In the life of every river, there are points in its journey from its source to its destination, and there are events from time to time that can affect how it flows. Every river begins as several small source streams that slowly find their way to a common place where they merge, and their common journey grows. The steam deepens and widens until it becomes a river. Over time, things happen: erosion, landslides, logs and debris clog narrow places, or even intentional damming of the river by humans or beavers can impact the flow of the river.
The same can be said for congregations. Our faith communities begin with individuals slowly coming together, capturing a vision for a unique expression of church in their community that expresses a compelling purpose to exist. This vision forms the foundation of our relationships with each other and leads to ministries and programs that nourish our lives. Then, to help us do these things more effectively and efficiently we develop policies and procedures to sustain and maintain this community life. Along the way, things happen that impact our common life, strain our relationships, and even dull our vision that if unattended can lead to a loss of purpose.
We have experienced some of this over the past three years. First, the pandemic, which necessitated limiting gatherings until we learned more about this virus and how to limit its risk. Second, the replacing of five of seven full-time regional staff members, and ten of 27 congregations have been dealing with ministerial transitions, has impacted our life together as has my own health issues.
I believe we are through the worse of these events and it is time for us once again engage in those things that “Connect and Equip” us to do the ministry God has called us to do and to be the church God has called us to be. Plans are being made to have training events in both the Central and High Plains Districts. The theme is solidifying around “Vital Signs of a Thriving Congregation”. A date has been selected for each district: October 21 for the Central District and the date for the for the High Plains District is still to be determined. The cost is $20 per individual, $10 per person if 7 or more from any one congregation or $25 the day of the event. Make plans to attend today!