LGBT Asylum News: FIFA targeted after news of ban on lesbian football players

LGBT Asylum News: FIFA targeted after news of ban on lesbian football players

Congregation as resource...

One of the things I really appreciated about the "More Franchises" event was that it recognized that congregations across the UCCan are exploring ministry in a variety of ways - and worked to bring that experience to light in the workshops.

While I'm not casting any aspersions on the keynotes - they were fantastic - what I really appreciated was the practical, useable, do-able stuff I got from each workshop.

This begs a question for me... has anyone got any ideas how we can share the practices and ministries that are going on in our congregations? I think the General Council Offices have done great work around this in a number of areas - but I also think we need some way of saying (humbleness optional), "This is working at St. Quark's-on-the-Spin United Church. We're excited about it. Take it. Change it. Use it. Your kilometrage may vary."

Some of us post resources we've written to the web. (Shameless plug no. 1: richardbott.com) (Shameless plug no. 2: liturgy.richardbott.com) (Don't worry... it's all free to use stuff. *grin*) Sometimes Presbyteries have "sharing sessions" so we can learn from communities and congregations close by. Sometimes groups of colleagues get together around a topic, bring together their resources on it, and create something new and wonderful (or old and wonderful!)

What other ways can we share what we're doing to work with the Spirit?

more franchises

The more franchises event was a positive experience. It certainly let us know that the United Church in Canada is evolving in positive ways and that it is certainly not time to throw in the towel. Sharing our successes and our failures will help us become a stronger church not only in our own faith community but in the greater community around us. We are a richly blessed church and through events like this one we can only grow. Thanks be to God.

More More Franchises: Vital Ministry

Thanks Richard and Emerger for your comments. As I begin now to go through the evaluations from the event I am grateful and amazed at how rich an experience it was for so many. I think we are really on to a model of supporting congregations/ministries and their leaders that works. I hope the funding can continue to make it possible in a day when we struggle to name our priorities as a denomination.

Saturday morning when Lee Klause led the smudge ceremony and teaching its was one of the most beautiful and healing liturgies I had ever experienced.

BTW - If anyone wants permission to become an Author for the blog, just let me know and I will send you an invitation (up to the max of 100).

Blessings,
Rob.

Thursday Night: Stevie Cameron and Peter Wyatt

The opening session tonight (June 19th) includes a call-in conversation on the question, "Should the United Church throw in the towel?" Some people think its discouraging to even have a national event that would ask such a question. Yet, in my experience, many people in congregations are uncertain and fearful about the future of their church and the church. I say, face it head on! We need not fear questions. People, especially Canadians and United Church people are resilient and resourceful if they have the chance to face things. If we attend to one another and the Christ who is present when the church gathers, we can face our fears and find encouragement in the spirit that birthed the church. In my own view we aught to hear a resounding "No!" to the question. God is clearly changing the church, rather than throw in the towel, why not take hands and join in the great work or restoration and redemption that is afoot in our day! If you want concrete signs just have a look at the workshop rhoster! See you at the event!