Food for the Journey: a Ministry for Lay Leaders in a Time of Pastoral Vacancy
When people are in need, God provides. In Scripture we hear about manna on the wilderness journey from Egypt to the promised land. We hear how the ravens and a poor widow feed Elijah when his life was in danger. And Jesus reminds us that if God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies, how much more does our Father in heaven care for us?
“Food for the Journey” is the Central/Southern Illinois Synod’s ministry to congregations who are in a time of pastoral vacancy. Being the church in today’s world is challenging and a pastoral vacancy can ramp up the worries and stresses about a congregation’s future. But we know through the power of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of Word and Sacrament, and the community of saints, God equips and feeds us for the journey we are on.
Congregations experiencing a pastoral vacancy are invited to send two to three council members to Food for the Journey Zoom meetings hosted by Pastor Elise Rothfusz, C/SIS Director for Evangelical Mission. These 90-minute sessions seek to build up the body of Christ in your congregation through conversations about leadership, ministry growth, and deepening your congregation’s connection with God.
Share this flyer with your council. Contact Pastor Elise Rothfusz, C/SIS Director for Evangelical Mission, for more details.
All Zoom sessions are on the third Thursday of most months from 6:30-8:00 PM, and new people can join at any time. Dates for 2022-2023 are September 15, October 20, November 17, January 19, February 16, March 16, June 15, August 17, September 21, October 19, and November 16.