But if we hope for what we don't see, we wait for it with patience    Romans 8:25

Sometimes as we reflect back over a time period it seems like there is a theme God is trying to plant on our heart. For me the theme of the past month has been patience and progress. I have had the opportunity to meet in person or via email or Zoom with many women throughout our diocese and I am inspired by the dreams they have for ministry in their parishes and their lives. I too have dreams for how we can network and support each other and wish I could just forge ahead and make everything come to fruition for us all right away!! But of course our ways need to be tempered by God’s timing. We have a large diocese and it is going to take me time to get out and meet everyone and expand beyond what is close and familiar. It also takes time to really learn how we can best support what you are doing in your parishes. So there has been a lot of patience in this process.

Fortunately there has also been progress! Here are a few of the things to watch for in the next months

Planting the Seed and Watching It Grow

We have developed a presentation that is ready to hit the road and be offered in your parish. We currently have 5 parishes hosting these presentations and listening days in the See City deanery. This presentation is geared to sharing how our office can assist you and your parish in your ministry efforts but is also designed for you to give us feedback on what you would like and what support is most wanted. If you are interested in hosting this at your parish please reach out to us to get that scheduled.

Ministry Portal

We are hard at work collecting ideas to create a portal where women working and volunteering in ministry in the parishes can access ideas to help in planning. Watch for our the September 1^st  launch of our book club recommendations to expand beyond one book a month and also offer books suggested by women’s groups sorted by topic. We will also list the beginnings of our speaker’s bureau with names of local and statewide speakers to bring in for your upcoming meetings and events. Finally, we will expand our prayer aides to include resources for aps, daily scripture meditations and other resources to deepen your prayer life. If you have ideas you would like to add to our portal please email me at bprasad@diojeffcity.org. We would love your feedback!

Core Teams

Emails are going out this week to plan meetings with existing core team volunteers throughout the diocese. Watch your inbox if you have expressed an interest in joining us. If you want further information on our diocesan core team visit our service opportunities.

Event Planning

We are working on planning the details for our upcoming fall events. We will have the opportunity to gather as a diocese on Friday evening for a Ladies Night Out and on Saturday for a Fall Retreat Day. You can attend one or both! Registration is now open.

Hopefully you find our progress exciting and inviting. We want to find opportunities to invite all women to join with us in ways that are meaningful to their stage and interests. If you find yourself hoping for things you don’t see, share those ideas with us too. Finally, thank you for your patience and continued prayers. Faith is believing that God is going to take you places before you even get there!

We Are Better Together,

Barb