The Value of Pastoral Renewal Leave
Rev. Matthew Smith recently returned from a renewal leave. He explains that it is more than a vacation; it is a time to deepen one's relationship with God.
Posted: March 2 2021 at 02:38 PM
More than 300 people attended the first virtual Laity Convocation, “The Other Side: Making Churches Vital in
a Post-Pandemic World,” held as a Zoom webinar on Feb. 13, 2021. The session focused on the NIC’s strategic goals
of ending racism, growing and reaching new disciples, and building vital congregations. The three speakers
included Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey on communal prayer, Rev. Adam Hamilton on helping people grow in faith,
and Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe on reaching out to our neighbors.
The NIC Board of Laity hopes the event energized churches to work on anti-racism, discipleship and outreach. “The ‘Other Side’ of living in the post-pandemic world will be different, but the things we learned during Laity Convocation will be very relevant for each of us as we move forward together,” said NIC Co-Lay Leader Mark Manzi.
The Board of Laity is also grateful for all those who donated to the special offering to help fight hunger. More than $1,000 was collected to support three northern Illinois area food banks.
If you missed the event, a recording is available in two parts at umcnic.org/laity. The Board of Laity hopes church leaders will download and share the segments to use as a great resource for group studies, discussions or trainings in each church.