An Invitation for Spiritual Renewal and Travel with Intention

Dear Friends,

I don’t know about you – but I’m feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, isolated, paralyzed, and powerless a lot of the time these days. So much injustice and suffering in the world, and here in our own country and communities too.
 
And yet, those feelings are also a luxury, aren’t they? Because it’s only since I live in a position of great global privilege, that I can afford to feel this way, and yet continue functioning in my daily life. So I’m looking for ways to keep engaging with the pain of the world, so that I can be changed, and then be able to help make change in the world.
 
One way I’m doing that is joining the upcoming pilgrimage to Guatemala, myself, this August 2-12, 2024. Definitely NOT a tourist trip, this is an opportunity to develop relationships with colleagues and a new country, people and culture that will be both formative and transformative.

Rev. Nancy Nourse, Coordinating Minister of Northminster and St David’s United Churches in Calgary, has recently returned from a similar trip with World Pilgrim Guides, and I asked her what she thinks others would want to know about participating in one of World Pilgrim's offerings. You can read her words below.

Guatemala: a tour for ministry leaders
August 2-12, 2024

Who is it for?

Whether serving in full-, part-, or very-part-time ministry; whether in leadership with seniors, adults, or a children and family ministry focus; whether in a current call, ministry area, or retired -- all ministry personnel in Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain regions are encouraged to consider this travel experience.

Doesn't it cost a LOT? 

Looking for financial assistance? If you’re in PMRC, ask me about the Congregational Learning Fund for Leaders by return email. If you’re clergy, check out the HR MacMillan Fund at Vancouver School of Theology. If you’re in First Third Ministry, consider the Vision Fund Continuing Education Bursaries. More funding-sources are added to this tour's event page too.

How do I decide?

Intrigued, but want to know more? Join Executive Minister Treena Duncan, World Pilgrim Guides Doris Kizinna and Julio Cochoy, and me, for a Zoom info session on Friday, February 9 at 10 am (PT), 11 am (MT), here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787409411.

Blessings as you continue your important and lifegiving ministry – you are making a difference!
 
Michelle

…Within moments of being greeted at the airport by Doris and Julio, we knew this was going to be a wonderfully curated journey for us.

Each day overflowed with experiences of mutual learning, and connecting with people, their stories, the communities they are part of, and the organizations that contribute to the wellbeing of so many individuals. Fully immersed in the Mayan culture and spirituality with the markets and artisan cooperatives, organizations that seek to overcome issues of injustice, poverty, and barriers to education, lush farmland, colourful buildings, and delicious food, we were welcomed by those for whom Doris and Julio already have a close relationship with – and for me that was such a strength; it was not a fly in – fly out opportunity but one that was strengthened by long existing partnerships and relationships between our hosts, and friends, colleagues, and congregations in Canada. And now we are blessed to be part of that beautiful weave.
 
Not only did I consider this a valuable opportunity for my congregations, but as a continuing education time for me. I wanted to learn more in general about the spirituality and history of Guatemala, and specifically about the journey of truth and reconciliation in Guatemala since the end of the civil war. I also hoped to redefine what is “enough”, and how communities support one another. We also fully learned what it means to “travel with a purpose” through the ways part of our tuition was used to bring needed items to schools, families, and a seniors’ centre.
 
I hope you will consider attending this time in Guatemala with friends and colleagues knowing that you won’t just be challenged and learn in this time, but it will be a wonderful time of self-care….comfortable accommodations and transportation, an abundance of delicious meals, hot springs and beautiful gardens, and plenty of time for rest and renewal.
 
- Rev. Nancy Nourse, Northminster and St David’s United Churches, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Price drop!, intel links, and a prayer to start this very day of yours. Amen.

Dear Ones, 
take a moment for prayer?
 

Our Mother, who is in heaven and within us,
we call upon your names.

Your wisdom come, your will be done, in all the spaces in which you dwell.

