by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, ACM for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment

Last week, Dr. Toni, Dr. Gloria, and I attended AM21 (Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century) to help the conference staff hone our skills to become better servant leaders. This year's gathering, themed "Unraveling for Repair," was held in Tempe, Arizona, and provided a transformative experience that challenged us to reflect on how our ministries and leadership are evolving.

The MESA Team of the National Office of the United Church of Christ is hosting the AM21 Conference (Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century), a biennial gathering for judicatory leaders, including Conference Ministers and Associate Conference Ministers, in Tempe, Arizona, from December 10-13, 2024. As part of the event, a sacred space is being created for rest, meditation, and reflection, offering a quiet room where attendees can recharge during the conference.

Our conference minister, Dr. Toni, is a member of the hospitality team, is reaching out to congregations for assistance in creating this peaceful environment. We are seeking items such as yoga mats, cushions, soothing decor, or anything that fosters a sense of calm and rejuvenation. By borrowing or sharing these resources, we can minimize the need for purchasing and transporting materials to Arizona.

If you have items to loan or donate for the event, please contact our Executive Assistant to arrange for pickup or drop-off by November 12, 2024.

Thank you for your generosity and support in helping us create a welcoming and sacred space for the attendees of AM21 to the SWC.