"What is a Mission Area Assembly?"
Glad you asked! That's a question that comes up a lot in congregations throughout our synod. First of all, a mission area assembly is NOT a "missionary" assembly, although upon first hearing, it's easy to make that mistake. Rather, as the Rev. Lisa Hazelwood, co-pastor of St. Andrew in Charlestown, R.I. explained, "it is one in a series of regional gatherings of lay people and clergy from a couple of conferences who have been grouped together in a 'mission area'. These assemblies have served many different purposes, and have lots of potential to be whatever we want them to be." Adds the Rev. Dr. Jane O'Hara Shields, Director for Evangelical Mission, "these mission areas were created for the purpose of encouraging contextual starts in mission and ministry. By grouping the synod into regional areas, each one can look at its unique gifts and its unique calling."
In the past, students and staff from the School of Lay Ministry - as well other lay leaders in these mission areas - have worked together to plan workshops and activities, and to recruit speakers that suited local interests. Last year, the Doing What Matters team brought a program to each mission area, while working with local planners on logistics. This will be a very important year for the assemblies, as each mission area will serve as a venue for the preparation of the election of a new bishop in June. "While the Ad Hoc Committee for the Election of a Bishop completes its necessary work, the Doing What Matters team will have an hour or two to keep the momentum going," Lisa said. "We can continue our shared work of listening to our communities for assets, wows and needs."
Mission area assemblies are also about building relationships. "It's a great opportunity to come together and share best practices and best ideas with others," Pr. Hazelwood said. "Here, you meet people and find out what they're doing in their congregations and communities. At these assemblies, we raise up new leaders as participants take turns planning and hosting, as well as leading presentations and worship."
Finally, a mission area assembly provides a wonderful opportunity to experience a connection to the "wider" church - a connection that goes beyond the congregation where we worship, learn and serve. "It is our conference, our synod, and the whole church captured in its national form," said Lisa.
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