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Church Leaders Combating National Negatives By Energizing Congregations, Says Faith Alive
By Tom Riley
Faith Alive is ramping up to meet new demands for ministry as an increasing number of churches look to its lay witness weekend as an opportunity to keep focused on how God is working within their congregations.
"Surprisingly, since the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2003, Faith Alive has experienced increased activity, especially in areas where the ministry has been dormant for several years," observes Tom Riley, Faith Alive President.
Focusing on the vows of Holy Baptism, Faith Alive has held its weekend of spiritual refreshment in more than 2,300 churches since its founding in 1970. Lay Episcopalians, adults and teens, come to the parish at their own expense to share their faith stories and lead small-group discussions, recognizing God's goodness at work in the lives of parishioners.
"We are seeking to double the number of trained Weekend Coordinators in response to increased interest in affirming Christian community, building up small-group ministries, strengthening children's programs and empowering youth ministries," reports Hap Maguire, Faith Alive Executive Director.
Anticipating increased Weekend registrations as the General Convention of 2006 approaches, Faith Alive is moving to build its current base of 84 qualified Weekend Coordinators on its roster, in addition to Youth leaders and Children's Coordinators, Maguire reports. A grant from a charitable trust provides travel allowances for trained teenagers who serve under adult supervision on Faith Alive Weekends.
Faith Alive has increased its base of potential lay witness team members to over 3,000.
Among the "new territories of ministry" for Faith Alive has been renewal weekends at St. Luke's in Grant's Pass, OR; Church of the Good Shepherd in Cave Creek, AZ; and St. Luke's in Chester, VT," he reports. Faith Alive Weekends are scheduled at Caroline Church of Brookhaven on Long Island; Christ Church in East Orange, NJ; St. James' in Fremont, NE; Trinity in Morgantown, WV; Trinity in Nevada City, CA; and St. Luke's in Seaford, DE, among nearly 20 Weekends already scheduled for 2006.
Faith Alive also reports increased interest from the Lutheran Church. It will hold a Weekend at a Lutheran church in Texas in September, and its members will participate in an upcoming Lutheran-led Weekend in South Carolina.
"The current attraction of Faith Alive is two-fold," Riley observes.
"Firstly, the weekend program involves a great many in laity within the host parish, serving on committees to handle clearly defined assignments in preparation for the actual event. The program embraces adults, teens and children, and is tailored to direct the congregation's eyes away from distractions outside the parish family. We don't discuss national or church politics on a Faith Alive Weekend.
"Secondly, it requires minimal hands-on management by the rector. While reporting to and maintaining communication with the rector, Faith Alive's volunteer leadership provides ongoing counsel and oversight, as well as resource materials.
"The work of ECUSA may be newsworthy, but God's work within the parish is praiseworthy," Riley observes. "A parish's leadership knows that the blessings come through praise. That's what fills the pews!"
Faith Alive
431 Richmond Place NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-255-3233.
www.faithalive.org.
Contact: Tom Riley
703-281-2734
FAWeekend@aol.com
