calendar August 27, 2012 in Roster

Introducing ‘A Word from our Deans’

 

On good days I find myself rejoicing in all the new missional adventures and avenues for service and collaboration we are experiencing as leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ today.  On bad days, discouragement winds its way onto my spirit, when I think of all the troubling circumstances and looming dangers before us as a Church and nation.  On both good days and bad, God sends partners to remind us, resources to assist us, and the Holy Spirit to guide us in making Christ known in and out of season.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

In all things God works for good, and equips the Church of Jesus Christ in our calling to God’s purpose.  Our Synod is blessed to have the leadership and wisdom of ten deans to remind us, assist us and guide us in this work.  Each month, starting in September, each of our deans will write a short epistle to the leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, highlighting ways in which together we are making a difference, as well as sharing wisdom and insight necessary for faithful and fruitful ministry.  I encourage you to share these occasional messages with your congregation – in your newsletter, by email, or on your website.

Pastor Serena Sellers, Dean of the Upper Bucks Conference and Pastor at Peace-Tohickon Church in Perkasie, has written the first letter to launch this series. 

— The Rev. Claire S. Burkat, bishop

• Download a PDF version to print and share
• Download a Word version to import text into your newsletter/website, etc.

 

A Word from our Deans – September 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Bishop and deans recently met on retreat to think about the things that matter most for the body of Christ in our Synod. It was two days of prayer, deep thinking and lively conversation. What we came back to were the themes presented at the Assembly: Plant It! Water It! Watch It Grow!

When we think about what is needed to help our congregations become as healthy and as strong as they can be, we need to develop our capacity to be confident in prayer, inspiring in worship, sacrificial in service, rooted in scripture, intentional in invitation and generous in giving.  Each of our congregations has areas where we are strong.  We also have areas where with some additional focus and attention, we could build our capacity in ministry.

As a community of congregations we have a lot to share with each other.  God has been generous in giving us great ideas for nurturing these seeds.  We have a great tool for sharing these ideas as well.  Look at your congregation’s great ideas and offer them up at GodIsDoingSomethingNew.com.  If you want to nurture these seeds in your congregation you can go to the same website to find the great ideas that are being used in other places.

The way to make the Synod strong is to make the congregations strong.  The way to make our congregations strong is to focus on the things that matter so that we grow our faith in the place that we are planted. Every member has gifts to offer.  We can do more together than we can do alone.

In Christian Love,

Rev. Serena Sellers

Dean,

Upper Bucks Conference