Retreating to transform

THEO OLSON, COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Recently, we celebrated Transfiguration Sunday and were reminded that Jesus and the disciples took time to pray and reflect. And this wasn't the only moment they took time to go off and pray. And of course they aren't the only ones we read about in scripture that go on retreat of some sort. One story that connects with me is Moses and his time in the desert that eventually leads to his transformation as leader of God's chosen people.
That is why I'm excited about our annual council retreat. It is a time for us to break away and get out of our normal routine.  It is a time to reflect on our calling as a congregation to Proclaim, Welcome and Serve. It is a time to learn more about each other and understand our role as leaders at CGSLC. 
This year I'm particularly excited as we focus on learning about being a lay leader in the church through the examples we read about in the Bible. Pastor Manda will lead us in our monthly devotions that "Celebrate the Body of Christ".  And this year we will transform our roles as a council in a variety of ways. We begin with a one-day retreat at the end of the month to do some foundation building for our work and leadership this year.  Our typical weekend retreat will move to the end of Summer, enabling us the opportunity to reflect and begin the planning process for the new year. This will transform the way Council does business and move our focus to more mission/vision fulfillment. 
Like the disciples and Moses, we'll find this transforming work tiring from time to time and even be skeptical of our abilities.  But we are reassured that God has called each of us to be on Council as part of our vocation here at CGSLC. 
What can you do to support your council? 

• Pray. We are extremely grateful for your prayers as we discern the Spirit's guidance as we do the business of the congregation.
• Engage. Share your thoughts, joys and concerns with your council members. We want to hear from you and encourage your involvement in congregational meetings and other ways you'll be invited to provide input during the year.

God is doing amazing work through each of us and our ministries here at CGS. On behalf of the council, we look forward to partnering together to continue growing in our faith, strengthening our ministries and reaching out to our neighbors.
In service, Theo