The Florida/Georgia Leadership Retreat was held Dec 6-8, 2024.
The Florida-Georgia District leaders gather each year in December for a retreat. This is the fourth annual retreat of the Florida/Georgia District leadership including clergy, provincial and congregational acolytes and district officers. Spouses and families are invited to attend as they are significant supports to the ministries of the district. This year 29 leaders gathered in Sarasota, FL, hosted by Bro. Thomas Williams and the Sarasota Fellowship. The theme of the retreat was “S.H.I.F.T. With Purpose” and our Chaplain was the Rev. Adriana Craver.
The Rev. Eulencine Christopher led a session about the ways in which the ministries and leaders of the Florida/Georgia District can and are shifting in order to be more intentional about Discipleship in their different contexts. She reminded those gathered that when we set goals and work with purpose that helps us to keep moving forward to learn and grow in Christ. We are shifting with purpose to respond to the call of Jesus to share the Gospel and disciple others. It was encouraging and inspiring!
Provincial staff we among the attendees to share information about the opportunities for consultation and resources that are available in the Southern Province. The Rt. Rev. Lane Sapp, Commission on Ministry Director, shared about the support and tools available to leaders to enhance their study, self-care and ministry goals. The Rev. Rebecca Craver (Director), The Rev. Christy Clore (Faith Formation Specialist) and Pastor Monique Richards (Youth Ministry Specialist) shared about their work for the Commission on Congregational Development and the ways for leaders to engage in areas of leadership skill development, faith formation and youth ministry. The Rev. Dr. Neil Routh, Provincial President, was also present to share with the leadership about the things the Provincial Elders are working on and to encourage the whole district to celebrate and share the many ways that God’s Spirit is moving in their ministries.
It was especially wonderful to gather with leaders in the Sarasota Fellowship and to see firsthand the energy and excitement in that congregation. During Sunday worship we were welcomed by 3 wonderful choirs of young children, youth & young adults and the congregational choir. The joyful music, prayers and message were uplifting. The retreat also gave opportunities for Sarasota leaders to meet with others to learn about different resources and to share hopes for how they want the ministry to grow. There were many conversations begun about tools to share and ideas for ministry mutuality and support.
The Florida/Georgia District Board is continuing to invest in leadership through this retreat as a way to:
- build relationships
- understand the various ministries in the district
- find ways for resource staff to better accompany leaders and communities
therefore, providing Moravians in Florida and Georgia with appropriate and helpful tools to respond to God’s call.
Submitted by Rev. Rebecca Craver