If you were among the hundreds who were "doing what matters" in Springfield, Mass., last month, you got to see firsthand the New England Synod's mission strategy in action. What's more, you played an important role in making it happen! At synod assembly, the faciliteam and the Synod Council shared the synod purpose statement and some guiding principles. Now, as we go forward into the second year of the process, we will be discovering what it might mean for us as a synod - and for you, as a leader and member of a congregation -- "to go where love leads and to serve where love calls." 

According to the Rev. Lisa Stoen Hazelwood, the synod ministry specialist for the "Doing What Matters" mission strategy, there will be opportunities for further discussion in the fall. "We're still in the planning process," she says, "but there will be at least three 'Doing What Matters' gatherings in three corners of the synod on Saturday, Nov. 5, to further the conversation."

The purpose of these events is threefold: 

1. To learn what it might mean to "go where love leads and to serve where love calls" as individuals, as congregations and as a synod;
2. To hear how a few New England pastors are replicating the "Doing What Matters" process in their congregations;
3. To offer resources and materials for the next phase of the strategy.

"We hope this process will afford opportunities for leaders and congregations to reflect again on the nature of God's call," says Pr. Hazelwood, "along with the assets and partners God has provided, and the directions each of us might be called upon to explore." Learn more.

A three-part series, "Swords into Plowshares: The Transformative Power of Reconciliation," offers stories of transformation by people who have experienced great violence in their lives, and yet choose to respond with forgiveness. Co-sponsored by the Kairos Spiritual Life Center and All Saints Church, 10 Irving St., Worcester, Mass., to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

• Friday Sept.9, 7-9 p.m. "Beyond Belief," a film by Beth Murphy about Sept. 11 widows who responded to their loss by developing bonds with Afghan widows;
• Tuesday Sept. 13, 7-9 p.m. "Beyond Retribution," a film about those who lost family members as a result of Sept. 11, the Oklahoma City bombing and the war in Iraq;
• Thursday Sept. 15, 7-9 p.m. "Becoming Agents of Reconciliation," a program on conflict, reconciliation and transformation.

To learn more about this event and other Kairos offerings, email kairoscenter@allsaintsw.org or call 507-752-3766 x19.

The interfaith community in Massachusetts will mark the 10^th anniversary of Sept. 11 at a large public gathering Sunday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Hatch Shell on the Boston Esplanade, announces the Massachusetts Council of Churches. The event, "Massachusetts Remembers," will include prayers, poems and performances by the Boston Pops Brass and Boston Children's Chorus, Master of ceremonies is the Rev. Liz Walker. Churches are invited to send a delegation. A common prayer and interfaith resources will be available. For more information, contact Laura Everett at laura@masscouncilofchurches.org or 617-523-2771. Register your church.

The worship staff of the ELCA has prepared resources for both congregations and individuals for the observance of the 10^th anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Click here.

The National Council of Churches Interfaith Relations Commission plans to recognize congregations that engage with communities of other faiths. The Interfaith Engaged Congregational Initiative is receiving nominations until Sept. 1 for congregations that "have something important to share about interfaith engagement." For more information contact: Interfaith Engaged Congregational Initiative