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GOL Annual Report 2020

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 on 2020 has been both an emotional challenge and a moment of spiritual uplifting for me.

Walking back through the memories of shutting down in person worship, shifting families to virtual school, seeing Covid deaths increase, watching racial protests across the country after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery (among too many others), and witnessing political discord during the presidential election brought up hurt, anxiety, pain, and tears.  

Witnessing the ministries and responses from GOL clergy to the multiple pandemics however was life giving! Not only did I see so much raw humanity, but also love. You were there for each other. You were there for your congregations and communities. You were there for Christ. I know none of this work was easy, but I am grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for accepting your calling to this work, and thank you for your ministries in all contexts. 

Haley Bankey

Blessings,

Haley Bankey
Executive Director, Gathering of Leaders
haley@thegatheringofleaders.org

 

 
GOL News & Resources
Annual Report
Annual Report 2020

2020 is not a year that anyone could have planned for, expected, or ignored, and through it all the Holy Spirit did wonderous things. We spent time mourning the loss of lives and ‘norms’, both from COVID-19 and racial injustice. Yet many found deeper connection to their faith through this time of fasting that the multiple pandemics have forced upon us.

In this annual report, we share how GOL as an organization also tried new methods for connecting and supporting our clergy through offerings such as Seeking Resilience and Adaptive Conversations.

You will also find our end of year financial and donor reports, along with wonderful pictures from throughout the country of ministry pivoting to pandemic life.
READ ANNUAL REPORT
ECFVP
Formation for the Missionary Church in a Changing World

Last week ECF's second edition of Vestry Papers sharing the voices of Gathering of Leaders clergy on the theme of Formation in the Missionary Church was published. Hear Callie Swanlund and Jeremy Tackett share their thoughts on digital ministry. GOL board member Westina Matthews shares exciting news about her upcoming book featuring a conversation with the sitting black, women bishops in the Episcopal church. Faith formation at home resources are shared by Allison Sandlin Liles. Mary Vano shares how her congregation partnered to create an interfaith VBS. Yein Kim introduces a network for Asian Pacific American spirituality. Finally, Hillary Raining speaks about the online community focusing on spirituality and wellness. 
READ VESTRY PAPERS
webinar
Upcoming Webinar: Covid-19 and Congregation

The FaithX Project is holding a conversation with Special guest, Gayle Balba, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at Georgetown University, on Tuesday, April 27 at 12 PM central.

We know more about Covid-19 today than we did last March when we went into lockdown, yet some days it seems there are still more questions than answers about what we can or should be doing and planning for our congregations in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Guest Editor
Looking for Guest Editors

As more and more resources are being created and shared for congregations, leaders, and individuals, Gathering of Leaders is looking to share curated sets of resources that YOU find valuable.

Do you have a pariticular topic or theme that you would like to share with our wider GOL community? Do you know valuable resources, books, webinars, vlogs, etc on the topic?

Exec. Dir. Haley Bankey would love to connect with you and help share your ministry with others. Email haley@thegatheringofleader.org or book a phone call using the 'connect' button below.
CONNECT WITH GOL
2021 Theme & Gatherings

Formation for the Missionary Church in a Changing World

Recent events have reminded us that as we proclaim the gospel, we continually encounter the unexpected and are called into places of vulnerability. At our best, we meet these challenges with fortitude, steadfastness, and resilience. What practical strategies can we share to form communities in those virtues? How do we teach and shape Christians to proclaim Christ’s good news amid the challenges of the unexpected and the pain of the world's brokenness? As we engage the present and look to the future, how do we form communities of courage and hope?
Virtual April
Virtual Gathering - April

When: April 27-28, 2021

Fee: $49.50

Where: Zoom
Register Here
Seattle
Gathering at Seattle

When: August 23-25, 2021

Fee: $495

Where: Dumas Bay Centre, Seattle, WA
Register Here
Arizona
Gathering at Arizona

When: October 25-27, 2021

Fee: $495

Where: Franciscan Renewl Center, Scottsdale, AZ
Register Here
Participant Resources

PARTICIPANT DIRECTORY: Those who have attended at least one Gathering have access to search our directory for other Participants by name, church affiliation, city, or state. Travelling somewhere and want to meet up with some GOLers? Give it a search! Try out the Directory here.

PARTICIPANT ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP: One of the main ways our participants connect and collaborate with one another is through our private Facebook group. If you have attended at least one Gathering, and are not yet part of the group, please email haley@thegatheringofleaders.org to get setup.

SUGGESTED READING LISTS: At each Gathering we collected suggested readings from our participants that deal directly with our annual theme. Click the themes for access to the most current suggested reading list: Racial Reconciliation and for Unity & Division. 

SHARED RESOURCES: During each Gathering we record the peer-learning presentation (with permission) and upload them to our participant portal.  For all presentations from our Racial Reconciliation year and Unity & Division, log into our website and search.