Together Here

Information on ELCA Race Relations Coaching. 

https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/mark-l-macdonald-on-gospel-based-discipleship-and-indigenous-christians/

John 13:12-20

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36912069-walking-the-good-road

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On Wednesday, June 8, we welcomed Deacon Colleen Bernu, DEM and NEMN Synod Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and The Rev. Dr. Matthew Cobb, Coordinator of Together Here Ministries. Together Here Ministries creates space for transformational change through listening, learning, and relationship building among diverse peoples and communities. Formed in response to NEMN Synod's commitment to the repudiation of the doctrine of discovery, Together Here expanded its ministry in 2019 to include the implementation of the ELCA's Strategy for Authentic Diversity.

Part of the community of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a former teacher, Colleen lives on the FDL Indian Reservation with her family. She is committed to using her training and experience to expand diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through the formation of common memory in order for communal healing to begin. Prior to her call to Synod staff, Colleen served as mission developer for Together Here Ministries.

Matthew was ordained into The Episcopal Church on June 8, 1996, after completing M.Div. at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. He completed his undergraduate studies in pre-medicine and philosophy at Rockhurst University, B.A., in 1993. Matthew married Erica J. Olson on August 3, 1991, now a 30 year career nurse, newly retired, with two adult children, Ian (27) music composer and producer and Emily (25) artist and teacher. Matthew’s favorite quote: “Without love in the heart, life is like a sapless tree in a barren desert.” ~ Tamil Nadu saying (circa 1st Cent. C.E.)

We are mixing things up in 2022 as we continue to experiment and learn. You are invited to join us WEEKLY on Wednesdays at 1pm Central to hear from a variety of leaders. We will continue with our theme of COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP. We have invited various ministries to host these gatherings through this year, so it will be different each week. There will usually be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.

We are inviting you to bring a spirit of curiosity to these gatherings and to all aspects of your life. What are you noticing? Where is Spirit moving? How are you being invited to participate?