Thursday, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Union Seminary (5141 Sharon Rd Charlotte, NC 28210).
This is the second of new quarterly gatherings funded by a grant from the Foundation for the Carolinas. Each time we gather, we'll build in some wellness practices for ourselves, some exploration of what's working well in congregations, and LOTS of networking.
We have a GREAT SPEAKER lined up who will be a perfect follow-up to Dr. Thumma's February presentation. Dr. Thumma's research indicated that congregational resistance to change is one of the key factors in clergy discontent. Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls, Founder and Executive Director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice and Pastor Emeritus of Sacred Souls UCC, will speak on HOW faith leaders can encourage and build openness to needed change.
MOVING MOUNTAINS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Lessons in Demolition and Construction for Faith Leaders
In this season of change and uncertainty, communities of faith are facing unprecedented challenges. The call to question, reimagine and shift things long-believed to be foundational can be difficult. Bishop Rawls' work over the past 25 years has centered culture shifts in communities of faith and the broader community. She will be sharing some case studies and tools that can be considered when taking your work to the next level.
Ayya Sudhamma of the Charlotte Buddhist Vihara (https://www.charlottebuddhistvihara.org) will lead the wellness moment. A delicious lunch will be served by Dahlia Grove Catering. Dahlia Grove is a nonprofit social enterprise seeking to empower and employ women survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual exploitation.
https://www.dahliagrove.org
We all enjoyed SO MUCH the opportunity to come together in February - so this will be another great opportunity to gather together and to learn.
These gatherings are made possible by a generous grant from the Foundation for the Carolinas. If you are able to make a donation toward the costs of the lunch, it will help us to make these events more widely available and perhaps more frequent.
