Dear friends,
Sometimes I think autumn is my favourite season of the year. I love sweaters and boots and scarves and London Fog lattes.
Growing up, I usually enjoyed being at school, and loved the energy, anticipation and enthusiasm of heading back after the summer break. I love agenda planners and fresh textbooks, school supplies and fancy pens, new clothes and new shoes.
I relish the "back to church" energy in the fall too: people returning from holidays or just their gardens, children and youth showing up with bikes and backpacks to be blessed, the first book discussion group or bible study of the church year, the welcome/welcome back BBQ after church.
There is something in the air of autumn, something about renewal, and starting fresh, about possibility and hope.
And, there is also an expectation, for many of us, that we spent the summer being refreshed and restored, rested and renewed, so that we can go FLAT.OUT. from September to June.
Maybe... we don't have to? Maybe... we shouldn't? Maybe, the rhythm of work and rest is one that should be woven into our every day, our every week and month, as well as our year.
You get this email because you are a church leader, whether paid or unpaid. I know how seriously you take your responsibilities to lead your community of faith into not just surviving but thriving, and I know how hard that can be these days.
I also know that it's not your ministry, or your community of faith. It belongs to Jesus.
And so, as you prepare to give it your all this week (month, liturgical season, church year), I pray that you can entrust your ministry, your leadership, your people, your community of faith, to the One who makes all things new: even you, even me.
My hope for you can be summed up in this beautiful poem by R.M. Drake, that really resonated with me: (click link for full poem)
"I hope September is good to you. I hope it brings you
the peace you've been searching for, the moments of
quiet that let you breathe a little easier...
... Whatever you're carrying, I hope September
helps you lighten the load, even if just a little..."
I hope that LeaderShift can be part of your rhythm of work, learning and rest, this fall too!
Clergy Rest & Renewal Retreat, October 22-25, 2024, Naramata, BC
With Wade Lifton leading us in reflection, Chris Giffen leading in music and worship, and the Ministry Personnel Support Team offering hospitality, this will be a rich and nourishing event. Come attend to the big questions on your heart, mind and spirit right now, in the good company of friends and colleagues on the journey. Find more information here: Clergy Rest and Renewal Retreat — LeaderSHIFT UCCan
Day Long Retreat for Boards/Councils and Ministry Personnel, November 16, 2024, Burnaby, BC
Join Pacific Mountain Regional Ministers for workshops on recruitment, emerging models of congregational governance, best practices, Manual roles and responsibilities and more. Come gain some knowledge and skills, build relationships with other lay leaders, and reconnect to why you care about and give your time, energy and commitment to your community of faith! Free of charge and includes lunch. More information here: A Day-Long Retreat for Boards, Councils and their Ministry Personnel — LeaderSHIFT UCCan
Rural Ministry Conference, October 25-27, 2024, Fort Macleod, AB
Come enjoy rural hospitality, inspiring speakers, and practical workshops in affirming Christian community! With workshops designed for rural ministry contexts, including First Third Ministry, Intercultural Ministry, Part-time Paid ministries, and Affirming Ministry. More information here: Rural Ministry Conference 2024 — LeaderSHIFT UCCan
We have other things cooking up as well - stay tuned.
Hoping September is good to you, in all the ways,
Michelle
