This Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Canada East Mission will meet together in conference. The location is Trinity United Church, 400 Stevenson St. N. in Guelph. Many pieces of information will be presented, including the planning for a Canadian National Conference in June of 2012. We will discuss progress made in the twelve months since the goals of 2020 Vision were announced, and of course we will be asked to approved the budget for 2011. Our new Apostle, Susan Skoor, will have opportunity to address the conference and begin to get to know us, or at least to get an introduction.
As important as all these things are, they pale in comparison to the celebration we anticipate later in the day. After lunch the conference will be presented with the calls of nine persons to senior priesthood ministry; six High Priests, two Evangelists, and one Bishop. Approving those calls will be the last item on the conference agenda. By 3:00 p.m., we anticipate that this process will be completed and we will then move into an ordination service.
Imagine the impact these nine people can have on the mission centre and on our congregations! High Priests are called to be ministers of vision, and if ever we needed vision in our congregations, now is the time. Evangelists have a very special calling as ministers of blessing, and we simply cannot have too much blessing. Bishops are called to be ministers of generosity, and our bishops have proven to be more than generous with their time, talent and treasure as they have made wonderful contributions to our cause over the past several years. Is it any wonder then that we look forward to this event with such joy and anticipation?
Following the service, we will move to the church gym where we will enjoy some light refreshments and visit with those who have been newly ordained. We hope you will be there to greet them and to part of the celebration as we take another step into our emerging future with God.
It will be a great day. Why not come be part of it?
Posted by Carman
Showing posts with label conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conference. Show all posts
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Signs
There are just so many signs to pay attention to. As I began my long road trip this week I've been thinking about signs. Of course there are all those "Cars in this line" and "Merge right" and "Construction ahead." For fun there are also the "Heads Up Taxidermy" and "Hip new place for your orthopedic needs"!
Our blog started out the week thinking about Easter and Spring, new growth emerging after rain. Heading south directly into the path of the northward marching season I always enjoy noticing the signs of Spring, almost like a line visible on the face of creation. So there are the signs of spring; the flowering trees, the forsythia, the birds and the bunnies, the emerging green leaves! The grass gets longer and greener with every passing mile as the temperature rises.
Last week as our CPI pastors gathered with Apostle Mary, we considered the words of Isaiah: Behold I am about to do a new thing, do you not perceive it?
And we do perceive many signs in our lives and in our congregations of a new thing. People are sensing calls to get more involved. Ideas are materializing. Obstacles are being removed. Where we once thought there was none to do a task, we now have options. Volunteers are stepping up.
Some people have felt concern over how this World Conference would unfold. It promises to unfold in a way unlike any before it. The signs are everywhere. Preparing to respond to our call to be a prophetic people we expect to see signs. It's one of the requirements to be mindful, to pay attention, to hold a listening ear, an open mind. Watch for the signs.
Posted by Marion
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Conference
One month from today World Conference begins. Ideas, concepts, emotions around conference vary from person to person, place to place. It is so interesting how folks think about it.
In one place people say to me things like "you must be really excited" or "I'll bet you can't wait for it" or "are you ready for all the excitement?"
Somewhere else I've been asked "so what are the big changes coming out of conference this year?" and "are you getting nervous?"
Questions implying a whole range of my supposed feelings about the experience have stopped surprising me.
What I am thinking about conference is that this is an opportunity for a large and very diverse number of people to come together to talk and to listen, to consider, to share opinions and maybe even to form new opinions. In fact, it's very important to come with that willingness to be open to new information, differing perspectives, with the possibility that something entirely different from my original idea might emerge!
I've sat in the midst of our elected delegation many times now; I'm very aware that we don't all think alike. We don't even think alike as to the way we "do Conference." I may sit next to you and vote the opposite way you do. But I hope we've both done our homework, got as familiar with the questions as we can (maybe by checking in here ) and then been as prayerfully present as we can possibly be so as to be ready to raise a hand when the time comes.
Will it be exciting? Yes. Will there be changes? Yes. Will I change? Probably. Do I know how it will all turn out? No. Because we still have a whole lot of conferring yet to be done. Are you getting ready?
Posted by Marion
In one place people say to me things like "you must be really excited" or "I'll bet you can't wait for it" or "are you ready for all the excitement?"
Somewhere else I've been asked "so what are the big changes coming out of conference this year?" and "are you getting nervous?"
Questions implying a whole range of my supposed feelings about the experience have stopped surprising me.
What I am thinking about conference is that this is an opportunity for a large and very diverse number of people to come together to talk and to listen, to consider, to share opinions and maybe even to form new opinions. In fact, it's very important to come with that willingness to be open to new information, differing perspectives, with the possibility that something entirely different from my original idea might emerge!
