Regional Synod News – August 2022

     NEWS

Dear Friends: We’ve got a really exciting online event coming up for our region.  We’re calling it Connection and Mission because that is what it’s designed to do.  We want to connect our churches to each other.  With many pastors and churches desiring more of a connection to each other, we want to help facilitate that process.  And when we connect with each other we learn from each other and we can be stronger as we partner in mission together.  Our Vice President, Chad Farrand is going to lead us in a reflection on the church’s mission and let me tell you, it’s some of the best, most thought provoking teaching I’ve heard in a LONG time.  We’ll have time as well to get to know each other and develop those connections that may lead to a partnership in mission.  This isn’t a one and done type of thing either, we’ll have another like it in October.  And, if there are any sparks of partnership that begin to happen, we want to help facilitate that!  Join us August 24 at 7pm Central by using this Zoom link.  
— Chad

Generation Spark Webinar: For engaging the next generation with equity and hospitality, consider mentoring! Learn more about how you can establish a mentoring program in your church during this one-hour webinar about Generation Spark. The webinar will be led by Anna Radcliffe, RCA coordinator for Next Generation Engagement, along with Ron deVries from the CRC and Ruth Langkamp, next gen program specialist for the RCA. It will take place on August 23 at 6:30 pm Central time. Register HERE for the webinar. To learn more about the Generation Spark process, whose next cohort launches this fall, click HERE.

Renovations Cohort Forming Now: This 9-month cohort will help ministry leaders slow down and take stock of what God is up to. They’ll identify what’s shifted, evaluate their congregation’s current reality, and explore the possibilities before them with renewed imagination. With thought-provoking masterclasses, personalized coaching, and an immersive visit to a ministry innovation hub, Renovations jump-starts the process of reimagining treasured traditions for vibrant ministry now and in the future. Plus, participating churches are eligible for a $5,000 ministry innovation grant. Click HERE for more information.

Equity-based Hospitality Course: This 11-week study series explores biblical hospitality from an equity lens, and it can be used by individuals or groups. New sessions are posted each Tuesday through mid-September.  Find them HERE.

Webinar on Micro-Churches – Looking for more depth on smaller churches? Where did this movement come from? Where is it headed? Is it really the future of church? Check out this Exponential webinar with Daniel Yang, Ralph Moore, and Rob Wegner. It’s a deep dive from some big names on the micro church movement and gives insight and implications that anyone can use.  Click HERE to watch the webinar.

She Is Called: Women of the Bible Study Vol. 2 is out now – This RCA resource focuses on how Mary and Martha, Abigail, Junia, and more embraced God’s call for their lives in the second volume of the women of the Bible series.  For more information or to check out Volume 1, click HERE.

Looking for Church Renewal? – Vibrant Congregations helps local churches discern the best path to their God-given, hope-filled future. It starts with a quick, free, online assessment HERE. Vibrant is a partner organization of the RCA and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

The Commission on Nominations is looking for committed, talented, passionate individuals to serve on RCA commissions, agencies, and boards. They may have more vacancies to fill than usual this year and the Church needs your help.  If you are interested in serving our denomination, visit this link and download a profile to fill out and email back to the commission at nominations@rca.org.

Free Christian Counseling for Pastors and Church Employees – The RCA’s Board of Benefits Services Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential Christian counseling either at at an outpatient clinic in your area or via an online telehealth session.  Up to 3 sessions per issue are provided at no cost to any employee of an RCA church.  Some common issues addressed are depression, anxiety, work-related problems, marital issues, family issues, substance abuse, and others.  The 24 hour hotline number is (833) 244-2490.  For more information click HERE.

NEWS FROM CAMP MANITOQUA
It’s never too early to start thinking about the Fall Clean Up Day on October 22, 2022 from 8:30am – 11:30am.  Please bring work gloves, buckets, leaf rakes, shovels, tarps, leaf blowers, and anything else you might think helpful! Please click HERE to learn more and RSVP..

Camp Manitoqua is looking to enrich the land God has provided with new trees.  If you would like to donate to this project, click here.
 

Is “Contemporary Worship” Contemporary? – John Wimber says: “The problem is: nothing in my research or experience leads to the conclusion that contemporary worship will attract younger generations. Indeed, is what we call contemporary worship even contemporary?”  Check out this thought-provoking article.

Rethinking A Church’s Strategy for Inviting the Community In – Most of the church growth tactics of the past half-century were built on the premise of expecting people from the community to attend our churches. But these strategies were built upon an assumption that most people in our communities were looking for a church home. Well, they are not looking anymore. And it is mainly futile to build a strategy upon a flawed premise.  So what are they looking for?

Innovation Can Convert ‘Sacred Spaces’ to Congregational Revenue – Property and facilities can often be used for congregational revenue and we may not even be aware of those who would use our spaces.  Explore this opportunity in this article.

Church, Can We Talk about Hospitality? – A Hope College professor writes about visiting many churches, the things he has learned, and asks us all great questions.