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Greetings!
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Happy Advent! In this issue, you'll find resources for inviting people into deeper relationship with one another, with God, and with the Church. We begin with an invitation to health.
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Wellness Summit
Saturday January 25th, 9:30 AM to 3 PM
St. Peter's by the Sea, Narragansett
The Church Pension Group is hosting a free one-day wellness event for Medical Trust participants. The event is particularly geared towards Clergy, church employees, and their spouses but all are welcome. Come evaluate your current lifestyle and learn about positive changes to make that will support you for years to come. Lunch will be served.
- Discover a new vision for health and wellness;
- Learn practical ideas for managing stress;
- Get fitness and nutrition tips;
- Develop good goals and create an action plan to accomplish them.
Space is limited so attendees should register for free online.
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Scholars in Your Midst
If you have any scholars in your church, they can be a wonderful resource. Why not invite them to share their gifts with your community?
Ask them to lead a forum, give a lecture, teach a class, or present a paper. People love to be asked to share their knowledge, and parishioners love to learn from and about fellow worshipers.
Remember to advertise the event beyond church walls. A scholarly lecture on an interesting topic can be a great way to bring people into your church for the first time.
Invite them to submit a paper for the 2014 New England Anglican Studies Conference on Christianity and Capitalism. Proposals are due Fri., Dec. 31, and the conference will be held at Harvard Divinity School on April 11-12. More information here.
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Get Funding for New Ministries
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) selects up to four innovative scholars or ministry leaders each year to participate in its Fellowship Partners Program. Fellows receive financial support of up to $15,000 for the first year, and awards are renewable for an additional two years.
In 2013, the Rev. Edmund Harris was awarded an ECF Fellowship for Church Beyond the Walls, which has just celebrated its first anniversary.
ECF Fellowships are not just for scholars or clergy -- any ministry leader can apply. Take a look at what exciting new ministries are springing up in your church, and invite their leaders to apply for a fellowship in support of their work.
Applications are due March 14, and Fellows are announced in late May.
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Deepening Ties
The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the chance to reach out to people in thanks for all the ways they contribute to our common life: for their pledging and financial support, but also for their time and talents.
Now is the perfect time to send thank-you notes, host thank-you dinners, pray for or offer small gifts of appreciation to those who serve in your church. It doesn't take much to show people that you value their contributions.
Two stories you don't want to emulate, plus some best practices.
Be prompt about saying thanks and pay attention to the details.
This Advent, invite people into deeper relationship by remembering to give thanks.
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