We sent out this email today, and are happy to highlight the details here too.

Last week my family watched Groundhog Day, and despite the dated sexism, heteronormative trappings and some violence (which gave us a lot to talk about too), having the context of this movie to describe our current reality has brought silliness, film analysis (Godly Play questions are fabulous for dissecting a movie!) and a growth-mindset to our days ... how does Phil Connors become released from February 2nd? Eventually, by shedding ego, embracing the gifts of his reality and leaning into LOVE. Woah.

This Newsletter is important and quick - make a cuppa, and find comfort, inspiration and tools for supporting you in these most unusual, yet very real, ministry days.

1. Nurturing the Soul of the Preacher
2. Relationship and Ministry with Youth and Children During COVID-19
3. Zoom and Beyond - **NEW TOPICS** and More Online Engagement Sessions Added
4. Deepening, Harvesting - How We Are Being Shaped by This Global Experience

Faithfully,
Tressa Brotsky - communications

and the LeaderShift Team
Allison Rennie - director
Rhian Walker - program staff
Brenda Wolff - administrative assistance
Rob Crosby-Shearer - LeaderShift Church Plant Project

1. Nurturing the Soul of the Preacher 

The LeaderShift team really wants you to know about and consider choosing to be part of the 6 week program with Janice MacLean called Nurturing the Soul of the Preacher. We created this session, plus Christ of the Celts Book Study and Stewardship Buzz, in the month before COVID-19 -- and the relevance of each in these physical distancing days is apt. These sessions begin after Easter, and will connect you to others in nourishing, grounded ways. They are $25 each. Registration details are here.

2. Relationship and Ministry with Youth and Children during COVID-19

The Regional Council staff team (Pamela, Sarah, Robin, and Mary) responsible for Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the First Third Ministry Network, powered to get pmrfirstthirdresources.ca online in the days immediately following the first wave of announcements limiting group gatherings.This website is updated frequently, and specifically provides excellent, vetted links to a wealth of ideas, resources, and encouragement for continuing ministry with children and youth, and their families during COVID-19 distancing.

3. Zoom and Beyond

LeaderShift and the PMR First Third Ministry Network worked in partnership to get a slate of online training and conversation sessions happening for church leaders, board members, choir directors, youth group leaders, study group leaders, church members ... everyone! ... and more than 250 people have access these sessions. There are more available - including one called Worship Options in a Time of Physical Distancing. and Making Your Instagram Count: Meaningful Posts for Faith Communities.  

4. Deepening, Harvesting - How We Are Being Shaped by This Global Experience

We are continuing to develop opportunities for learning in order to help equip us for this time –  

LeaderShift has offered some technical learning sessions, some ‘how to’ workshops on online tools for ministry right now. Based on need, we will continue to offer these again after Easter. And we have offered some opportunity for thinking about how to deepen existing online ministry offerings.  

In addition, we are aware that this is a tremendous moment for us to pay attention to the deeper theological and spiritual realities. Our practice of ministry is being shaped, and will be shaped, by this global experience. In light of this, we are working on some opportunities for theological engagement, and for deepening capacity in the practice of ministry including trauma-oriented pastoral care.   

We want to encourage the harvest of learning happening now. LeaderShift wants to be part of the adaptive leadership called for in order to help us discover an emerging shape of life in the body of Christ for our time. Courageous. Christian. Called. Hopeful. Stay tuned.

- Allison Rennie, LeaderShift Director