Not thinking about a merger? Join us for a conversation about imaging a new future for your parish…. honest conversations about moving forward listening to the Holy Spirit, telling the truth, and building connections in new and life-giving ways.
FACILITATORS: Bishop Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, is passionate about exploring with congregations how parish leadership, lay and ordained, can engage God’s Mission in their local context through prayerful discernment and collaborative partnerships. With Bishop Jeff, she seeks to create vibrant and engaging spaces where Christians can deepen their understanding of God’s love and try on new ways of speaking about and sharing that love with others.
Joy Dorin was the junior warden at St. John’s, Vernon, and the prior senior warden at St. Mary’s, Manchester. In her role as senior warden, she was part of the team that guided the activities and discussions of possible options for St. Mary’s that led to the eventual union between St. Mary’s and St. John’s and created the new St. John’s in October 2023. It’s a privilege for Joy to share her experience with other parishes as they pray about their future.
Renee Janes was Senior Warden at St. John’s, Yalesville, when that group began worshiping at Grace and St Peter’s in Hamden in 2021, leading up to their merger in 2022. She is currently serving as senior warden in the merged church, now known as Grace and St. John’s. Renee is currently working with Bishop Ahrens on another merger in Connecticut.
The Reverend Robert Bergner is the Rector at Grace and St. John’s Hamden where he oversaw the merger of Grace and St. Peter’s with St. John’s in 2021. His perspective as a clergy person walking with these two parishes is an invaluable gift to all of us. A team player with a passion for raising up and empowering lay leaders, Bob will share some of his insights and wisdom about the merger process.
Event Timeslots (1)
Session Two (11:30 AM-12:45 PM)–2025
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A Conversation about Mergers
Not thinking about a merger? Join us for a conversation about imaging a new future for your parish…. honest conversations about moving forward listening to the Holy Spirit, telling the truth, and building connections in new and life-giving ways.
