Praying for Synod Council
For the first time since I was appointed in 2008 I am unable to attend a regularly scheduled synod council meeting. Instead, I will be practicing the discipline of praying for those faithful workers who have gathered for the sake of the kingdom and the spread of the gospel. As I struggle to understand Christian vocation this is a place of discomfort. I am a doer. My participation in the life of the church is active. My faith is active. In part it is a function of my extroversion. In part it is a certain level of dissatisfaction. So, today I will pray for the Synod Council, the Synod Staff, and for myself. My question is, "How can we otherwise participate in these work sessions?" Could this site be a tool for updating and participation?
Also, for those of you are better at being still and experiencing God. What are your keys for making that a vital and frequent experience?
Upcoming group events
There are no upcoming events.
Poll
- Login or register to post comments
- Older polls
Recent members
 |
Tom Friddle | |
 |
Liv Larson Andrews | |
 |
jmoos | |
|
|
DavidHaven | |
 |
skilove |
- 1 of 8
- ››
Thought I was a "doer" too
We'll miss you at Synod Council, Eric. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
7 years ago when I was on sabbatical I contracted with a spiritual director. It has been years since I'd had one. I learned much and experienced even more with contemplpative prayer and reflection. I stayed with this direcotr for some three years until she moved from the area. Now I'm in a Caritas group with 4 other ELCA pastors. Caritas is like a combination of group spiritual direction and an accountability group. We meet monthly. The Caritas movement comes from our Roman Catholic friends. If you'd like more infomrmation, contact me. Mark
Eric
Wish you were here. I would love to talk to you about our efforts to do something as a group of churches!
You and your voice were
You and your voice were missed. There was quite a bit of positive energy and excitement around establishing initiatives that can ben taken to the congregations in our Clusters --- initiatives that we can "get our arms around" generate excitement around, and be able to see results (measurable goals that fit within our guiding principles).
I really like this venue for sharing thoughts, ideas, and communicating what's happening. We need to let everyone know what we are about... GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS!
Doing something else
I just had the wonderful opportunity of biking through the E WA/ID synod this past week. Stayed Saturday night with my cousin, Kennewick Lord of Life Lutheran Pastor Dan Rieke, and then took off for Republic with stays both coming and going at Good Hope in Lind. (Thank you Pr. Mary Daniels!) Biking and writing poetry are contempletive activities for me. I'm not so great at just sitting and being still. I can do it - probably should - but a positive, proactive, focus elsewhere as with biking really helps me. "Whole body" meditation. Poetry helps me order my life. Sometimes I like to write alphabetic acrostic poems - making order out of chaos. (Such as Psalm 911 here)
Always Babbling Constantly Demanding Everything For Greed Hapless Intervention Justifyihng Kingdom Leaving Misery's Needless Odor Poverty Qued Relentlessly Striking Terror Undermining Villians With Xplosive YadaYada Zeal!
Great to hear the your Synod Council if finding traction and passion. We've got new leadership in Oregon and I look forward to an engaging year for us as well. We ought to start a leadership group populated by our Region 1 synod council members - and any and all other comers. That would be Soul Cafe at its best - doing what we can't do alone - setting a BIG table!!
Republic and Leadership Group
I love the idea of a leadership group. If you are around and want to have lunch or your plans change and you need a place to crash let me know. Colville is only 45 minutes from there and I would be to make the drive or welcome you here.
Eric