Happy New Year as we move into Epiphanytide!

Spring semester is traditionally our busiest time. In addition to the second academic semester of the School for Ministry, we welcome new postulants for holy orders, lay ministers and leaders seeking to deepen their faith or brush up on the latest leadership ideas or parish administration procedures, and church volunteers completing mandatory programs such as Safe Church and Eucharistic Visitor training. Mercer also hosts and supports a variety of special events, from our annual Capon lecture to creative workshops supporting Diocesan programs. Congregational development initiatives like Renewalworks and Invite, Welcome, Connect are maturing; existing programs such as the Diocesan Church Development Institute and Education for Ministry continue to grow. At a recent meeting of his Senior Staff, Bishop Provenzano noted that our diocese is expanding -- in church membership and stewardship. He cautioned those present to reject the mantra of church decline and celebrate this growth! This may mean more than just increased participation in Mercer programs. What new offerings and programs should we develop to address the needs of a growing diocese? For us to respond, we need your help. Call or email us with your thoughts and ideas. Or stop by for a visit!

And continue to check our monthly email "blast" (if you don't receive it now, email us) and the "Feature Events" section on the front page of www.mercershool.org.