Ministry Development Seeds

In my roles as a ministry developer and a vicar for two parishes, entering the gates to Lent, I find myself doubting my ability to provide good sacramental and pastoral care. Juggling multiple tasks has been in my personal and professional blood for many years. But, I find that I lose my “calming presence” in the midst of a juggling act, particularly with all of the extra juggling of multiple “hats” (or should I say stoles and chasubles) during this busy season. I know that I must be a good juggler and a marathon walker  during this period. Just thinking about it, however, can be a bit tiring.

On the other hand, I also am quite excited about the prospects of being at two churches, being present, being observant, just “being” with the people who make each of the churches “church.” I can focus on the pastoral visits and the sacramental needs of the parishes, while the congregation of ministers  are “doing” church all around me. With little effort, I now can immerse myself in being with them and actually seeing baptismal ministry all around me. I know that I will see it. In fact, I already do, but I know that I will REALLY see it these next seven weeks. I will see it blossom from slowly opening buds to full-fledged blossoms adorning the church, both inside and out. And I have faith that, like dandelion seeds, these blossoms will be sprouting increasing distances from the church doors.

Many of these ministers periodically express their concerns about me, with all of the demands on my time. So, I see in them pastoral care and hospitality ministry.

I see them leading and guiding Bible studies, so I see them building confidence in themselves and growing in their knowledge and their inquisitiveness.

I see them arranging for readers, and Eucharistic ministers, and altar preparers for the extra services. They are growing as parish and worship ministers.

A bud here; a blossom there; a leaf peaking out there. By Easter, I expect to see quite a bouquet of ministries and ministers springing forth to welcome the spring weather. And won’t that be a nice welcome to spring and Easter!? Truly a resurrection and new life in Christ and of the Church!

Theresa

The Living Stones Family Reunion

We have reached the end of our cluster presentations at the 2012 Living Stones Partnership meeting (see February 6, 2012 posting), asking other partners’ delegations to offer comments, encouragements, and critiques of our work, based on our case studies. What a helpful experience it was! We were fortunate that we were assigned to work with two very experienced partner diocese, and with skilled facilitators who were cutting-edge leaders in spreading the concept of ministers. Our ministers are not the ordained leaders but instead all four orders of ministers, each doing God's work. All of us living into our baptismal callings by God.

Our cluster group consisted of a neighboring partner—West Virginia. As a Virginia mountain native now calling Western Maryland home, I understood them and they understood me. Our other cluster partner was Rupert’s Land, a partner whose distance from us was solely in mileage; the three of us were simpatico. It was beautiful. Partners in name only; in fact, we are siblings and companions in Christ. Ready to lift up our sisters and brothers when confused, companioning them when apprehensive, and encouraging in authenticity. 

Our baptismal callings differ from individual to individual. Our baptismal gifts are specific to each individual. God always finds a way to put us and our ministerial gifts together in miraculous ways that startle and surprise. Seeing this in action at the Stones meeting was no different. The other coordinators in my cluster of three and I agreed to allow God to tell us what to bring to create our holy space; God did not disappoint.

God also inspired each cluster member to “ping pong” ideas across the tables with great affection, caring and encouragement.  As we shared what we “heard” from the other groups in discussing our 20-minute presentations, we repeatedly heard the support and encouragement and “aha” moments. We received guidance on growing the “living stones” of our ministries as well as reconstructing some other stones within our ministries. The exciting part is that none of us highlighted major excavation or the need for demolition. Just renovations to better highlight what is right and rework what might be dated or hampering growth.

We really are “living stones that are being used to build a spiritual house. [We are ]. . . a group of holy priests, and with the help of Jesus Christ [we] . . will offer sacrifices that please God. “ (1 Peter 2:5 CEV) We do not do this alone; we do it with Christ’s help.

Theresa