Pathways for Tomorrow
This week Principal Marlene Britton represented CCS at the “Pathways for Tomorrow” coordination program gathering for recipients of grants for theological education from the Lilly Endowment.
On September 21 a group of us made our way to Indianapolis for the “Pathways for Tomorrow” gathering. Building on the verses from Isaiah 40:3-5 (“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord…”), the group was challenged to consider ourselves “wayfinders” who are discovering, forging and mapping new paths to more effectively prepare pastoral and lay leaders for congregations.
When I say a group, I really mean 600 people! The goals of the multi-day gathering included welcoming new grantees, networking with those in the midst of the 5-year process, and hearing advice from those who were at the end of their grant cycle.
It was certainly intriguing to meet others from Canada, from theological schools I did not know existed, and to meet people from schools who operated on similar premises to ours here at CCS. It was confirmation that we are not alone, and of the value of the work which we are doing.
Schools a few years into their grants participated in an expo showcasing some of the projects in which they are involved. Their projects ran the gamut from support to ministers in different communities of practice to the development of software that gave a virtual experience of lands being explored in the biblical courses. (As usual, my face reflected exactly how I was feeling, and the expo guy was quick to capture it!)
The opportunity for fellowship cannot be understated, as all the representatives from the various United Church schools were able to meet each other (some for the first time in person) and share ideas about what might be possible as the year unfolds.
It was indeed a good experience.