Give us each day sustenance and perseverance.

Remind us of our limits as we give grace to the limits of others.
Separate us from the temptation of the empire, but deliver us into your community.

For you are the dwelling place within us,
the empowerment around us,
and the celebration among us,
now and forever.

Amen.

Grace Cathedral, Womanist Lord's Prayer
Beyoncé Mass

This newsletter links you places that you'll want to visit (all here on our website):

Price drop (and refund to those already registered) in the soon-starting Nourishing the Soul of the Preacher small group sessions, with Janice MacLean of the Prayer Bench. 

Respond to the call to Break the Silence, and sign up for one of two workshops with anti-racism educator Angela Ma Brown (especially if you're within the cis/ hetero/ male expression of being human; these workshops have been more attended by women and those who identify as LGBTQ+. If you're male-identifying who appreciated a past Break the Silence workshop, we invite you to intentionally encourage colleagues and friends to attend too.).

Space remains in (the free) Reboot Your Worship with Dr Marcia McFee. 

And starting Monday September 21st, online registration will be open for the coming LeaderShift  opportunities for growth, learning, transformation and community: The Fall Slate (you can re-visit the Fall Slate announcement in our last newlsetter here). Specifically, be ready to register for:

• "21 Things You Didn't Know About the Indian Act" book study and author engagement with Bob Joseph, 

• the returning series "Faith Leaders for Such a Time as This" and

• a new series "Developing Online Small Group Leadership Skills" with Rev Rhian Walker

Our team knows that inboxes are packed with emails, especially in these C-19 days of working, schooling, worshiping and socializing in the digital realm. We've made the intentional choice to keep our emails to you brief, and as a tool - linking you to the places where more information sits ready for you. If it's not quite enough intel for you, just ask for the details you're missing. We're here to connect, and happy to hear from you.

Faithfully,
The LeaderShift Team

Tressa Brotsky - communications
Rob Crosby-Shearer - LeaderShift Church Plant Project
Allison Rennie - director
Rhian Walker - program staff
Brenda Wolff - administrative assistance

Kootenay Faith Fest is just around the corner, and because we're not wrangling numbers for accommodations and meal counts, registration remains open for a few more days! If you're from a United Church that's the only one in your town, this event is for you -- Keynote Speaker Dave Csinos is talking directly to you and your community of faith about what it means to be a place where faith is formed, in your town? where intergenerational relationships reach beyond church walls? where community programs and initiatives are linked to church leadership and members? Also, Virtual Games Night with your UCC friends across the Regional Council? Can't beat that! Register now.

Sighs too deep for words

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now, and not only the creation, but we ourselves…” 

“…that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”  

Romans 8:22,26 

Dear One,

You’ve been too busy, or not busy enough with the things that most matter.  

You’ve been learning under pressure, but not the things you imagined you wanted to learn if given a break from the ordinary. 

You’re riding on a moment of deep possibility wondering if you’re surfing, upheld or about to crash. 

You see around you the naked yearning of people in your home, neighbourhood, community of faith, and world for real contact that helps comfort, and make sense and bring hope. 

How are you? Really? 

In a variety of settings we are hearing about the challenge to our identity as ministers, leaders, and members of the gathered Body of Christ. The usual habits and activities we have relied on to confirm our identity in the faith are not available to us.  

In the coming weeks and into the fall, LeaderShift will be designing ways for these deep and true questions to be engaged. We are looking to extend opportunity for mutual learning, for shared theological conversation, for exploring the shifting nature of God’s call to us, and or equipping us for the life of service in leadership we desire.  

Here is a link that names many of these areas of concern – and some of you may see yourself in this article. As we plan for the coming months of program what might support you in this time? Message us (we’ll keep it private) on what you think might help your spiritual health and wellness for such a time as this. 

With thanks for the Spirit’s presence in all our ministries, 

Allison Rennie
LeaderShift Director