One year ago I was on sabbatical, working on a project with the theme of Discernment. One result was the plan for a retreat designed for people who are in discernment about how God is calling them to serve. We finally got to make it happen this weekend.
I would have been thrilled to have 5 or 6 sign up, but we had TEN people participate in this weekend retreat. I am so grateful for the commitment these lay leaders have to the church. We gathered Friday evening at our synod office to share in some deep conversations about Faith journeys and the sense of call. It was so enriching for me to hear the depth of connection they made with each other.
Saturday morning we came back and gathered in the sanctuary at Good Shepherd (home of our synod office). We started with sharing of meaningful Bible texts or stories in our lives (mini sermons, in a way). Then we were joined by others who came to share their stories of call to lay ministry, Word & Service ministry, and Word & Sacrament ministry. Our guest speakers were powerful in their stories and wisdom. I am grateful to Don Heller (Synod VP), Deacon Stephanie Varnum, and Pr. Kathryn Saunders-Allen for sharing their deeply personal stories.
From this discussion we moved to information about the candidacy process and the different paths to rostered ministry.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have that sabbatical time for this planning process and for the many people who helped make this happen. It was also funded by the Briarwood legacy fund, so good things come from every blessing along the way.