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“But thanks be to God who has given us the victory through Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Dear brothers and sisters of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese,
As we journey together in this Easter season I am so thankful for your continued work to be a Growing Anglican Network of Flourishing Churches. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15, our work is not “in vain,” for Christ has already won the victory over sin and death.
I am excited to share with you a wonderful opportunity being offered this month to equip lay leaders and clergy in your congregation, that the work God calls us to might flourish. As a key part of our Strategic Plan, we are launching the Center for Ministry in partnership with the Charles Simeon Institute of Saint Peter’s Cathedral. From April 19–20, leaders from across the Diocese will gather for workshops on a host of topics, and it is my hope that you will prayerfully consider participation. This conference is appropriately titled, Equipping the Saints.
Workshops for our first weekend will include: Healing Prayer Ministry in the Parish (Mtr. Travis Boline and Frankie Allen), Growing a Small Group Discipleship Ministry (Glen and Robin Davis), Using the Book of Common Prayer (Abp. Bob Duncan), Teaching the Anglican Catechism (Fr. Michael Petty), and a Youth Track on Identity, Purpose, Belonging, and Witness led by Dana Standridge, Canon Christopher Jones, and Archdeacon Jessica Jones. I could not ask for a better group of leaders to teach us on these vital areas in the life of our Church!
I encourage you to attend the Equipping the Saints conference. Who might you invite to come with you? Consider where our Diocese will be in five years, as we discern our work in the Lord. Jody and I look forward to seeing you there.