Greetings Friends,
Over the next few months, we hope to share with you about some of what is happening in the province.
For our part, here at the Commission for Congregational Development, we are settling into some new rhythms that look a bit different. Our areas of focus: faith formation, leadership development, and congregational accompaniment are still the same, but some of the details are shifting. Here are a few updates about some shifts and some returning programming we are excited to bring back after the last few years of pandemic and organizational transition.
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Listening Campaign
Staff in the CCD office is working to update and connect with various groups throughout the province in order to collect information about the hopes and goals of congregations as we move into post-pandemic ministry. What did we learn about our communities, our congregations and the world? What tools might be helpful to us as we move into the future? We are organizing a calendar to get connected with as many congregations and leaders as possible to hear about ministry and what support would best serve you.
If you are the contact person in your congregation for children and/or youth programing we would love to hear from you and update our lists to share resources with you! Email us at [email protected].
Leadership Focus-Postponed
You may have noticed that we are not advertising our annual Leadership Focus event, usually held in February/March. We postponed this gathering to allow our team to listen to congregations through congregational visits, one on one conversations with leaders and consultations to hear what you are most interested in learning or skills you want to develop. The members of the CCD are in the process of convening working groups focused on Spiritual Growth, Community and Mission. A main focus of these working groups will be to create, curate and share helpful resources for congregations, clergy and Christian educators. Because these groups are still coming together we felt it was better to postpone the event, while discerning the best ways to offer learning opportunities.
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Returning Programs
- Regular gatherings of Christian educators and administrative assistants are set to begin in February 2023. These gatherings offer opportunities to check in, share ideas and updates throughout the province. Email invitations will be arriving soon!
- Our lending library and resource center is ready for your visit! You can browse our catalog from home, Moravian Lending Library | TinyCat (librarycat.org) or drop by Cedarhyrst (459 S. Church St. Winston-Salem, NC) for books on leadership, Moravianism, curriculum resources, children’s resources, and so much more!
- We have a great team of volunteers working in the library, and we will soon have posted hours for them to help you find what you are looking for! If you would be interested in becoming a library volunteer contact us at [email protected] for more information.
There will be more to share soon! For now we hope the new year is off to a great start and are excited to work alongside you as Friend Travelers with Christ who leads us all!
Peace,
Rev. Rebecca Craver
Director for Congregational Development
