Resource Ministry Facebook Group

Dear Synod,
The mission of the our synod's Resource Ministry is to encourage partnership in the work of serving, connecting, and equipping congregations in our synod to tell the story of Jesus. With the retirement of Deacon Beth Caywood last year, resource ministry in the our synod has entered a new season. The advisory board continues to meet with synod staff as we evaluate needs and opportunities going forward.

One new venture is a Resource Ministry Facebook group. This group is for clergy and lay members of our synod who are interested in learning and sharing with others about resources used in their congregation contexts - things like liturgies, creative worship experiences, Sunday School curriculum, Bible Studies, seasonal events, stewardship materials, and more. Conversation in this group is specifically focused on resources - whether those are physical or digital resources, or people connections for further conversation.  

I’m excited about this group because I think you, the members of our synod, are our greatest resource! We have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and physical resources to share, and my hope is that this Facebook group will enable us (lay and clergy) to connect with one another more readily. There have been many times over the years that I’ve wished for a central place to offer up VBS decorations for reuse or hear about what others are doing for confirmation. When a colleague asked about grief books for kids, I was glad to send a list while also imagining a place where that could be shared more widely and expanded with other recommendations. When another colleague asked on Facebook about borrowing boomwhackers (musical instruments), I began to think of all the other things congregations could lend one another as we all strive to engage in creative ministry while being good stewards. Beyond sharing resources, my hope for this Facebook group is that it will be a way to support and encourage one another in the work of ministry as we seek to faithfully serve God even as the landscape of “church” is changing.
 

The group is private, and all who wish to join must answer a few questions about how you’re connected to the synod. 

If you’re not on Facebook, you can also reach out to advisory board members with questions and resource requests by phone through the synod office or via email at resourceministry@swpasynod.org. 

The advisory board is also working on creating a digital catalog of our current physical resources, and making them available for use beyond the synod office location. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we go along!

Rev. Kerri Clark
Resource Ministry Advisory Board