Connecting at the Jurisdictional Level
Ximena Varas and Mitch Underwood, (Connecticut), Gerry Rosenberger (Catskill Hudson), Lorraine Leak (Long Island East), and Renata Smith (conference lay leader) represented the NYAC at the Northeast Jurisdiction’s Annual Meeting for Lay Leaders. The October meeting was held in Philadelphia under the theme, “Living the Witness.”
We enjoyed being in the company of each other as members of the New York delegation, and we learnt so much from being in fellowship with our counterparts from other conferences. The ultimate goal of our attendance is to put what we have learnt into practice in ways that will fulfill the vision of the NYAC. We will share what impacted us most at the conference and how that will help us fulfill our roles.
Renata: Sandy Jackson from the General Board of Discipleship led the training on the role of lay leaders. David Napoleon, manager of financial services, spoke on financial discipleship. The two trainings came together in a powerful way for me, as I am becoming more aware that many lay leaders need roles clarification. David challenged us to give from transformation, rather than from obligation. Wow! Combining knowledge of roles with serving which includes giving, from a point of transformation rather than out of obligation will be a foundational principle as we on the board of laity help lay leaders to understand their roles.
Mitch: For me getting to meet Sandy Jackson from the GBOD and others at the Jurisdictional level gave me additional resources to draw upon when I encounter those unexpected bumps in the road. I found the time of sharing ideas to be most helpful. As you might imagine, I have been a district lay leader for only a few months and being able to hear the experiences of others was very useful. Most of all, I enjoyed the worship and fellowship shared by all. There is a certain energy that comes from being with others who are deeply committed to the support of laity ministry. I remain inspired and motivated by their commitment.
Gerry: Besides the exceptional training mentioned above and the overall great spirit experienced throughout the session, a result is that a training presentation is being promoted for lay leaders of the Catskill Hudson District.
Lorraine: I was impressed that although we come from different geographical areas, cultures economies and church sizes, we are faced with very similar needs and utilize similar efforts grounded in love to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Ximena: As a newly elected co-lay leader of the Connecticut District, attending the Northeast Jurisdictional Conference for Lay leaders was truly a blessing. I was able to learn about the ministry of the lay leader on the local church, district and conference levels. I was reminded of the importance of giving and the way we model by example. Every speaker gave me food for thought that continues to inspire me. My favorite part was the sharing of all the lay leaders as we prayed and sang together, laughed together and as we shared our joys and struggles. What a beautiful reminder of the importance of Christian community and that when two or three are gathered together in his name, Jesus Himself is present. I know that attending this conference has given me not only the knowledge, but the energy to serve my Savior better in my district.