Review Of Your Year

Friends,
As we approach Advent season and Christmas celebrations, we also approach year end. Perhaps you, like I, look back at this time and reflect on memories and accomplishments as planning for next year hides behind curtain number three.  

Gathering with people from around the globe for World Conference this year was a blessing. The energy, the devotion, the enthusiasm, the wisdom gathered led us to offer moments of blessing at our CEM conference. That became the highlight of the conference experience for many people, and we do plan for more of those experiences in gatherings next year. Thank you for sharing the importance of that practice. We continue to pray for every congregation, their leadership and all the dedicated members of our Mission Centre as we know our future resides in your wisdom, passion, and servant ministry. 

When a course on discernment facilitation was offered, I eagerly signed up for this two-year journey of learning. What I have found most important for a successful facilitator is time dedicated to my personal spiritual formation. I still struggle with that discipline. In this troubled world, the more people there are dedicated to listening for the still small voice of the divine, the better. I hope you make that a part of your daily routine along with the Mission Prayer. All the seven facilitators in the course are expected to practice discernment with a group in 2024. If a congregation would like to be a discerning community, please contact the presidency team for an opportunity to be a participant. 

Below is a poem that came to me during one of my spiritual formation times. 

What is the sound of a leaf falling as it flutters to the ground? 
Crisp and crackly or soft and silent? 
Patiently you wait for its moment of release, wondering 
Can you stop it in its descent? 
Why no, God forbid. 
For nature takes its cue from the creator above, 
And we are but observers destined to watch and wait in awe. 
For the day a leaf tumbles in all its blazing glory  
can no more be controlled than the rising and setting  
of the sun. 

What is the sound of a tear falling as it trickles down a cheek? 
Harsh and sobbing or small and soundless? 
Tenderly you watch a soul in unknown torment, wondering 
Can you stop a tear in its descent? 
Why yes, God be praised! 
For the suffering take their cue from acts of compassion 
And we are the humble servants called to see, listen, and love. 
For the day a tear lingers on a shadowed face  
Is the day you’re called to kindly walk in the footsteps  
of the risen One. 

Yours in Christ, Vonda DenBoer