I've sat in the midst of our elected delegation many times now; I'm very aware that we don't all think alike. We don't even think alike as to the way we "do Conference." I may sit next to you and vote the opposite way you do. But I hope we've both done our homework, got as familiar with the questions as we can (maybe by checking in here ) and then been as prayerfully present as we can possibly be so as to be ready to raise a hand when the time comes.
Will it be exciting? Yes. Will there be changes? Yes. Will I change? Probably. Do I know how it will all turn out? No. Because we still have a whole lot of conferring yet to be done. Are you getting ready?
Posted by Marion
Friday, January 29, 2010
Conversation
Yesterday I talked about our need to develop our collective imaginations if we’re going to be successful in meeting our goals--in fact, if we’re going to be successful in even creating our goals. Maybe it’s an area to think about building our skill.
We’re part of a culture that believes in and values education. From its beginnings the church established schools, including real intensive education of priesthood and leaders. We look at our history and note with pride such things as School of the Prophets, School of the Restoration, Temple School. We take tours of Kirtland Temple and point out the classrooms.
But I propose that we need to shift the attitude we moderns have about training, education and development. Too many of the requests that come to me as a Development Focus Minister (one of the hats I wear) are for me or some other knowledgeable person to come and talk. The assumption is that we’ll come and preach or lecture or give some information not known before. And the expectation is that the person who comes will have answers to whatever questions might be asked. In fact, the expectation might even be that they will also know what the questions are, because folks in the “audience” don’t want to ask them!
You may be getting tired of the word dialogue. But this is the way of the future. It’s the way we’re operating right now. For example, Mike Hewitt, CEM’s CFO and Bishop, is in the midst of a three-week long conversation in the Guelph congregation about Enduring Principles, Basic Beliefs, Counsel to the Church. All are welcome; Sunday nights from 7 o’clock to whenever. Two more sessions are announced for January 31 and February 7. What they’ll be doing is having a conversation about those things, and other items that come up. Folks who come along will be expected to participate, to ask questions and offer ideas. They don’t have to bring answers; they do need to bring a willingness to engage in the conversation.
Delegates to World Conference have already received notice that there will be lots more non-legislative dialogue sessions at the 2010 conference. We’re lucky in CEM to have had some practice with this at our Mission Conferences and cluster gatherings. But we still need to build up our dialogue skills. You can do this be being intentional and aware as you talk about things together in your congregation and in your small groups.
I’d be happy to report other places this kind of conversation practice is going on; I know it is. Let us hear from you.
We’re part of a culture that believes in and values education. From its beginnings the church established schools, including real intensive education of priesthood and leaders. We look at our history and note with pride such things as School of the Prophets, School of the Restoration, Temple School. We take tours of Kirtland Temple and point out the classrooms.
But I propose that we need to shift the attitude we moderns have about training, education and development. Too many of the requests that come to me as a Development Focus Minister (one of the hats I wear) are for me or some other knowledgeable person to come and talk. The assumption is that we’ll come and preach or lecture or give some information not known before. And the expectation is that the person who comes will have answers to whatever questions might be asked. In fact, the expectation might even be that they will also know what the questions are, because folks in the “audience” don’t want to ask them!
You may be getting tired of the word dialogue. But this is the way of the future. It’s the way we’re operating right now. For example, Mike Hewitt, CEM’s CFO and Bishop, is in the midst of a three-week long conversation in the Guelph congregation about Enduring Principles, Basic Beliefs, Counsel to the Church. All are welcome; Sunday nights from 7 o’clock to whenever. Two more sessions are announced for January 31 and February 7. What they’ll be doing is having a conversation about those things, and other items that come up. Folks who come along will be expected to participate, to ask questions and offer ideas. They don’t have to bring answers; they do need to bring a willingness to engage in the conversation.
Delegates to World Conference have already received notice that there will be lots more non-legislative dialogue sessions at the 2010 conference. We’re lucky in CEM to have had some practice with this at our Mission Conferences and cluster gatherings. But we still need to build up our dialogue skills. You can do this be being intentional and aware as you talk about things together in your congregation and in your small groups.
I’d be happy to report other places this kind of conversation practice is going on; I know it is. Let us hear from you.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sing
As Peter Trueman used to say "this is not news, but it is reality." Our folks really do like to sing!It's the thing we've got the most feedback about our recent mission conference--people didn't get to sing as they'd hoped to. OK people! We've made a note.
While we're on the subject though, let me say some other things about "singing." It's one of those areas where tastes vary. While we may really, really like to sing, we also want to sing certain things. Some of us are very reluctant to try anything unfamiliar. Or anything that doesn't feel right somehow. And who knows what makes things feel right or wrong in the realm of singing?
I noted some research on the topic of how our brains work that looked into the areas affected by music. They were examining how music that gets plugged directly into the ear takes certain paths and creates tracks that can endure forever. People are very much motivated by where and when those tracks get laid down. Their emotions and relationships and feelings about everything are tied to those tracks. Young brain tracks get very set and can exert control over us forever! (Even when we're old a gray...) Wow!
