Community Builders Lab: Preparing Places for New Faces

By Jackie Campbell
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10/3/2011

 

 Leaders of congregations interested in development and revitalization are invited to participate in a Community Builders Lab in one of five areas of Western PA this Fall.  The first labs launch Oct. 10 in the Indiana-Johnstown area and Oct. 13 in the Franklin area.

“This is NOT a program, scheme or attempt to solve the puzzle of what it means to be the church in the 21st Century,” said the Rev. Jim Walker, director of congregational development and revitalization for the Western PA Conference. “This is an opportunity for leaders to connect, collect, contribute and collaborate.”

Participants in each lab group will gather for a two-hour session each week for five or six weeks for worship, communion, “sidewalk time”, and lab. Walker will facilitate the discussion designed to allow lay and clergy participants to learn from one another about what it means to share in and build up Christian community.  The lab groups will gather in different locations each week –a church, a bowling alley, a coffee shop, etc.  

“Everyone is invited to be part of this experience, Walker said, “but this lab adventure isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re SLIGHTLY interested, please don’t come! This is for hungry leaders who understand the current condition of our world and the need for drastic change in the way the church interfaces with it.

“We’re looking for risk-takers, questioners and Jesus-followers!”

The dates and times for the Fall labs are listed below.  Labs will be scheduled in other areas in the Spring of 2012.

  •  Indiana/Johnstown Area

Monday Nights 7-9 pm, Oct. 10 – Nov. 21 (no Oct. 31)

  •  Franklin Area

              Thursday Nights 7-9 p.m., Oct. 13 – Nov. 17

  • City – Pittsburgh Area

Tuesday Mornings – 9:30-11:30am, Oct. 18 – Nov. 22

  • Uniontown Area

              Tuesday Nights 7-9 p.m., Oct. 18 – Nov. 22

  •  Beaver Falls Area

Wednesday Nights,  7-9 p.m., Oct. 19 –Nov. 16 

 To register and find out the exact location for the first meeting, e-mail jim.walker@wpaumc.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

1. rich roberts wrote on 10/7/2011 10:37:24 AM
Where will the first sight be on Franklin District? I want to be there!