VESTRY RETREAT
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo New York; 2/7-8/03
Theme: Each Member a Missionary
Friday Evening
Overview of the Retreat
Sharing
What led you to become active in the church now?
What led you to become to be a member of the Vestry?
Saturday Morning
Practice in discerning some of our present missions – distinguish between “body missions” and “member missions” – sample worksheet reviewed
1. Individual reflection – each pair or trio assigned a specific mission field
a mission is specific
a mission includes both direct and implied tasks to achieve it
a mission is discerned as what God is calling one to do, to be, or to change
2. Work individually to complete worksheets provided – at least 7 minutes
3. Sharing in pairs or trios; then, in plenary, one from each mission field – leader presses for specifics, for seeking a teammate, and for actual words that might be used
Repractice as time allows
What are some of our observations or learnings?
Saturday Afternoon
Consider: a vision that draws you on – every member on mission wherever they are all the time; and a structure – a mission statement calling for supporting the members in their daily living as Christians; and an action – the members discerning their daily missions in their mission fields
Implications for reorganizing the congregational life of the Cathedral*
Eucharist
*Areas for possible consideration
A look at the mission of St. Paul’s
Integrating any modifications into the life of the congregation
Forming members as missionaries
A spirituality of being co-workers with God
Helping members to name their present missions
Change and feedback – for individuals – for organizations / systems
Small groups
Worship and preaching
Training leaders
Other implications
Member Mission |
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