Returning to the Conversation

Its been a while since I (or anyone else for that matter) has posted here. Its been a short season of being sent - and now 2 of the 3 of us who were traveling are back. Nate returned this weekend after a month at Holden Village in remote Washington state. After talking with him briefly on the phone I can not wait for him to post his reflections here.

In the past few weeks the community at Intermission ClayPeople Community has taken many steps of faith...I'll recap them here:

As of January 24th, Intermission ClayPeople Community is in official relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Many of us in the Community have a deep history with the ELCA - its a familty and brings with it a rich hertitage of reformation which we really value. We are particularly thankful to Ruben Duran (ELCA Churchwide offices) and Steve Kanuouse (SW Texas Synod Mission Director) for walking along side us, for affirming us in our ministry, and taking a risk on a few crazy young adults who are passionate about what God is doing in Seguin.

We've entered into a "mutual-learning" relationship with a congregation of the United Methodist Church. Through my friend, Dan Harrington, our two communities have committed to walking side by side, sharing our stories together, and listening/praying together as we start new churches.

We've created a Council of Elders! We been blessed with wonderful mentors and key adults who have been very instrumental in shaping Intermission. Now, some of those have been called and commissioned into a Council who will help us in accountability of ELCA funds, visioning our future, and mentoring us through our transition season. Who are they you ask?

Pastor Greg Ronning, spiritual director - Greg is a close mentor to much of our leadership and continues to serve as our spiritual director and friend in this ministry

Dan Harrington - Dan invited Intermission to help create a new worship at First United Methodist-Seguin with the youth there. Now the worship - called The Journey - has had three runs and is a pilot for what worship might look like in a new church plant with FUMC. His spiritual friendship is now part of our community.

Ron Quiros, leadership coach - As I learn my new role as "abbot" (spiritual guide), I am being coached by Ron in communication, transition management, listening, and servant leadership. His friendship and partnership has always been great and its wonderful to have him on our Council

Rozella White (in discernment) - Rozella is on the synod staff of the Gulf Coast Synod and has been an advocate for us and other innovative young adult ministries. From Houston she's kept up with us and has always give amazing insights for me and my ministry. We've asked her to pray and discern joining our Council and we're waiting to hear back from her - Please pray with us.

As you can see its been a busy, but incredibly fruitful time for us at Intermission. More from my experience at Nicaragua and from the ground here in Seguin to come.

On the way...
Tim