I asked members of our congregation to reflect upon what revived them most at Fearless Faith. Eleanor Albon and Rich Randolph sent me notes. Have something to add? Hit “reply” on this email and send us your good words! Revival is what we’re all about!
Eleanor was especially struck by Forward Movement publisher Scott Gunn’s workshop on Evangelism. We’ve been talking a lot about Evangelism here at St. Pat’s. Gunn helped us to see it in a new light when he answered a question that many of us have pondered. -Carol
Eleanor says it so well. What is the "Good News"?
~ God has deep love for ALL of His creation and is mirrored (revealed and reflected) in all of it.
~ There is NOTHING we can do to earn or lose God's love. It's freely given and non-retractable.
~ God's grace (unmerited love) and mercy (unmerited forgiveness) are stronger than the world.
~ It's NEVER too late!
~ Every person and all of creation reflects God's love.
~ Jesus is God with skin on! He tells us about God and shows how to live a Godly life.
~ God is love. Where love is, God is.
How to proclaim the "Good News"? -
~ By word (what we say) and example (what we do.)
~ Talk about what God is doing in my life ("Witness".)
How to stay anchored -
~ Go to church. Be in a Christian community.
~ Pray every day.
~ Read the Bible daily. It tells of God's love of us.
Why evangelism? - Jesus told us to "Go and make disciples of all nations."
What is evangelism? - The proclamation and sharing the Good news. God's Spirit does the rest.
Rich experienced a swirl of new ideas and feelings. He writes:
Fearless Faith Revival 2024 brought many swirling issues together. The
need and value of unity. The strength of collaboration. The dilemmas posed by a diverse community and the power of love to deal positively with tension.
My spirit of hope was rekindled, revived. I felt at home amidst so many fellow seekers searching guidance, affirmation, and progressive leadership. The overwhelming empowerment of lay leadership in the exhibits and ministries provided evidence that we are engaged and presumably trusted by our clergy.
The workshop topics gave me a sense of purpose.
The closing worship service affirmed clergy-lay collaboration. The transparency in the scripture reflections amplified the power of the Word of God to unify us. The absence of traditional liturgy in the closing worship did not detract, was not missed (by me). Contemporary music and visible projection were music to my ears and balm to my geriatric eyes!
Bishop Megan’s decision to defer communion to congregational worship next day presented the sacrament in a special “home/family/parish/identity.” For me it affirmed the connection between the inspirational world of the diocese and the intimacy of our parish home. That is as best I can describe the swirlings now.
Where and how we proceed is most important. As our Diocese and Forward Movement claim: Inspire and Raise Disciples; Empower Evangelists and Saints.
Getting a farewell golf cart lift from Rev. Mack Olson was icing on the cake!
Gratefully,
Rich
Sound like good marching orders to me! Carol.
