Leadership Net - May 2023

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Leadership Net

Inspiring creative ways for lay and rostered leaders to carry God's love into the world

The Flames of God's Spirit

Acts 2: 42 - 47

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Please share this newsletter with congregational council members and key lay leaders of your congregation. The meditation can be used in small groups or as an individual

Meditation Reflection

Holy Spirit Sightings

What does a Spirit filled church look like?

Have you seen the Holy Spirit present in your church? Share your stories!

Why is a Spirit filled Church important?

What are the fruits of a Spirit filled church?

Practically Speaking....

God's Spirit can work in mysterious or practical ways. Follow these time honored tips that were as useful to the early church as they are for us today! (See Acts 2: 42 - 47)

Spend Time in the Temple

Spend Time Together, Break Bread Together

Distribute Resources to Those in Need

Give Praise, Thanks and Glory to God.

Spend Time in the Temple

The Temple...a church, a meditation space in our home, a Holy conversation... connects us to God and slows us down long enough to listen and hear!

What do we have in common with others? Where are people hurting? Where can we let go? How can our joint gifts address the needs of our world?

Spend Time Together. Break Bread Together

The world needs community now more than ever and the church offers this gift! The community takes work because we are different and don't always agree! Yet God's love and compassion is the yeast that leavens all the unique ingredients we bring. Sharing a warm loaf of living bread reminds us that we are about something greater than ourselves. We are about God's healing way of life!

Distribute Resources to Those in Need

Our time, talent and treasures are meant to be shared. Blending our gifts creates unique opportunities that could never be imagined. Fear and lack can paralyze us. Generosity, change and partnerships builds hope, dreams and life for those in need. As God's Spirit settles in, resources from individuals, congregations or the synod emerge and fuel the action required to care for God's people. Listen to the Spirit, be open. Wonders and signs will be carried out in Christ's name.

Give Praise, Glory and Thanks to God

What you say about your work in the congregations and church at large is what you think about God's action. If you see people's lives being changed, shout it from the mountain top! Communicate with all you see that God is present and active in our world! Share God's dream for the world. Boldly ask for money and resources. People will give when they see and experience God's goodness for the world! We are better together as a network rather than disconnected individuals or congregations.

Wonders and Signs Around our Synod

We are a Spirit-Empowered Synod made up of faithful congregations. Each congregation has a story to tell of where God's Spirit is active and alive. What is your story. Here are just a few examples. Share your story with Rebecca ([email protected]) and it will be included in the next newsletter.

Food pantries are a common sight in many congregations, serving people with food insecurities. As you listen to the needs of your neighbors what other resources can you offer?

Being loved and respected is a gift many congregations offer to our youngest little ones through preschool education.

MacArthur Park and San Pablo in San Antonio have agreed to share in ministry together, sharing facilities, financial resources, and shared ministries initiatives.

St. John-San Juan in Austin, under the leadership of Pastor Lea Walker Clark is reimagining a multicultural and bilingual ministry.

San Lucas and Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries serve migrants and asylum seekers and border immersion experiences.

Pastor J Mills is working with congregations who are considering their future whether it leads to rebirth or resurrection. Lord of Life in Austin closed their ministries but left a financial legacy to the synod to continue to work around the synod.

Technicolor Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Katy Miles-Wallace is providing learning opportunities around the synod advocating for our LGBTQIA2S+ friends.

Austin's Shepherd of the Hills, women held a retreat in Gonzales. Urban and Rural came together. A tour of a chicken farm led to conversations about immigrant workers and their value to farmers, ways of practicing environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurial opportunities through the gift of land. A stay in the local hotel and conversations with local businesses enlightened the women about the difficulties of small businesses.

Two events have been sponsored by JustSisters in Austin. Congregations were invited for conversations about difficult issues on abortion and black male experiences. Stories were told from both sides of the issue, followed by listening/discussion groups. God's Spirit was active as stories were shared and hearts were changed. These conversations will continue to bring more folks together to learn and understand one another.

Where are the needs in your community?

Who are partners that could bring a diverse set of gifts to address the need?

Listen, God's Spirit is calling!