Congregational Seasons Community Blog Launch

Passionate with Abundant Hope by Rev. Joe Duggan, Episcopal Church Foundation Fellow and Convener of the Congregational Seasons community blog

There is a time for everything.  A time to be born.  A time to live.  A time to grow.  A time to die. 

Congregational Seasons offers resources to assist congregations navigate from one season to another as they stay rooted in Christ and are led by the Spirit of God into new forms of life-giving ministries.

I am passionate about ministry to the many Episcopalians who are suffering in silence and don’t know which congregational season their parish is in at this time. Should these congregations merge, form partnerships, use their property in alternative ways that draw more people into shared ministry or close with dignity to find new life in another Episcopal congregation? 

Congregational Seasons features and welcomes stories of those who have made some of these difficult transitions and discovered new life and their renewed baptismal commitment. See Rev. Rick Sorensen's post with his account of the closing of St. Stephen's Church in Reno, Nevada.  Congregational Seasons also welcomes stories where mergers and partnerships did not work so that we may all learn. There are many resources available but few know about them or know how to find them.  

As convener of Congregational Seasons my purpose is to initiate and inspire a networked conversation. Congregational Seasons relies on people of churches, priests and bishops to share their stories of transition, what they learned in the process and how their lives have been changed. 

My role with you is to keep the urgency of these challenges front and center for all throughout The Episcopal Church.  Unlike other blogs, I will not comment on posts apart to expand and deepen your networking. I prefer to hear your stories.

Together let us walk in love, as Christ loved us!