Through a guided methodology of self-reflection, sharing and workshop discussion, RenewalWorks challenges parishes to refocus on spiritual growth and to identify ways that God is calling them to grow.
A parish team is gathered to delve into the specifics of the inventory data over four guided workshops. This group contemplates the following questions, one at each workshop:
- Where have we been?
- Where are we now?
- Where do we feel called to go?
- How will we get there?
RenewalWorks – Forward Movement
A combined team of members from the Episcopal Churches of Ossining, St. Paul’s on the Hill and Trinity have embarked on the study of spirituality in the two congregations. Once the committee (Mark Monroe, Julie Gross, Jo McGrath from St. Paul’s and Tam Hernandez, Sally Evans, Cecilia Quintero and Ed Shultsz from Trinity and Mo. Copper) was formed, we attended an Introductory meeting with other participating parishes. The first meeting of the team was held on February 15 followed by meetings on March 18, April 8 and 29. A report will then be presented to each vestry followed by reports to the congregations. The data from the forty two completed individual inventories will be forwarded to the RenewalWorks team early this month. Once that data has been analyzed and considered the team will work to propose a plan to move forward with our spiritual growth.
Please feel free to approach any of the team members with any questions you might have. I am sure they will be encouraged by your interest and do their best to address your questions.
An excerpt Why RenewalWorks?
A lawyer approached Jesus, putting him to the test with this question: “Which is the greatest commandment?” Jesus’ response was simple, if not easy. He said it was about love of God (with all your heart and soul and mind) and love of neighbor as self.
That singular emphasis on love of God and neighbor provides the foundation for RenewalWorks, a ministry in the Episcopal Church that focuses on spiritual growth by deepening love of God and neighbor in the lives of congregations, in the lives of ministries that animate those congregations, and in the lives of the individuals who bring life to those ministries.