Lent

A season of reflection and renewal. A time for Sacred Conversation.

This year, MCU invites you to join a season of congregational renewal through sacred conversations. Gather key leaders (board, choir, education, outreach, evangelism) who will meet one-to-one with your congregation. By listening deeply to the stories of your members, they will hear how God is speaking in the lives of your people. Together, they will discern at least one clear next step toward an even more faithful vitality.

Developing Leaders
Congregations actively participating in Rekindling Our Congregations will show signs of increased vitality, such as: Increased worship attendance Stronger financial base Trained lay leadership Relational culture Engagement with neighborhood Living out values in public arena Energized clergy New ministry strategies Clarity of self-interest Accountability among leaders

Four Fundamental Attitudes

Rekindling Our Congregations will use the tools and disciplines of faith-based community organizing to create and maintain in our congregations a culture that is permeated by four fundamental attitudes.

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

Ginny Schrappen with her leadership award from the Missouri Catholic Conference, on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives.

1. Relationships are key. 2. Congregations are called to be powerful. 3. The work of the congregation is important. 4. A sense of urgency is critical.

Fire of Faith: Rekindling My Congregation

Schedule
1. Thursday, January 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Membership Assembly to launch Rekindling My Congregation and orient clergy and key leaders. 2. Select one of the following three sessions. Each will feature experienced trainers. Bring your whole leadership team for in-depth preparation. Saturday, January 26, 9:00-Noon
St Ann Catholic Church 7530 Natural Bridge; Saint Louis, MO 63121

For more information contact:

Metropolitan Congregations United for St. Louis

4501 Westminster Place, 3 Floor St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 367-3484 (314) 367-7121 (fax)
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Rev. David Gerth, Executive Director 314-518-6455 david@mcustl.com Rev. Susan Sneed, County Organizer 314-402-0778 susan@mcustl.com Brittini Gray, City Organizer 716-536-7694 brittini@mcustl.com

Rekindling My Congregation

Tuesday, January 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Washington Tabernacle 3200 Washington Avenue Saint Louis, MO 63103

Responding to Gods call for your congregation Building relationships through sacred conversations Sparking vitality for critical ministries

Saturday, February 2, 9:00-Noon

Mary Mother of the Church 5901 Kerth Road Saint Louis, MO 63128

Coming in Lent 2013!

3. Lent. Conduct a Sacred Conversations listening campaign in your congregation. 4. Saturday, March 9th, 10:00-Noon Mid-point check in. 5. Saturday, April 13, 9:00-Noon Final debrief and congregational plans.