) found by clicking on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy85sAJjpIY

It is 1:30 minutes of fun.

But in all seriousness, a "cavernous" space can be difficult for the smaller congregation. I recently heard of one congregatoin that regularly worships in the parish hall, reserving the use of the sanctuary for days when large numbers are expected. (However, if you decide to meet elsewhere it is important to keep the sanctuary tidy and "seasonally" appropriate, especially if the doors are left unlocked. Imagine it is March. A visitor travelling through your town seeks some quiet Lenten solitude. She sees your church, joyfully finds the door unlocked, and opens it. The creche is still in place, and the dry and brittle Christmas greens are still up. From personal experience, I know this has happened.)

Father Matt's suggestion of using the chapel is another valid option. What creative alternatives have you experienced, or has your congregation tried? Let us learn from one another...

Urban Revitalization: Church of the Ascension in Western New York

2006-10-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

This story of urban church renewal is submitted by Tori Duncan, Canon for the Development of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of Western New York.

A Small congregation with a big vision
by Tori Duncan, Canon for the Development of Mission and Ministry

Church of the Ascension. You’ve probably seen this beautiful church building in our diocese on Linwood Avenue… gorgeous architecture and beautiful windows, with grounds carefully and lovingly tended by one of the members of the congregation. You also may or may not know that there are not many people who currently gather for Sunday worship in this space that has been the site of the prayers of many, many people over the decades. This small congregation in a large church building has every outward reason to feel discouraged, but they have a hope, vision and dedication to God that surpasses all understanding!

Over the past several months Church of the Ascension has come to a place of one mind and vision that they are going to “give their all” to become a successful urban church restart. They are committing their energy and their finances to hiring a priest experienced in re-starting churches in downtown locations. We’ve sent the word out coast-to-coast that we have a church in our diocese, brimming with potential, who is of one mind to become a national example of what big urban churches with small congregations can do. They want to spread the Good News, they want to welcome those without church homes, they want to worship God in a beautiful place that their ancestors in the faith created for them a long time ago.

“Ascension’s restart is a sign of hope for our Diocese and the City of Buffalo, said the Very Rev. David Selzer, Dean of Central Erie. “The Episcopal Church is not going to abandon the city, and we will use our facility and people resources to be the presence of God in Western New York. As former Senator John Danforth said at the 2006 General Convention: ‘The Episcopal Church is the right church for the right time.’ We in Western New York are committed to this vision, living the Gospel in the midst of the City.”

Dean DeLiza spangler of St. Paul’s Cathedral shares David’s enthusiasm. “As Christians,” she says, “we are to step out in faith, trusting that where we are being led is where we are called to go, even if we can’t clearly see every step along the way. The Church of the Ascension is doing just that, and I am grateful for the witness of faith, courage and discipleship which they are giving to us all.”

Please pray for the faithful members at Church of the Ascension, that they may have the focus and courage to live into God’s dream for them. Let your friends in other dioceses know what a little church with a big vision is doing in Western New York. Be assured that God’s joy with Ascension is like God’s joy for you, and celebrate the hope he’s given us in Jesus Christ.

Parish Health Ministry in the Small Congregation: A Free Training!

2006-09-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Health Ministry in the Small Church:
An Introduction

Free Teleseminar sponsored by National Episcopal Health Ministries, The Episcopal Church Center Office of Congregational Development and The eMinistry Network

November 9th from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern
or
November 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern

Presenters:

The Rev. Jean Denton, past Executive Director for National Episcopal Health
Ministries
Maryfran Crist, Regional Representative for National Episcopal Health Ministries and a parish nurse in rural Illinois

What is a Teleseminar?

A teleseminar is a conference call, which provides a focused presentation of information along with plenty of time for questions and answers.

What is Health Ministry?

Health Ministry in a local congregation is an intentional ministry focusing on both healing and health, combining the ancient traditions of the Christian community and the knowledge and tools of modern health care.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone from a small congregation (average Sunday attendance of 70 or less) who is interested in learning about health ministries and how to incorporate health ministry as part of pastoral care and outreach in their congregation

What Will You Learn?

Understand the definition of health ministry
Learn the process for beginning a health ministry in your congregation
Understand how to implement and evaluate a health ministry
Identify resources available to you for beginning a health ministry

Registration Information:

Once you have registered through www.eministrynetwork.org, you will receive a confirmation email with the phone call information you’ll need to call in to the class. The class will have a page on the eMinistry website with notes, resources and a pre-class outline. You can learn more information about Episcopal Health Ministries at www.episcopalhealthministries.org or by calling #317-253-1277 X 34.

