Pastor/Lay Leader and Elder/Deacon Teams of CPMC, You are invited to one of four regional events happening this fall.
We received appreciation for the community building process that we engaged in around tables at Annual Meeting. As part of the weekend, we recognized ourselves and the others around the table and the unique perspectives, gifts, and ideas we all bring to the church. As part of this process we studied the scriptures together, we told our stories, and we talked about differences that give us energy and help us to see the kingdom of God more clearly in our midst. We would like to bring portions of this process to you.
We believe that in our polarized state, we too often miss that communities that are centered on Jesus often benefit from a diversity of views. Too often we want to jump in and have "hard conversations" without first learning to value who is sitting at the table with us. In our workshop, we hope to help pastor/lay leader and deacon/elder teams to experience and recognize the diversity that makes up our teams and our congregations, so that instead of division, some of those differences can energize us and become points of growth.
Ultimately, it's about transformation. When we gather around Jesus, our goal is formation. Without "good" friction, there is no transformation. Can we learn together how to recognize, embrace and even foster "good" friction?
We can't do it all in a day--but we can start!
Join us for one of the regional meetings, from 10:00-3:30 on *September 24 at Bethesda Mennonite, Henderson, NE *October 22 at Bethel Mennonite, Mountain Lake, MN *November 19 at West Union Mennonite, Parnell, IA *Date + place TBD, Spanish-language, Iowa
Please register as a pastor/lay leader + elder/deacon team. There is no cost to register, lunch will be a free-will donation.