The final session of the weekend
involved concrete planning of steps to get to the envisioned results.
Three things were identified as
the first steps.
Organization Structure of Women of the DRG
A definition of role of the Women of
the DRG and a mission/vision statement is needed. We will meet in February (in
conjunction with the Feb. 9 retreat) to develop this, based on email and other
conversations between now and then.
The statement might incorporate such
things as:
[We] Encourage, recognize, support,
and empower women (lay and ordained) in the DRG to see that each activity is a
ministry whether in a church or in a family or community.
[We] Support and include diverse
opportunities for spiritual formation by leadership training, retreat
opportunities, and fellowship among all women in the DRG.
[We] Acknowledge and embrace the
multiplicity of demographics present in women of the DRG and encourage them to
participate fully.
Inclusivity of all Women of the DRG
Sub-committees and/or focus groups will
be formed to gather input (younger, Hispanic, Native American, etc.) Women from
these demographics will be identified and invited to participate in the groups.The
Rev. Jennifer Phillips from Rio Rancho was suggested as a person to include re:
Native American contacts.
Communication to all Women of the DRG
The key to successful ministry will be communication across the Diocese.
Some ways to accomplish this include:
Personal invitation (Members of the SE
Deanery covenanted to bring 10 women to the Feb. event)
Blog
(www.VarietiesofGifts.blogspot.com)
Link on Diocesan
website to blog
Facebook page link
to and from Diocesan FB page
Together articles
and In the Loop notification
Contact person in
each Deanery to assure that info is shared at Deanery meetings.
Already we have the opportunity to hear important women
leaders like Bishop Barbara Harris and Dr. Ruth Anna Hooke.
Already many women represent the diocese in leadership roles
including as CATO.