Saying Yes to new ideas, and no to more work for you.
One of the best ways to strengthen your lay leadership is to build a culture of enablement, to learn to always say yes.
This doesn't mean that every idea someone comes up with will end up being adopted and sanctioned by your parish. It also doesn't mean that every time someone has an idea, you will have be the one to make it happen.
What it does mean is that you need a process to enable your leaders to explore their God-given gifts and passions, and help them discern whether or not there is sustaining interest and support for the ministry in your church's larger community.
This article from the latest issue of Wesley Theological Seminary's "Leading Ideas" includes a useful step by-step process for doing just that.
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What is your church doing this summer to keep the momentum up?
Parishioners may go away on vacation soon, but RI attracts a large vacation crowd inward as well. Did you know that often it is when one is away from daily life that one begins to contemplate the meaning of it? How can you help? Here's a NYT article on vacationers & church attendence.
Also, when the weather warms up people come outside, where you can meet them at all the neighborhood fairs and festivals we all love to attend. What is happening in your town, and how can your church get involved? The projo has a great list of RI fairs & fests this summer. Notice that on June 14th Trinity, Cranston is mentioned for their Ecumenical service during Gaspee days. Could you do something like that at a major event in your community?
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ECC fundraiser; An Evening Under the Stars
Saturday June 7th, 6 pm
Eastertide Confirmations
Saturday June 7th, 10 am
All Saints', Providence
Clergy Picnic
Saturday June 14th
Join the Bishop & staff for a BBQ, games and family fun at the Episcopal Conference Center.
Lunch will feature a steak fry, with additional options of chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers, veggie burgers and delicious sides.
There are llamas for visiting, and lots of games from cards to field sports. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Ordination of Jackie Kirby
Saturday June 21st, 4 pm Grace Church, Providence
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