Church needs to find a way forward, so that when we come out on the other
side, we can go back to doing what a church is supposed to do – help people
find the Lord and find inspiration to grow as a person and reach out with
whatever talents we have, as individuals and as a church.
But more than turning doctrines in and out we were able to build a
stronger sense of friendship and collegiality. We all went away strengthened
and inspired, and I mean all, Jeanne and Susan included.
There is not enough space to give justice to all the contributions, so I will
conclude by quoting Howard Thompson, who summarized his presentation in
this beautiful way:
“Struck by the appearance of the river in both the garden in Genesis and
the Holy City in Revelation we looked at the natural interplay of a river on the
land it flows over as a metaphor for how we, our spiritual selves, are shaped
by the truth we learn from the Word. Simply put, a river both accommodates
itself to the land it flows over and shapes the land as it flows. We looked at the
effects of a variety of flowing waters and the effect each has on a variety of land
features. Another way to look at it is that each of us when we are born is the
garden and the Lord is working to shape us into the Holy City.”
Canada, February 2015
Rev. James P. Cooper
Regional Pastor for Canada
As the number of ministers at the full Council of
the Clergy meetings has continued to grow we have
found they have a very formal feel. Regional clergy
meetings, on the other hand, are much more relaxed
and conducive to participation, discussion and friendly
conversations with colleagues.
Another difference is that only a small percentage of ministers can present
papers or topics at the full meetings, while everyone invited to a regional
meeting is expected to present a study or lead a workshop. It’s a great way to try
out ideas that are perhaps a little outside of the mainstream. An idea may still
get shot down, but it will be done in a friendly way with helpful suggestions.
There is also an opportunity for frank talk about how to handle some of
the pastoral issues we face in our congregations. Finally, when the Bishop is
present it’s a great way for him to get counsel on a number of issues from
people who are on the front lines of the Church.
So, there are lots of good reasons to have regional meetings, even in
years when there are full meetings, because the regional meetings serve a
very different use. With all those advantages in mind, the Executive Bishop
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