Today I thought I'd say something about our Merrie Bande of Bishops. (We use the olde English spelling just for fun! Besides, these guys are fun and have fun.)
This team of four gifted ministers, working away in their various areas of expertise, serving the membership, the leadership and the church contribute in many ways . You've probably encountered one or another of them at some point in recent years. We would traditionally have called them "self-sustaining" ministers. The new/old term that is being used these days is "tent-making." In other words, they support themselves out of their own work and resources. While they work for the church, they are not paid by the church.
Lew Shepherdson has lots of projects; right now he's working to get our website launched. This is a huge effort that takes special skills. Dave Snell watches the books, the budgets, the tax accounts, helps dig out financial officers who might be in over their heads.
Don Robb is a retired teacher who never really retired. He works with Aaronic ministers, teaches workshops from Good $ense to We Share. He and Mary (a recently ordained evangelist) get pastors together to support and assist as they can. Mel Mills has been serving the GTA West congregation, from its earliest conceptualizing to its current implementation. Now pastor, he's preparing to transition them to new leadership.
I could write a whole series on the terrific work each of these World Church ministers do for us all. But let me sum it up by quoting Section 163. This they embody every day:
Priesthood is a sacred covenant involving the highest form of stewardship of body, mind, spirit and relationships. The priesthood shall be composed of people of humility and integrity.
Tuly authoritative priesthood ministry emerges from a growing capacity to bring blessing to others.
The expectation for priesthood to continually magnify their calling through spiritual growth, study, exemplary generosity, ethical choices, and fully accountable ministry is always present.
(Doctrine & Convenants 163, selections from paragraph 6)
Friday, October 23, 2009
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The kind words are flattering. When you have the skill and expertise of this band combined with the leadership of CEM the work is fun and rewarding. It is a pleasure to serve this Mission and to serve my God, in ways I never thought possible. Mary and I have met so many people, considering we knew few people when we first arrived in the CEM, and each person we have met have inspired us with their faithfulness. For those with time to share, if you are looking for some place to assist the work of the Lord, the field in the CEM is definitely white already for harvest and the Lord of the harvest is calling each one of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words
I want to sincerely thank each of the four current members of the Merrie Bande of Bishops for all of their support of CEM and of me personally, for all that they do and especially for who they are!!
ReplyDeleteMike