June 2018 Vestry Papers: Clergy and Lay Transitions
Dear Friends,
Any kind of change brings an opportunity to re-focus and re-energize ourselves. Whether your congregation is in the midst of seeking a new rector, or an outgoing rector needs help with his or her retirement, this issue highlights ideas for making inevitable transitions less stressful, more fruitful and also a time of invigorating spiritual growth.
Saying goodbye to a beloved rector and starting the process of seeking a new one can be an unsettling journey. In Invite the Holy Spirit, Van Sheets shares some practical methods to work together, and spiritual ways to include the Holy Spirit in the process of transition.
The Office for Transition Ministry provides support to clergy, laity, bishops and Diocesan Transition Ministers throughout the Episcopal Church, guiding people through times of discernment and calling. In Breathe and Carry On, Meghan Froehlich shares transition ideas that result in transformational new partnerships and communities.
Retirements should bring rest and relaxation, but without a retirement plan in place they can be incredibly stressful. In Retirement solutions by CPG, Sandra Montes shares the experience of her father’s retirement and how working with the Church Pension Group made the process much easier. This article is available in English and Spanish.
While transitions are disruptive, they can also be times of increased energy, activity and even evangelism. In No Time to Hibernate, Victor Conrado and Louisa McKellaston share ideas for developing your church while making the most of a transition period.
ECF partners with congregations, dioceses and other Episcopal faith communities, working with them to engage in strategic visioning and planning, developing effective lay and clergy leadership teams and raising financial resources for ministry. This means we are able to share stories about congregations and communities we’ve worked with that are transformed and thriving in their important ministries. Click hereto read these stories and learn more about how we work with Episcopal communities across the country through a variety of different programs.
To learn more about ECF and our programs, please visit our website.
Faithfully,
Charis Bhagianathan
Editor, ECF Vital Practices