Today (May 30) was a beautiful day at the Briarwood Retreat Center/Briarwood Leadership Center and the leadership center was buzzing with activity. Our first call accompaniment cohort met in the leadership center. 8 pastors met in person and one zoomed in from Abilene. I was honored to preach for their opening worship on this Ascension Day.

They connected with each other and then with Nick Kiger who works in the ELCA churchwide office relating to mission support education and awareness. The technology of the center connecting us access the #milesandmiles. Continuing the stewardship theme our newly reformed NT-NL Synod, ELCA stewardship team met with them as well.

At lunch our first call pastors amd stewardship team enjoyed a great meal prepared by Chef Carlos. They were joined by a group from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth who were utilizing Quail Run for meetings. Also joining them were Briarwood summer leadership staff who were spending the day doing safety training and certification on our ropes and climbing wall courses.

A new addition to our campus is the name Briarwood emblazoned on the pool fence. These movable pieces had spelled out the names of a couple whose family rented Briarwood last weekend for their wedding. When done our staff repositioned them to make sure everyone knows just where they are.

A busy and productive day. With groups from our synod, local educational institutions, and staff leadership development is the promise and hope of Briarwood. It was wonderful to be present and enjoy seeing the continued fulfillment of the vision of a leadership center for all ages taking shape. #NTNL#Briarwood #BWTX #InMissionTogether