Stories of Vitality from the Domestic Missionary Partnership

2006-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

On September 16, 2006 at the Annual Meeting of the Domestic Missionary Partnership the grant proposal from the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska for a convocation and reunion of the Denaa and Dine’ was fully funded. When asked what the Diocese hopes to accomplish with this convocation, The Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor of the Diocese of Alaska writes:

Anthropologists believe that the Danaa (Athabascan Indians), who comprise almost 50% of the Diocese of Alaska, came from Asia about 35,000 years ago across Beringia. They are of the Na-Dene’ language group and they migrated into Alaska and Northwest Canada. The Denaa, however consider the migration story to be a myth and that they have always been here. There is new evidence that migration across Beringia was in both directions. The Dine’ (Navajo) diverged from this group and arrived in the Southwest approximately 1350AD.

It is time for a reunion. At the General Convention, the Bishop of Alaska was appointed the assisting Bishop of Navajoland. It is no coincidence that Mark MacDonald served in Navajoland before becoming the Bishop of Alaska. God put Mark in both places to be the bridge to bring about this reunion. We seek partnership and understanding between the Denaa and Dine’. We want to find ways to support each other in discipleship and to share resources. A Convocation for the Denaa and Dine’ is being planned for the spring of 2007. This homecoming will coincide with the Interior Deanery meeting in Alaska and twenty Dine’ leaders will be selected to come to Alaska.

This convocation will be an intergenerational event. Everyone, no matter what age, is important in the “Circle.” It will be a time for visioning, “a time to break down the barriers that have separated and a time to build up,” a time to find ways that we “fit” together. It will also be important to offer training/teachings and discussions on such issues as: sovereignty, subsistence, treaty rights, self-determination and how these are spiritual issues as well as political issues; ministry with youth/young adults and racism and internalized oppression.

The Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor can be reached at gindoctor@aol.com Look for more stories of diocesan and congregational vitality from the Domestic Missionary Partnership in the coming weeks. For more information on this partnership that exists to share, challenge and encourage one another to deepen and expand the vitality of their mission activities, contact new president, The Rev. Karen Lewis at klewis@cny.anglican.org

Vitality...what is it?

2006-09-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

When discussing small churches, vitality and abundance are two common descriptors. Next week's post will celebrate abundance, this week is vitality.

While I know vitality when I experience it (in a worship service, in an organization, or in a person) it is difficult to articulate exactly what it means.

Microsoft's Encarta offers a helpful definition. Specifically, vitality is defined as:

1. liveliness: abundant physical and mental energy, usually combined with a wholehearted and joyous approach to situations and activities
2. durability: the ability of something to live and grow

This definition suggests a possible checklist for vitality in your congregation. Specifically:

Do the members of your congregation exhibit abundant energy, both physically and mentally?
Is there a whole hearted and joyous approach to worship, fellowship, and outreach?
Is your congregation durable, i.e. is it living and growing?

An alternative checklist for vitality has been developed by the Consultation on Congregational Revitalization from the Presbyterian Church, USA. This group defines the Six Signs of Faithfulness and Vitality in the Church as a congregation that:

Demonstrates the centrality of worship in its life, and expresses integrity in worshiping God.
Cares in a variety of ways for every person participating in its life.
Cares both for the community to which it is called for mission, and for the whole of God's world.
Participates in denominational and ecumenical expressions of ministry and mission.
Provides leadership that enlarges the vision of people, helping them to grow in their understanding and expression of the Christian faith.
Struggles to discern the meaning of the Christian faith for its total life by testing its life and activities against biblical and theological traditions.

These are two possible descriptions of vitality. How would you describe vitality in your congregation?

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

2006-09-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

The Millennium Development Goals and the Episcopal Church

In two successive General Conventions, the Episcopal Church committed itself to eliminating extreme global poverty by working through the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs). The Goals were developed by the leaders of the world's nations, in cooperation with the United Nations. We can start by devoting 0.7% of our personal, congregational, and diocesan incomes to meeting the MGDs. Fulfilling the MGDs would mean lifting more than 500 million people out of extreme poverty. More than 300 million would no longer suffer from hunger. Child health would improve, saving the lives of more than 30 million children under the age of five.

So what are the MGDs? They are:

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Achieve universal primary education
Promote gender equality and empower women
Reduce child mortality
Improve maternal health
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Ensure environmental stability
Develop a global partnership for development

These eight goals are attainable with the resources we have at our disposal today. For more information visit www.er-d.org/mgd Additionally, if you have a story about how your congregation has begun to work towards furthering any one of these goals, please consider posting it under the comments...