Peaks/Pikes Peak District Gathering

Dear People of God, 

 

As a district, we gather at least once a year for fellowship, celebration, and learning. Our 2023 District Gathering will be held virtually on Saturday, March 18, 9am-12pm. Please use this Zoom link and join us. 

 

Also, I am happy to let you know that Rev. Jeff Rainwater will help facilitate a very pertinent conversation on ways to learn and know our neighborhood and reach out to our neighbors accordingly. Aging and decline are at the core of the struggle most churches are facing today. So, Rev. Rainwater’s insight will benefit everyone irrespective of your church size. 

 

Rev. Jeff has been serving our conference in different capacities for many years and knows the lay of our conference better than most. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Congregational and Community Vitality, and in that capacity, he provides resources and trainings to help local churches to continue to be vibrant, viable and vital in carrying out God’s mission. 

Jeff writes:  

 

“In a culture where ‘coming to church’ is of less and less value for those not already coming to church, we must turn our focus from our welfare to the welfare of the cities, towns, neighborhoods in which reside. But how do we seek the welfare of our communities? First, we must know our neighborhoods and neighbors. Who are they? What are their lives like? What do they need? Then we need to help them, and often this will mean partnering with them to bless each other. 

  

We will spend some time talking about how to know our neighbor through tools and practices like mission insite demographic data, prayer walks, community conversations, and more. Who are the champions, servants, and elders we should know? Then we will talk about what partnerships we might form with individuals, organizations, other churches, etc. to make a difference in our communities. For in our community’s welfare, we will find our own.” 

 

More than any other time, we need each other's support, encouragement, and fellowship as God’s people. So, I look forward to seeing and celebrating with you soon.

Shalom - Be Well Always!

Rev. Tezenlo Thong, PhD

District Superintendent, Peaks/Pikes Peak District                                              Mountain Sky Conference of The United Methodist Church