The Gathering: Mission partners connect through shared roots

The Gathering: Mission partners connect through shared roots

The Gathering: Mission partners connect through shared roots

The Gathering: Mission partners connect through shared roots

The Gathering: Mission partners connect through shared roots

The Gathering: Mission partners connect through shared roots

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By Lizzie Cody, Director, Office of Mission Effectiveness, Province of Mid-North America

“You are the roots of the tree. Be all goodness, all strength, for the noble mission is ours!”

St. Mary Euphrasia

 

In October, 62 mission partners from 16 different locations across the United States and Canada met together in Detroit, Michigan, for an inspiring event known as The Gathering. This event is hosted every two or three years by the Mission and Values Team for US/Toronto and sponsored by the Circle of Province Leaders of North America (Provinces of Central South, Mid-North America, and New York/Toronto) with the purpose of bringing together Good Shepherds from various locations and across different roles for a time of support, inspiration, learning, and conversation around our mission, values, and emerging realities.

The theme for this Gathering was ‘Shared Roots,’ inspired by the deeply interconnected roots of aspen tree groves and the belief that shared roots live longer. The week was filled with highly interactive sessions and opportunities to build community.

Our first day had as its theme, ‘Enlivening the Depth of Our Connections,’ and sought to give the group an introduction to the week and each other. There was also an opportunity to meet with others in similar roles and talk about what gives them strength in their work.

We deepened our group introductions during the second day with the theme ‘Sharing a Common Root System,’ which also sought to honor the past and those who came before us with an ancestor ritual. In small groups, people were able to share their personal connections to the mission.

The group then explored the importance of belonging in Good Shepherd, and concluded with a world café process to stimulate thought around what is important about sharing a common root system and in what ways we sustaining our connectedness and belonging as we look to the future. That evening the group hosted dinner, games, and a tour by Vista Maria, the local Good Shepherd agency.

On the third day, the theme of ‘Flourishing Like the Quaking Aspen’ focused on growth and creativity. The presentation was around  listening to the themes of the Congregational Position Papers. An Open Space process then allowed self-directed conversations around topics that the group felt most passionate about. The day finished with a collaborative art project to give visual expression to what was flourishing and taking root.

On the final day, the theme of ‘Embodying the Aspen Wisdom,’ gave a meaningful close with a vision for the future. Through a talk-show style interview, the province leaders shared the vision for the new upcoming US/Toronto Region that will be officially formed on October 20, 2025, the Eudist Feast of the Sacred Heart. *

I just love the people and their stories I have met here, and I know there is only more to come. I look forward to learning more from my fellow shepherds here and after this Gathering,” said Jennifer Dunne, a teacher at Collier Youth Services in New Jersey. “I am carrying the positivity and joy from all the lovely people I met this week. I bring their love for the mission and each other into my school and to my fellow staff members.”

Participants’ experiences and connections did not end at the close of The Gathering as they look forward to continuing to deepen their shared roots as Good Shepherds.

See more pictures from the event here.

*Read more about the journey of the new Region here.

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