At our district professionals meeting this week, Bishop Schnase shared a description of our collective responses to traumatic events, a description that some of us heard last year from Rev. John Thornburg of TMF. These apply to events like hurricanes and 9-11, as well as to our more extended pandemic. The stages of response or…Read More »
A Word from DS Laura Merrill 09.17.21
Friends: As I write this, I’m about to drive to the fourth of four social gatherings I’ve held with clergy this month–2 for coffee, and 2 for happy hour. My hope was that we would have relaxed, non-agenda time to be together. Some preachers have met each other for the first time, and others have…Read More »
A Word from DS Laura Merrill 09.03.21
As a part of returning to the DS role this summer, I participated in what those of us in the biz affectionately call “DS Charm School,” but what is actually a time of orientation. It was online and included new DSs and other leaders from across the country. Despite my joking that I was having…Read More »
A Word from DS Laura Merrill – 7/22/21
My first newsletter article as Capital District Superintendent! Where do I begin? I’ll start with gratitude for being back in my hometown after 34 years away, in a wonderful parsonage, near my mother and many other family members. I’m glad beyond words for friends who have helped me pack and unpack. I’m grateful to be…Read More »