One of the best parts of being on Diocesan Staff is that we we get to travel around this very pleasant peninsula to connect with people, parishes, and communities. AND, even when we are in our offices and not on the road, we still get to do cool and meaningful work to support Episcopal ministries in our diocese.
Alan James, Interim Executive Director
I spent the weekend in Bay City: a wonderful time with Trinity‘s rector and vestry (priest and council) yesterday as they gathered for a leadership retreat and then preaching this morning. Supported by diocesan grants, their digital ministry and live streaming capacity has grown since the early days of Covid lockdown. Even as a small congregation they recognize the importance of connecting with parishioners and others who cannot attend physically and sharing their faith with others who are curious and searching.
Tracie Little, Canon for the Southern Collaborative and Adult Formation
It’s been a busy, lovely, inspiring week of learning and growing together at CCD! So thankful for this team of trainers and for this entire learning community!
Rachel Rose-Ravellette, Director of Communications
I was grateful this week to be a participant at the College for Congregational Development, organized by our diocesan CCD Coordinator, the Rev. BJ Heyboer, and hosted by the gracious and hospitable folx of St. John’s in Midland. I was unsure what to expect since I was participating from my perspective as a diocesan staff person and not as part of a congregational team, but I’m grateful (but not surprised) to share that it was an excellent experience!
My initial goal in participating in this year’s training (Year B curriculum) and next’s (Year A curriculum) is to be able to speak a common language with our lay and clergy leaders who have engaged with CCD and are using the principles, models, and mindsets they have gained from the program to intentionally discern and lead transformation and renewal in their congregations. I’m so glad to say that in addition to that goal, I was also able to think critically about how we might apply some of the same tools in the CCD toolkit to our work to support people and ministries on a diocesan level.
Beyond the learning, however, the richest part of the week for me was being able to spend so much time with faithful and creative leaders from across the Diocese of the Great Lakes! My favorite part about my job is getting to interact with you – the people being the hands and feet of Jesus all across our state. I was especially grateful for the dynamic teams from Holy Family St. Clair and Church of the Mediator in Harbert. I was the third wheel in their diocesan team breakout space with our wise and kind trainer, Martha. Through the exercises we engaged in and the jokes, stories, vulnerability, and support we shared, we were able to develop strong and meaningful connections and I gained six new dear friends in Sandy, Cheri, Lorna, Jen, Marilee, and Jan.
Although I was called way early, I left the week renewed and excited for how God is helping us to become more of who God is calling us to be and I can’t wait for next year!
