When two or more are gathered ~ Daring Justice: spiritual sustenance for the weary justice seeker in you

Dear Friends,

Last night at the Unleashing the Moral Imagination to Create a Flourishing World presentation with Afdhel Aziz, I learned the term “polycrisis” – defined as “a state where multiple crises intertwine, their causes and processes inextricably bound together to create compounded effects.” (Institute of Development Studies)

Photo: T Brotsky

It is a helpful way to describe the daunting challenges we face, at this time in human history. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called not just to name chaos and dysfunction, but to live into the kin-dom of God that Jesus proclaimed, and embodied. One way to do so, is to accept this invitation to this Lent/Easter practice with facilitator Jane Dawson - one of reflection, dialogue, and encouragement, unfolding in the company of others also seeking the shalom of God in their neighbourhoods, and the world.

~ reflection practices to unite social justice and sacred story


In Jane Dawson’s words: "If you are anything like me, you are probably feeling overwhelmed by the avalanche of mounting crises afflicting our world –war, the environment, homelessness and so much more. The church’s call to work for social justice feels more urgent than ever.
 

spiritual sustenance  ~

But sometimes the call to “do more” can lead to a sense of paralysis, not knowing how to make sense of things that don’t make sense or how to make a meaningful difference. During such times, we must look at the roots of our tradition for spiritual sustenance. It’s not a quick fix but a source of heart and strength for the continuing journey. “Daring Justice” is our next LeaderSHIFT offering -  a six-session course, online-only, spread over 12 weeks, held on Thursdays.

~ where two or more are gathered 

Beginning next Thursday, February 15, and meeting every second week for six sessions in total, Daring Justice's presentations, self-reflection, group dialogue, and contemplative practices will tune into the prophetic voice in our tradition and sacred story. These afternoon sessions will come to be a reprieve and a joy that enlivens and grounds in you again God's call to the work of justice-making.

For more information, and to register, click here: Daring Justice 6 Session Online Course with Jane Dawson — LeaderSHIFT UCCan


Blessings,
 
Michelle

Ready or not, here he comes!

Friends,

It’s true! Whatever we have left to do, to create a meaningful and joyful Christmas for our communities of faith, our friends, and our families – no matter how imperfectly we get it all done: the Christ Child is coming! I am praying for you during these final few days of the Advent marathon, that you will find moments to open yourself to the hope and peace, love and joy, that the Christ Child brings, even in the midst of it all.

You have no time to read this now…but please bookmark it to return to you’ve had time to rest after all your hard work this season. 

LeaderSHIFT “save the dates” for the year 2024 are....

Daring Justice:
Uniting in Dialogue and Reflection, with Jane Dawson.

  • This six-session exploration will meet 1-4pm, Thursdays, beginning Feb 15, and closing on April 25. Details and registration will be posted to LeaderSHIFT's website soon.



Stewardship Webinar:
Narrative Budgets, Tuesday, January 23, 1 pm.

  • As you prepare for the annual meeting of your community of faith, come and learn the practice and wisdom of creating a narrative budget, to communicate more effectively the ministry and mission of your congregation. Offered by Vicki Nelson, Community of Faith Stewardship Support, and LeaderSHIFT. Registration for this free webinar will be available early in the new year.



Anti-Racism Work and Action
First Third Ministry Leadership Conference runs April 4-6, 2024 onsite at Vancouver School of Theology.



GUATEMALA PILGRIMAGE
for Ministry Leaders: NEW DATES – August 2-12, 2024.

May you be blessed with energy, creativity, and joy this coming week… and then have time to rest and savour the gifts of the season! You have surely earned it, and your efforts are appreciated by so many.
 
Faithfully,

Michelle