Thursday, June 26, 2014

TRUE Leadership

On May 22-26, 2014  a high quality & high energy leadership retreat in the beautiful Pocono region of Pennsylvania took place.  International students & scholars who aim to grow as leaders, both professionally and personally, attended. It was a remarkable event that changed the lives of the participants.



TRUE Leadership

An International Student Leadership Conference

What is it? What do we mean by T.R.U.E?

  • Trust – Authentic leadership requires a person to grow in trustworthiness.  Then others are more likely to rely on that person’s initiative or direction.  The resulting impact on productivity, teamwork and collective satisfaction, therefore, is enhanced.
  • Relationships – Often overlooked, the power of a leader’s integrity can provide a vital framework for effective collaboration among staff, co-workers or even a community.  When a leader demonstrates humility, forgiveness and honesty in one’s own relationships, the effect is revolutionary, positive and potentially far-reaching.
  • Understanding and wisdom – Without a deep and central understanding of one’s “true north” a leader may flounder or even fail.
  • Excellence – Ancient wisdom also confirms that, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Excellence, then, is not a one-time action, but a habit.

Why Retreat?

retreat is a period of time when a group of people come away in order to dedicate that time to specific instruction under skilled leadership.

What should I expect?

Expect to learn and grow in the skills of T.R.U.E leadership during this retreat. Expect to benefit from the speakers presentations and interaction with others, who are also growing in leadership, from around the world.  Expect to be challenged physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  The TRUE retreat is the toughest retreat that you will ever love!
Our own student leader said "something told him to try it..." and he came back encouraged in his faith and affirmed in his leadership gift.  We are looking forward to what God will do with this newly re-focused leader.                                                                                                                            

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Growth Groups

When our church started Growth Groups a couple of years ago Richard and I were traveling, sometimes two weeks a month and couldn't make the time commitment.  As time progressed it continued to be difficult to connect at connection time.  This was a sad thing to us, but meeting new people all over the Northeast Region kept us busy.  This spring we have made the time to share our new ministry expansion and changes with all of the Growth Groups.  It has been a JOY to meet old friends and make new friends, a really good gift to us, as we share about our upcoming changes and the continuing opportunities at ICF, UConn, Storrs.                                                                            
 
 In every group the love of Christ has been tangible and the fellowship sweet.
We have feasted on both with grateful hearts.