Next Convening:
Engaging Difference to Experience Unity
*Scroll to the bottom to register*
Date/Time:
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet and Networking
9:15 a.m. Program Start
Location:
Intersect Arts Center
3636 Texas Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118
Description:
God continues to remind us that He meets us when we engage the diversity of His body and contexts that are not our own. While it may be easier to stay in our own bubbles, the path toward unity and greater missional impact is often found through engaging difference, whether it is with different congregations, organizations, or community groups.
Goals for Gathering:
- Gather and connect with other engaged Lutheran leaders in St. Louis.
- Hear new ideas about unity movements and the value of engaging with difference, whether it’s people, churches, organizations, parts of town.
- Consider a response on how shared insights could or should change the way we operate as churches, organizations, people, and a regional movement of Lutheran leaders.
Featuring:
Marco Van Raalten
City Missionary, Gateway Metro St. Louis
Born and raised in Holland, Europe, Marco Van Raalten left his country as a missionary and pastor at age 19. He has served in Asia, Africa, Europe, Central America, and North America. Before moving to St. Louis in 2018, he spent 17 years in Farmington, Mo. He serves with Gateway Metro St. Louis out of St. Paul Evangelical Church. As a “City Missionary,” he works toward bringing the body of Christ closer together in the St. Louis Metro area for the purpose of spiritual renewal and missional impact. Marco and Kari have four adopted children: Nathan, Kevin, Clarissa, and Grace.
Please extend a warm invite to others, whether it’s someone on your staff (another pastor, Director of Christian Education, and ministry leader), a key volunteer, or a fellow colleague.
Let us know if you and any others will be joining us. We look forward to seeing you!
The St. Louis Regional Mission Network exists to convene leaders from LCMS churches and organizations with three aims to: 1.) build and strengthen relationships, 2.) invest in local leaders by increasing capacity through challenging and thought-provoking voices, and 3.) create a platform for greater collaboration, partnership, and mission engagement in St. Louis.