Encouraging, challenging and equipping congregations to thrive spiritually and be apostles for reconciliation
The Presbytery, the Strategic Plan and You Summer Series From the General Presbyter In our previous episodes, we recognized the importance of justice for all, and aiming toward loving inclusive community. Now we get to talk about where the “rubber meets the road.” Today I want to focus on the first word in this value: […]
In conversations with both clergy and lay leaders from so many of our congregations, I have heard one refrain time and again: 2020 exposed tensions that had been simmering below the surface, even in communities that had seemed unified. And that went hand in hand with the lament that our resources for healthy conflict resolution […]
The Commission on Thriving Congregations has announced the formation and availability of modest grants for COVID-19 related technology expenses encumbered by congregations seeking to develop and expand their electronic outreach. Up to $250/congregation for hardware/software (including subscriptions for apps such as Zoom) related to maintaining the worship, community, formation, and outreach of the church. The […]
Resources Collected by the Commission on Thriving Congregations Tech Pastoring in the Time of COVID-19: Rev. Bruce-Reyes Chow is hosting a Zoom Worship Webinar every Monday morning at 11 am EST with pastors around the country. It is very useful and supportive. Link here. Taize Community …is livestreaming their evening prayer services every day at […]
Resources Collected by the Commission on Thriving Congregations Take care of yourself. This is a stressful time for everyone, and it’s forcing all of us to find new ways of living and thriving. That also means finding new ways of caring for yourself so that you can do the vital work that you’re doing. Remember… […]
Resources Collected by the Commission on Thriving Congregations Don’t Forget About Your Neighbors This is a strange time for everyone. And this is one of those times when it’s easy for us to say, “Well, we need to stay apart so there’s no way to do mission. No point in even trying.” I mean, sure, […]
Resources Collected by the Commission on Thriving Congregations On Monday the 16th, Governor Hogan announced what amounts to a shutdown of Maryland. Following the CDC’s advice, he’s effectively banned gatherings of 50 or more people stating that the full force of the law was behind this declaration not to get together. If people were talking […]
COVID-19 Relief Grants are currently available to congregations to assist with emergency expenses arising from the cornonavirus outbreak. Offerings received by mail Consider how to secure the mail when there’s no one there regularly to receive it. Provide for more than one person (or a fidelity bonded person) to open, count, deposit – while maintaining […]
Resources Collected by the Commission on Thriving Congregations When Not Everyone Is Virtually-Connected This might seem like common sense at this point, but one of the easiest ways to slow the spread of COVID19 is to stay away from other people – an introvert’s dream (at least for a little while). But this leaves so […]
Resources Collected by the Commission on Thriving Congregations In this instance we’re not talking about remembering the liturgical season as we engage in worship, and we’re not talking about keeping up a lenten practice like giving up chocolate. We’re talking about the reality of lent itself. For 40 days we observe a time of reflection […]
