Pride in Closing: LGBTQ Affirmation and Congregational Closure
How does church closure affect LGBTQ affirming congregations? Is there a Rainbow Glass Cliff for queer clergy? This Pride month Sara and Diane share insights on completing ministry in reconciling and affirming congregations.
When Christmas isn’t Joyful
That Advent wasn't joyful. There would be no new ornament for the Christmas Tree --- until we saw THE BIRD.
Resurrection in Closing Congregations
Good Friday Collaborative was born out of a desire to offer support and insight to clergy and congregations in the process of closure. Our name points to the reminder that all resurrection requires death, and that death is not to be avoided at all costs.
And at the same time, we are people of the resurrection! Two of our collaborators led their congregations’ final services on Easter Sunday, and offer reflections on what that was like for them.
Becoming Dust: Ash Wednesday in Dying (and Thriving) Congregations
In a culture consumed with prolonging youth and liveliness, even the word “death” is taboo, as we have been taught to defer to euphemisms that might avoid the discomfort of that reality. Yet no matter how much we cling to signs of life, death is just around the corner., which is why it is so incredibly vital to name:
I will die. You will die. We will die.
Celebrating Advent as a Closing Congregation
When a congregation is about to close, here are some DOs and DON’Ts for your last Advent.
Church Closure in Five Stages
As we at Good Friday Collaborative resource clergy and churches who are concluding ministry, we have noticed five distinct Stages of ministry endings that most communities move through. While every church has their own unique story and process of ending, these general Stages can help make sense of the natural work of endings.
A Blessing for Good Friday
When congregations close, it can feel like a perpetual Good Friday.
This blessing is for you.
You are not alone.
