Mid Council Relations | December 12, 2016
Advent 2016
World Mission Wants to Hear from You
Save the Dates: Upcoming Events
We wait.
But we aren’t very good at waiting. We are not patient.
We should spend our time preparing for the coming of the Christ child. But instead we find ways of keeping ourselves busy—not focusing on the One who is to come.
But still we must wait.
But this waiting is not a passive activity. It is a time for preparation. So that makes Advent a season that often reflects the work of mid councils. Waiting for processes to come to completion, for hard work to bear fruit, for time to heal wounds, for a new ministry to bring life.
And while you are waiting, you are continually preparing for what may or may not come. Preparing leaders for new situations, preparing congregations for change, preparing plans and budgets for a new year.
The work of waiting and preparation are vital in the life the church. And mid councils are practiced in waiting and preparing—and doing the hard work of keeping our connectional system going.
Your colleagues in the Office of the General Assembly thank God for you and your ministry every day, but especially in this holy time of Advent.
We pray that God gives you the gifts of
Resilience
Restoration
Joy
Peace
And we wish you the happiest of new years!
In the name of the Prince of Peace,
Joyce Lieberman and Kerry Rice
On behalf of Mid Council Ministries, Office of the General Assembly
world mission wants to hear from you
Presbyterian World Mission is seeking feedback from you about how we can provide the most helpful roles and resources for your presbytery. If you’re interested in giving feedback and ideas, please respond to this 5-10 minute survey. If you’re able, please complete it by December 15.
Contact Ellen Sherby at 1.888.728.7228 x5612 or ellen.sherby@pcusa.org if you have questions or would like to have a longer conversation. We look forward to hearing from you!
save the date
2017 Meetings for Mid Councils
- New Stated Clerks Orientation—April 3–5, 2017 in Louisville
- AMCL/ASC/ModCon—October 13–14, 2017
- Mid Council Gathering (new event sponsored by the Office of the General Assembly and Board of Pensions)—October 15–17
Stewardship Kaleidoscope—September 25–27, 2017
Are you looking for ways to cultivate generosity within your congregation or presbytery? Want some practical wisdom for the leadership you bring to stewardship development? Need time and space for the kind of learning that makes an impact you can bring back to those with whom you serve? Stewardship Kaleidoscope brings together excellent keynote speakers, informative workshop leaders, and provocative worship experiences, all designed to help you dig into stewardship, in its many colorful dimensions! Plan ahead, to attend this year’s event at beautiful St. Pete’s Beach, FL, September 25–27, 2017. For your convenience, a pay-now option is available through www.stewardshipkaleidosope.org. You can use this feature to apply 2016 Continuing Ed funds to the conference fee now, with opportunity to receive further conference information and choose workshops later. For best results, congregations and presbyteries are encouraged to send a team! Spread the word, save the date, and don’t miss it!