Small Church Voices Newsletter

From the Iona Collaborative

Here we are, in this short Epiphany space between Christmas and Lent. The New Year's celebrations are behind us, the cold weather is upon us, and the dark season of Lent is a little over a month away. Since most days this time of year are chilly and dreary, I like to think of this little green spot on the liturgical calendar as "seed planting time." If you're a dirt-digger like me, you know that many springtime beauties require time in cold, damp, unpleasant conditions to sprout, take root, and grow. Many winter greens are their most gorgeous after a good snow and melt-off. I wonder what "seeds" of new ideas and new endeavors might be finding footing in the hearts of your congregations in this time. How are your communities being called to stretch, grow, and take up space in this new year? We'd love to know!

In the meantime, we've got some NEW things for you in this month's newsletter. Read on below!

Christina C. Gordon

Digital Communications, Iona Collaborative

Please forward this newsletter widely and send us your own stories about the power of small.

Subscribe Here!

Celebrating the Installation of Dr. Scott Bader-Saye

Ninth Dean and President of Seminary of the Southwest

Image Courtesy of Seminary of the Southwest

We are thrilled to celebrate the installation of Dr. Scott Bader-Saye as the Ninth Dean and President of Seminary of the Southwest! Despite last week's chilly temperatures and icy roads, our SSW family pulled together for a beautiful service of Choral Evensong held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, TX on Tuesday, January 21.

The Most Rev. Michael Curry preached and the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan officiated while faculty, colleagues, friends and well-wishers gathered to honor this momentous occasion.

Click here to watch the celebration.

Featured Resource for January

5-Session Course

from the Center of Deep Green Faith

Does the church possess a unique charism, or ability, to bring to creation care?

Might it be missing out on playing a critical role that few others can play?

This course examines the root cause of the environmental and social crises we face today, the unique role that churches can play in addressing it, the challenge this poses to the church as church, and the potential that it has for transforming and renewing it.

This interdisciplinary course drawing on theology and social science consists of five weekly 75-minute online sessions beginning Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30 pm CST and ending on March 18. Instruction will include about twenty minutes of preparation for each class, optional reading, some lecture, and lots of discussion. The course is offered by the Center for Deep Green Faith.

The instructor is Robin Gottfried, Director of the Center’s certificate program in Contemplation and Care for Creation, and Emeritus Professor of Economics at Sewanee: The University of the South.

Tuition is $100. Financial aid is available. Click the image above to learn more!

Want to See Your Church in This Newsletter? Reach Out Here!

How is your congregation engaging in Lent this year?

Any community initiatives or programs that other small churches might replicate?

We want to celebrate YOU!

Drop us a note using the link above, and share with us your good news! Include pictures, and you might see your faith community in this newsletter and/or on our social media pages!

Need IT Support? Email us!

Should you find yourself needing help with password resets, setting up user names, etc.,

please email us at our new Iona IT support address: support@iona.ssw.edu

Find Us Online