The Latest ~ our LeaderSHIFT Newsletter, From Allison: Responsive, faithful offerings to support and sustain you

Everything is full and overflowing, isn’t it?

     Inbox and schedule; Heart and milkweed pod


While other things are emptying, aren’t they?

     Osprey nest and ego; Lungs and sky


Now we surrender to the filling and emptying, don’t we?


So, I wrote this wee note on a tender September Wednesday to say: here’s what may fill you in this living moment of Spirit led leadership ---



Understanding Each Otheran introductionto the General Council Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit, and The Indigenous Church, with Rev. Murray Pruden.


Elements of Truth-experiential workshopsfrom kinSHIFT guided by Indigenous values: reciprocity, inclusion, curiosity, and humility. To help you access these offerings, LeaderSHIFT will pay for half of your registration fee. Use the codeSHIFT50to receive the 50% off price adjustment. Note the code is ALL CAPS.


Yes! No! Maybe?! Discerning a Call To Ministry-a retreat, is being planned in partnership with our national Office of Vocation colleagues. Dates are to be announced.


Bold Witness, Relentless Grace -the 3-day conferencein Calgary AB that's building momentum and has confirmedSatellite Conferencesin the Okanagan, Southern Vancouver Island, and Lower Mainland (and more to be announced)!



and, with still some room -- and time to join 



Faithfully,
Allison 

'Understanding Each Other: An Introduction to the General Council Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit', with National Executive Minister, Rev. Murray Pruden

October 6 Update: The recording of this conversation is now on the LeaderSHIFT YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/FTGDqBG2tOA

The Indigenous Church within The United Church of Canada has gone through some momentous and historical progressions as faith communities and councils. For us all to work more faithfully toward right relationship we need to understand these changes and the approach of our denomination’s National Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit as we support and strengthen Indigenous ministries. Let us explore and get some understanding of the current definitions and relational structures that The Indigenous Church functions with!

LeaderSHIFT welcomes Rev. Murray Pruden, National Executive Minister for Indigenous Ministries & Justice United Church of Canada to this September 28th conversation.

 

We will be introduced to the national Indigenous Council and Elders Council affiliation, learn current definitions and structures. 

We will get some understanding of history and movement in the Indigenous Church, and learn about the national work that embodies the Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit.

We will hear about what is continuing to be developed as the Indigenous Ministries and Justice Unit continues its relational work as an autonomous structure in the United Church body.

~ Rev. Murray Pruden

Murray will help us see the potential for the future as we live out the newly emerging Indigenous Church structure and walk together on this path self-determination and equity. All are welcome, and we hope you are able to share this morning with us!

 

Understanding Each Other - The Indigenous Church

An Introduction to the General Council Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit, with National Executive Minister, Rev. Murray Pruden

10-11:30am Pacific / 11am-12:30pm Mountain
Wednesday September 28, 2022

Online Only, Via Zoom

Registration is now closed.

About Murray

Rev. Murray Pruden is the current National Executive Minister for Indigenous Ministries and Justice for The United Church of Canada. 

Rev. Pruden is Nehiyaw, Cree First Nations from the Goodfish Lake and Saddle Lake First Nations. He grew up in the rural community of Smoky Lake. And his family’s history come from that area based on his ancestor Rev. Henry Bird Steinhauer. 

Rev. Pruden has studied theatre at the University of Alberta, received a theatre performance diploma from Keyano college in Fort McMurray, and an undergrad BFA from the University of Lethbridge. He completed his Master of Divinity at the Vancouver School of Theology at UBC and studies at the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Manitoba.  

Murray’s path to Ministry has taken him to many good uses of his talents and spiritual gifts- dramatic works on theological topics, workshop presentations on storytelling, ecumenical representation on Indigenous theology, and sermon reflections to various communities of faith across Canada. 

“My role as a leader and person of faith and spirituality has grown to a role of a storyteller and person of inspiration. This path I am taking is the foundation, the history and literature to help form a good sustenance of authority and community building for me and for our Indigenous communities. I like to think that this all leads to me being a strong voice for Indigenous people on the level of religion and spirituality and the love of our communities. And a path of self love and love for all of Creators creations.” ~ Rev. Murray K. Pruden. 

 

When we say 'Total' We Mean it Literally, and Emphatically: Total Clergy Wellbeing Retreat - You Totally Need To Go.

Friends,

When our team was reflecting on all the stories we have heard over the years from the first Total Clergy Wellbeing cohort, we knew you needed to hear why your colleagues believe you should take this program too.


Total Clergy Wellbeing was a balance of collegial connections (perhaps even more important now that we don't see each other regularly in Presbytery meetings) and excellent, thought-provoking speakers. Recently a colleague enjoying a Sabbatical remarked, "After/during COVID, we all need a Sabbatical.”  While that may not be possible, I suspect we all need soul-tending and opportunities for renewal and replenishment. Total Clergy Well-Being offers just that. The role of the accompanier was a gift, as the person was a trusted colleague and insightful friend who I don't see often enough, facilitating a bit of a breakthrough for me. Looking back, several years later, the most important part of the Total Clergy Wellbeing experience was the balance of substantial program and spacious time with opportunities for individual reflection and collegial connection throughout.

Rev. Dan Chambers


One part of the experience which had lasting positive impact on my ministry and wellbeing was “The care that was taken to provide us with all that we needed and pampered. It reminded us that what we do is noticed and appreciated. The 365 evaluation of who we are and areas for growth was helpful, both in ways that were affirming and challenging.  They are always in the back of my mind. As ones who spend most of our time focusing on others, this program provides a rare opportunity to focus on ourselves; to take time to listen, reflect, relax, and grow as individuals. Because the accompanier was my life partner, it was incredibly helpful that we both experienced this program together. It provided us with insights into who we are as individuals, as a couple and as a clergy couple. Looking back the most important part of the Total Clergy Wellbeing experience was the sense of being cared for by the larger church.

Rev. Ivy Thomas


I started doing yoga at this event in 2016 and I am still doing it all these years later. One of my goals was to increase my physical fitness and to do that intentionally, and the presence of my partner and the supportive structure of the event, really helped me to achieve that goal and stick with it. The biggest things for me regarding this course were: 1. It felt like the LeaderShift team cared about my wellbeing and that the actual institutional church "had my back" which was big in 2015, but is even more meaningful now, "after" the pandemic has changed our lives significantly. 2. Anything that deepens self-awareness and emotional intelligence is going to increase the odds that clergy can function in a healthy way in our ministry contexts. I was really grateful to my partner that he accompanied me. That we could share the experience of this course meant a lot to me. We have had conversations post-event, about his experience, and that has contributed to his growth and self-awareness as well as my own. I see the event as another in a series of "integrating" events that I have engaged in, often thanks to LeaderShift and its excellent offerings. To the extent that I have been open to deepen in awareness, skill and even "content" or "theory" at Total Clergy Wellbeing or similar type of event, I have become a better leader and a more mature human being.

Rev. Cari Copeman-Haynes


There is still time apply to participate in this unique program! Love what is thriving, tend to what is weary, and define ways to support both. There is truly nothing more important right now; please join us. Take this step: Total Clergy Wellbeing.

I’m available to help you get the information you need, to empower your participation - you’re warmly invited to connect with me - by email or the Expression of Interest form on the Total Clergy Wellbeing page (or a call - I have limited hours but do return voice mails).

If you hope to attend this October, 2022, I need to hear from you very soon. Though more than a month away, the fullness of this retreat requires some advance preparation from you, for the facilitators.

Blessings,

Allison

LeaderSHIFT Director