I listened to Peter Mansbridge interviewing Anne Murray about her just-released autobiography and her decision to retire--to stop singing! I don't think Peter believed her, but she seemed pretty certain.
"How will you feel about not singing?"
"Oh I'll feel fine. I've had enough of it. I'm tired of singing and I look forward to not doing it."
Too bad she wasn't at our Conference. She would have enjoyed it.
While we're on the subject though, let me say some other things about "singing." It's one of those areas where tastes vary. While we may really, really like to sing, we also want to sing certain things. Some of us are very reluctant to try anything unfamiliar. Or anything that doesn't feel right somehow. And who knows what makes things feel right or wrong in the realm of singing?
I noted some research on the topic of how our brains work that looked into the areas affected by music. They were examining how music that gets plugged directly into the ear takes certain paths and creates tracks that can endure forever. People are very much motivated by where and when those tracks get laid down. Their emotions and relationships and feelings about everything are tied to those tracks. Young brain tracks get very set and can exert control over us forever! (Even when we're old a gray...) Wow!
I listened to Peter Mansbridge interviewing Anne Murray about her just-released autobiography and her decision to retire--to stop singing! I don't think Peter believed her, but she seemed pretty certain.
"How will you feel about not singing?"
"Oh I'll feel fine. I've had enough of it. I'm tired of singing and I look forward to not doing it."
Too bad she wasn't at our Conference. She would have enjoyed it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Team
Those of you who were at Mission Conference on Saturday will have noticed--at least I hope you did--that our team is expanding.
While we've certainly felt the impact of recent cuts to our finances and have had to reduce staff significantly, our response has been to reach out to enlist other parts of our team. You saw many of them in action at conference. You've heard of others who are picking up new duties and will be taking their places on our expanding team.
There will be growing pains as we transition to working from "away" or finding our way with a new committee or unfamiliar duties. As our"public" you may experience these as something less than seamless. That's just the way it is.
But let's give each other space to get comfortable with new roles. Let's celebrate just how many competent people are willing to step up and take on responsibilities. Give them your thanks. Give them helpful feedback. Give them time to learn.
Consider what new or different role you might take on yourself and let us know.
And celebrate with us what a great job we're all going to do as we create our wonderful future together.
Yeah Team!
While we've certainly felt the impact of recent cuts to our finances and have had to reduce staff significantly, our response has been to reach out to enlist other parts of our team. You saw many of them in action at conference. You've heard of others who are picking up new duties and will be taking their places on our expanding team.
There will be growing pains as we transition to working from "away" or finding our way with a new committee or unfamiliar duties. As our"public" you may experience these as something less than seamless. That's just the way it is.
But let's give each other space to get comfortable with new roles. Let's celebrate just how many competent people are willing to step up and take on responsibilities. Give them your thanks. Give them helpful feedback. Give them time to learn.
Consider what new or different role you might take on yourself and let us know.
And celebrate with us what a great job we're all going to do as we create our wonderful future together.
Yeah Team!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Construction
Have you noticed that everywhere you go, everything seems to be "under construction"? Many main streets in my town appear to be dug up just now. And as I've had opportunity to be around the province, it looks as if we're not alone. Construction sites abound; everywhere we're admonised to "expect delays."
Not just road work, but lots of building is happening. Homeowners are trying to get renovations or additions completed to qualify for tax incentives offered by governments. Colleagues report progress on their deck, their basements; even my hairdresser was telling me about a project to waterproof her basement wall so they can proceed with finishing a new family room.
In the face of all this construction we often ask "Will it never be done?"
The answer to that question is "No." We'll always be building something. In fact, if we were to stop, things would quickly fall into disrepair. We'd outgrow our spaces. Believe it or not, someone would begin to complain about not enough change!
What we're doing here is creating our future. I hope many of you CEM folks will be at Mission Conference tomorrow to deliberate on our future plans, learn how you can participate in a major "construction project" as we create goals, establish direction, set budgets and targets for OUR future -- "Under Construction."
Not just road work, but lots of building is happening. Homeowners are trying to get renovations or additions completed to qualify for tax incentives offered by governments. Colleagues report progress on their deck, their basements; even my hairdresser was telling me about a project to waterproof her basement wall so they can proceed with finishing a new family room.
In the face of all this construction we often ask "Will it never be done?"
The answer to that question is "No." We'll always be building something. In fact, if we were to stop, things would quickly fall into disrepair. We'd outgrow our spaces. Believe it or not, someone would begin to complain about not enough change!
What we're doing here is creating our future. I hope many of you CEM folks will be at Mission Conference tomorrow to deliberate on our future plans, learn how you can participate in a major "construction project" as we create goals, establish direction, set budgets and targets for OUR future -- "Under Construction."
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