From the Director

(Written as the editor’s letter for the September 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) It was an absolute joy and blessing to hold our first in-person Gathering of Leaders in Seattle last month. It was our first time getting together since February of 2020 and was a source...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the August 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) In my opening statement in the May 2020 GOL E-News, I said, “Whoever said that change is the only constant must have had a crystal ball showing them the year 2020.” I find myself wanted...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the July 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) I’m writing this today when my head is in a state of excited frenzy that is anything but conducive to clear articulation! I’m sure there are a few people in the GOL network who...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the June 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) It is difficult for me to believe that 2021 is almost half way over. I see more and more congregations re-opening their doors to in-person worship, more and more people getting fully vaccinated, and...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the April 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here. Read the 2020 Annual Report here.) One of my favorite activities each Spring is reflecting on the previous year of networking and ministry that takes place throughout the Gathering of Leaders community. Looking back...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the March 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) Or is that supposed to be “Moving Forward”? I don’t know if you feel the same way, but a year into the pandemic I often find it hard to complete a coherent sentence let alone lead,...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the February 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) As I look out upon the landscape ahead of the GOL clergy, it is one of continued pivoting due the pandemic, deep and often painful conversations over racial injustice and political unrest, and now...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the January 2021 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) I never in a million years thought I would be writing a letter to hundreds of Episcopal clergy that featured the immortal words of Ross Gellar from Friends — “PIVOT!” What a year! I have...

(Written as the editor’s letter for the December 2020 GOL E-News. Read the full newsletter here.) I know not every non-profit leader can say they leave an annual board meeting more energized, creative, and motivated than when they arrived, and for that I count myself lucky. The Gathering of Leaders’...