4/27/2020 0 Comments Returning to Our BuildingsThe days seem to go by quickly and one melds into another. At the same time the weeks seem to creep by slowly and it feels as if we have been safer at home for months, not years. We have learned some things in this time that we might take with us into the future: meetings via video conference are not so bad and save on gasoline; cooking and eating together as a family is a joy (usually); there are many ways to stay connected and be the church. We have also learned some things that might help us change the future: clear evidence that the most vulnerable have the fewest resources when things like this happen; the environment heals if we slow down; everyone sharing a little makes a big difference. I hope you are discovering things during this time that make staying at home better and things that you will take with you when we go back into the world.
This past week during our pastors’ conversation we began talking about how and when to return to in person worship. Every pastor and session will make those decisions in the near future. The Stated Clerk and I are willing to provide support and resources for any pastor or session who might want that. There is a new section created on the resource page that is marked “Reopening Resources.” Included there is a video, some questions from various sources to consider as you discuss, and a very good resource from the Wisconsin Council of Churches on reopening. The presbytery office will be closed until the end of May as we have decided to err on the side of caution and Zoom meetings are not so bad. General Assembly, slated to be held in Baltimore June 20-27, has been rescheduled as a two-day online meeting. Please be in prayer for the commissioners and GA staff who will have to find a whole new way to do business. The next Pastors’ Conversation will take place on Tuesday, April 28, at 1pm. Thank you to all those who have responded to my email about your opening date conversations. Knowing that information is helpful as I work to provide support to the congregations. As always, please let me know if there are ways I can support you and your church.
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4/2/2020 0 Comments Leading through Crisis CourseIn several newsletter articles and other blog posts, I have mentioned Carey Nieuwhof. Carey has a blog and a podcast that have helped me understand church and culture in changing times. He has put together a free course on leading in times of crisis. I have registered for it because I have done another course of his previously that helped me understand and improve my ability to work efficiently and take better care of myself. If you are interested in this free course, here is the link. If you decide to take the course, let me know and we can share experiences and ideas.
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As we move forward in this strange time, I will share various emails, articles, podcast suggestions that seem like they might be helpful to you as you serve your churches. Please know that I am not making any recommendations, just sharing information. You can decide if you want to explore any of the suggestions. I am happy to hear from you about how the presbytery or I can be of support during these days. Leave a comment or email me at [email protected].
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