Ucc Renewal Group:   http://www.faithfulandwelcoming.org/faw/content/?mne=home

Happy 2010 from FWC!

It has been a while since we distributed an update from Faithful & Welcoming Churches.  But we’re still here!  Thank you for your prayers.  If you know of someone who would like to stay informed, or if you would like to be removed from this distribution list, simply reply and let us know.

2010 Board Meeting

Please pray for the Faithful & Welcoming Board of Directors as we meet in Cleveland February 18-20.  Among other items on our agenda will be a conversation with incoming UCC General Minister and President Geoffrey Black on Friday morning, February 19.  We will also be planning for the “Renewing the Call” event (see below) and making some early plans to represent ECOT (evangelical, conservative, orthodox, traditional) perspectives at the UCC’s 2011 General Synod in Tampa, FL.

Renewing the Call

Check www.mainlinecall.org for emerging details about “Renewing the Call,” a conference initiated by FWC and sponsored by the Association for Church Renewal in Chicago August 6-8, 2010.  The purpose of the event is to issue the call to a new generation of ECOTs to join us in pursuing ministry in the mainline.  The web site includes a link to a Youtube video on the renewal of Corinth Reformed Church here in Hickory.  It’s definitely not too early to join us in prayer for “Renewing the Call” and to register/encourage others to register.  Your giving to FWC in 2010 will provide funds needed for the event and for scholarship assistance to those who need it.  ACR, FWC, and “Renewing the Call” were represented two weeks ago by John Roberts and Chris Van Allsburg at the triennial Urbana missions conference in St. Louis.

Sacred Conversations

My wife, Linda, and I have been invited to San Antonio, Texas, next week (January 23) where I will represent FWC and the ECOT perspective at a workshop sponsored by the area Open & Affirming coalition.  The event emerges from a conversation Linda had with a transgender person at FWC’s display table during the UCC’s General Synod. The gathering’s theme is “Bridging the Gap: Sacred Conversations with Those Who Believe Differently” (that would be FWC!).  Click here for a description of the event (scroll down to the 2010 ONA workshop paragraph).  I would like to have 100 prayer partners to pray that Linda and I would represent truth and grace as we participate in the event formally and informally.  If you will pray for us next week, please e-mail bob@corinthtoday.org.  Also send along the names of others who will join you in prayer for us.  After January 23, check my blog, www.corinthpastorbob.com, for a manuscript of my remarks to the group.

FWC Pastors’ Reading Group

The FWClergy discussion group is launching a book discussion for FWC pastors on “The Celtic Way of Evangelism,” by George Hunter III.  If you would like to participate in the discussion, click here to find our Yahoo! discussion group and then click on “Join this Group!”  Pastor Danny Roman-Gloro of Sunset Congregational Church in Miami will moderate the conversation.

May the Lord bless and direct your life and calling in 2010!

Bob
(Click on www.corinthpastorbob.com for my blog.  New this week:  "Core-inth Values”)

Bob Thompson 

President, Faithful and Welcoming Churches www.faithfulandwelcoming.org

Pastor, Corinth Reformed Church - Hickory, NC www.corinthtoday.org