What’s next? Our churches after COVID
A conversation with three parish priests about where we go from here.
As part of our series called RenewalWorks: Connect, we’ll gather by zoom next week to talk about how we have navigated COVID and what we expect moving forward. Specifically, as we come out of a year of pandemic with all the longings and losses that have accompanied this unprecedented time, we’ll explore these questions:
- What will you hold onto?
- What will you let go of?
- What will you do differently?
We’ll begin our time by hearing from three gifted leaders in the church. Then we’ll enter into conversation with each other, fielding questions or comments you may have. We’re grateful to be guided in this conversation by these fine priests, introduced below:
Wednesday, May 12 at 7-8pm (EST)
Click here to join the RW: Connect email list so you will receive the Zoom invite to join us!
The Rev. Chris Harris serves as Associate Rector at Christ Church Cranbrook, coming most recently from San Diego. Chris serves on the Board of Directors of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) and as a member of the steering team for Invite-Welcome-Connect, a national evangelism ministry. Chris is also the creator of Living Wi$ley, a faith and personal finance ministry and is a national speaker on congregational development topics, including The Consortium for Endowed Episcopal Parishes (CEEP), The Episcopal Church Foundation (EFC), and Evangelism Matters. Chris is married to Joe, a native of Sterling Heights, Michigan. Chris and his husband have two twin girls, Gianna and Aleena.
The Rev. Edwin Johnson is a self-described “smiling-dancing-Jesus-freak” who has served as Rector of St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester, Massachusetts since 2013, aiming to “inspire and empower God’s people to live into and bring forth God’s diverse, just and joyful Kingdom.” A graduate of Tufts University and Church Divinity School of the Pacific, he now provides liturgical, pastoral, visional and missional leadership in a multilingual, multicultural urban context. Under his leadership, his parish has been revitalized, through preaching and formation for all ages, empowering lay people, establishing systems to support parish life and growth. He brings considerable skills in church planting and fundraising for new ministries, and shares his gifts for music and dance. His engagement with the wider church includes leadership in Beloved Community implementation and support of racial reconciliation throughout the Episcopal Church. Edwin and his partner Susan have two sons, Francisco and Santiago. As a family they enjoy getting out into creation and spending time with extended family and friends throughout the U.S., in Central America and the Caribbean.
The Rev. Marissa Rohrbach serves as Rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wilton, Connecticut. She has served around the Church and in the diocese of Connecticut in a variety of ways, including as Chair of the Commission on Ministry, a consultant for parishes, and is currently serving on the Bishop Search Committee. Marissa is particularly fascinated by the formation of lay and ordained people as disciples, liturgics, and French Renaissance literature. She loves Jesus and is grateful for the privilege of serving God’s people. Marissa lives in Wilton with her wife, Lyn, and their beagle, Becket, who is named for the saint and martyr.
Please join us for this important conversation, a conversation that will be enhanced by your presence. And feel free to invite others! Click here to join the RW: Connect email list so you will receive the Zoom invite to join us!
RenewalWorks: Connect is intended as a way to build community for those who have participated in RenewalWorks, those who might be thinking about participating, and for any who simply want to explore with others what it means to be a disciple today in the Episcopal Church. We welcome all who are interested to join us. Contact The Rev. Jay Sidebotham with questions or comments.