As the Rev. Lisa Hazelwood, co-pastor of St. Andrew, Charlestown, R.I., explains, "A Mission Area Assembly 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." 

 

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 (DWM) team will have an hour or two to keep the momentum  going," Pr. Hazelwood 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 wonderful 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." A mission area assembly lets you experience a connection to the "wider" church - one that goes beyond the congregation where we worship, learn and serve. 

  

Please note that the Southeast Mission Area Assembly on March 17 has been moved from Sanctuary, Marshfield, Mass., to Zion, Plymouth, Mass. Any registrations that have already been paid and sent to Sanctuary will be forwarded to Zion.

 

For more information about "Doing What Matters," find us on our Facebook or web page.

 

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