This Saturday, St. Andrew’s deacons and elders will gather at Goleta Presbyterian Church for our annual leadership retreat. It will be the first time since the pandemic (maybe even earlier) that the broad leadership of the church will meet together in person to consider our shared ministry. We will discuss what is working and what needs to be revised. It will be an opportunity to share with one another our hopes and concerns for the future and to express what we love about the church (and what we would like to see change). It will be a rare opportunity for the elders to hear from the deacons about their experience with their flocks, the support that would encourage them in their work, and the joy they receive from their ministry. Likewise, the elders will get a chance to reflect on their aspirations for their committees as well as to express the challenges that concern them.
But more than that, it will be a time to be together: we will share a meal and catch up with each other. At the end of the day, this is the most important goal of our retreat. We come together to hear the Spirit’s voice spoken through each other’s words and calling us into an unknown future, a future full of hope and laughter and joy.
Blessings,
Pastor Jen