Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Our consideration in these reflections has been the “jigsaw” puzzle we worked on at our Leader Retreat, February 11 and 12. I have reflected on the four core values (the 4 corners of the jigsaw puzzle), “unity”, “cultural diversity”, “acceptance” and “shifting perspectives”. Yesterday I began the process of reflecting on the edges of the puzzle, our mission priorities. I considered first the mission priority of “Building Bridges”. Today, I want to reflect on “Equipping Congregations”. This mission priority, like Building Bridges, comes straight out of our mission statement, “to provide resources to equip member churches to share Christ and teach God’s word.” I remember that the Vision Team spent awhile on this provision of the mission statement, both to have it there (lots of affirmation) and to have it speak correctly of what we were supporting congregations to do. It is no small task for the local congregation or us in our work to help churches in every way we can. Just this morning the Ed Team met to put together what we call our Building Bridges Day. Eric Law will be with us this year, sharing with us in plenary session about “Grace Margins.” He’ll share considerations for having those harder conversations we have in our churches. I’m sure everyone will find something worthwhile in the presentation. The next weekend, the Missional Church Learning Experience will have their third round of meetings toward making a difference in their neighborhoods. This is just an example though, of equipping churches. I’ve also spoken of the unintended consequences of Evergreen. One example of this is when a local church has decided to do their work by consensus, too. We are always doing the work of equipping our congregations and yet there remains much to do!

Tomorrow morning early, I will fly to California for American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW) Board training and meetings. I’m going early enough to be there for BLT and PCBA Board meetings, too. ABSW has sent off its material to ATS for their accreditation renewal, always an important time in an education institution. We will also be doing some cultural diversity work in our training. It should prove to be an interesting time in Berkeley. I’ll be making this trip with my crutches and boot. I’ve appreciated your prayers and concerns and continue to rely upon them. I won’t be posting to these reflections until next week. I look forward to your responses.
Grace and peace,
Marcia