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
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
2 comments:
From this articles I thought how we all have so many of the same needs. Alos, it is good to see photos of people who look just like us even though we live 1,500 miles from WNY.
We recently closed our building and merged with another nearby small congregation as "one bread, one body." We are finally getting a lot of notice and support from the Diocese of Chicago; they have done a lot in the last year to energize people in small congregations. Your blog is very helpful!
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