Working together: Church CAN, Global Relationships, All We Can and Church Partners

News from the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and Americas -MCCA

“There was a richness of dialogue, passion for their church and commitment to action”

 Exciting new work began in 2019 with ‘Church CAN’. Global Relationships, All We Can and Church Partners around the world working together to build strategic plans.  This is the news from one of our partner churches.

 At the suggestion of Sandra Lopez (GR Partnership Coordinator) the MCCA President of Conference invited Church CAN to work with its Council to discuss whether they wanted to pursue a united plan for their future. Angela Zamaere Smith and Maurice Adams from All We Can attended the MCCA Special Council Meeting (representing all districts) 7-9 November to conduct a planning workshop with 30 participants representing the 8 districts, spanning 27 countries (with 7 languages).

 It was an intense process with much dialogue, interaction and hard work. And time set aside for devotions, meditation and prayer. Bishop Everald’s opening address was particularly motivating, insightful and a call to action. It was taken from Deuteronomy 1:6 – ‘We have been at the mountain long enough’ and that MCCA should be encouraged to change perspectives, change positions, change plans and change (take) possession.   

 The photos show the beginning of the facilitation process with bare walls (and morning day light), and the end of the discussions with flip chart festooned walls – (and darkness outside as we worked into the evening). It looks a static process but it was anything but, especially when discussing the use of words such as ‘inclusivity’ and  'scriptural holiness' - or not!

 There was a richness of dialogue, passion for their church and commitment to action that helped the gathering to develop a united vision and mission statement and plan for the MCCA. This is an amazing achievement and reflects the engagement of the MCCA with the Church CAN approach and facilitation. The work up to and including the next Council meeting in Belize (June 2020) is critical for the success of the next phase as the Districts discuss the implications of a united vision and mission.

 There is much to be thankful for. We all sensed that God is doing a new thing across MCCA and it has been a privilege for Church CAN to be part of this process.