Diocesan Workshop : Partnership: It’s Time Has Come

The Rev. Felicia SmithGraybeal, Rector, and Jan Friedlund, Sr. Warden, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fort Collins

An important model for the future of the church is, and will, be partnership and sharing of space and ministry. In this workshop, we will present two examples of how churches are partnering with other faith communities in the Episcopal Church in Colorado. We will provide resources for a variety of ways this is happening across denominational lines. Finally, we will explore some of the joys and pitfalls sharing space can provide as well as sharing some of the steps that moved our parish from renters to partners and the many ways that move has invigorated all congregations involved.

Invitations will be given to workshop participants to share their knowledge of congregations that are living in partnership or considering this step. We will ask participants the question of what gives rise to this need and how the church is changing to be especially primed for ecumenical partnerships right now. We will ask for participants’ feedback and questions about the process St. Paul’s has taken to create a partnership with two other congregations.