Greetings Regional Synod of New York Family,
Can you believe we are more than halfway through July? Some of you are planning for reopening in September and some of you are praying and seeking alternative methods in worship by social media. In my conversations with Ministers, I am hearing that some ministers are meeting to plan big events for worship opportunities, Christian Education, and many exciting activities in the life of the church, especially reconnecting with members and friends.
I am thankful to God for the ways many of our churches are developing progressive engagements in sponsoring VBS and Summer programs for children and adults. Continue these fun learning opportunities as our churches refresh in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We know the pandemic wreaked havoc on ministries in our churches, so your RSNY is ready to help congregations with your plans as you reopen.
In the meantime, I trust that many of our pastors are seeking rest and some vacation time as a means to restore the rhythm of our pastoral servanthood in ministry. For me, I had to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart and remind me that in the Christian Ministry, there is always more to do. Our role as Ministers of Word and Sacrament tends to be keep serving, communicating, preaching, teaching, and keep helping others. While this is a good pattern, we tend not to listen to our body rhyme and all warnings of health issues and the need to rest as we instruct our members and leaders.
The Summer can be a time for most of us to recast the vision for the new church year. Find time to do some reading. Reading fiction can be rewarding, I enjoy reading authors like James Patterson, Pat George-Walker, and Fern Michaels. I am part of several book clubs. For those of you in the Ministry you might want to consider: An Unhurried Leader: The Lasting Fruit of Daily Influence by Alan Fadling, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry by: Ruth Haley Barton, Building Below the Waterline: Strengthening the Life of a Leader by: Gordon MacDonald.
Continue to have a blessed Summer.
Prayerfully,
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards Interim Executive Minister