When two or more are gathered ~ Daring Justice: spiritual sustenance for the weary justice seeker in you

Dear Friends,

Last night at the Unleashing the Moral Imagination to Create a Flourishing World presentation with Afdhel Aziz, I learned the term “polycrisis” – defined as “a state where multiple crises intertwine, their causes and processes inextricably bound together to create compounded effects.” (Institute of Development Studies)

Photo: T Brotsky

It is a helpful way to describe the daunting challenges we face, at this time in human history. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called not just to name chaos and dysfunction, but to live into the kin-dom of God that Jesus proclaimed, and embodied. One way to do so, is to accept this invitation to this Lent/Easter practice with facilitator Jane Dawson - one of reflection, dialogue, and encouragement, unfolding in the company of others also seeking the shalom of God in their neighbourhoods, and the world.

~ reflection practices to unite social justice and sacred story


In Jane Dawson’s words: "If you are anything like me, you are probably feeling overwhelmed by the avalanche of mounting crises afflicting our world –war, the environment, homelessness and so much more. The church’s call to work for social justice feels more urgent than ever.
 

spiritual sustenance  ~

But sometimes the call to “do more” can lead to a sense of paralysis, not knowing how to make sense of things that don’t make sense or how to make a meaningful difference. During such times, we must look at the roots of our tradition for spiritual sustenance. It’s not a quick fix but a source of heart and strength for the continuing journey. “Daring Justice” is our next LeaderSHIFT offering -  a six-session course, online-only, spread over 12 weeks, held on Thursdays.

~ where two or more are gathered 

Beginning next Thursday, February 15, and meeting every second week for six sessions in total, Daring Justice's presentations, self-reflection, group dialogue, and contemplative practices will tune into the prophetic voice in our tradition and sacred story. These afternoon sessions will come to be a reprieve and a joy that enlivens and grounds in you again God's call to the work of justice-making.

For more information, and to register, click here: Daring Justice 6 Session Online Course with Jane Dawson — LeaderSHIFT UCCan


Blessings,
 
Michelle

This is your invitation to a 3-day conference, working toward living and being an anti-racist church: Anti-Racism Work & Action Leadership Conference 2024

Friends,

This is a powerful First Third Ministry event in partnership with us at LeaderSHIFT, the Pacific Mountain Region Council Justice Ministry Network, the Vancouver School of Theology, and you.

Anti-Racism Work & Action
Leadership Conference 2024
April 2-4, 2024

Held at the Epiphany Chapel, on the Vancouver School of Theology UBC campus, empower yourself to engage key learnings, work, and action in a Christian community of other children and family ministry leaders who are working for an anti-racist church.

LEADERSHIFT IS THRILLED TO BE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST THIRD MINISTRY!

Work, and action - in Christian community

An amazing line up of speakers, worship leaders, and hosts are already preparing to welcome, educate, and inspire.

Work, and action – in Christian community

Anti-Racism Work & Action Leadership Conference is an offering of Chinook Winds & Pacific Mountain Regional Councils First Third Ministry. First Third Ministry’s mission is to support those who work with those in the first of life’s three eras (children, youth, young adults and families) – yet, this conference is designed to resonate for leaders of any, and, all ages and generations.

For All in Leadership

Whether you’re paid or volunteering, staffing a community of faith or un-churched organization, focused on children & family ministry or serving older generations, this conference centers anti-racism principles and actions in your leadership.

You can expect

  • Varied learning formats and thoughtfully chosen content to engage key learnings, focus work, and empower action in your leadership.

  • A Christ-centered conference fostering connection and relationship with other leaders who are also working for an anti-racist church.

  • Discovery-based questions and reflection opportunities will help you to compassionately and faithfully examine your own ministry and leadership in your specific setting.

  • An introduction to the materials from the new United Church of Canada resource for children and youth, Becoming an Anti-Racist Church.

  • A convergence of your personal and professional call to anti-racism, with others like you – all seeking a new way of being church.​

Event Page: FirstThirdMinistry.ca/f3-conference-anti-racism-work-and-action

Amos 5:24. Amen!

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