November  2018

Our Mission:
Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation.


6 Questions and a Cup of Coffee with...Carole Joyce

Carole Joyce is a beloved child of God who loves to pray and play in God's Word with children of God of all ages. Her passion for faith formation and cross-generational ministry allows her to learn and wonder about God's presence and work in the world alongside children, youth and adults.

Carole is a deacon in the ELCA and has been a rostered leader since before the ELCA. Carole is the Region 3 Advocate for the Christian Education Network (CEN). This is Carole's second time on the board of the CEN and she was honored to be Educator of the Year in 2012.

Carole presently serves at Good Shepherd in Plainview, MN and Our Savior's in Rochester, MN. When she's not there, you might find her hiking, reading, running, quilting, serving at the food shelter or hanging out with family. Everything she knows about leadership she learned from her now grown sons!

 1. Can you describe your call to ministry?

When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher and a school teacher. This calling only grew through my years as a college student and Bible camp counselor. Although I never made it into the public school system, I am living my dream! I am blessed to play, pray and wonder about what God is up to with toddlers through adults. We have so much to learn from each other.

2. What is the best part of your ministry now?
 
I find this time of change in the church to be exciting and challenging. We need to listen, watch and pray for God's Spirit to guide us into new ways to be the people of God in the 21st century.
 
One of my congregations eliminated all classroom teaching and is now forming faith through community using edu-worship instead. Worship is experiential, interactive, and relational. It is designed with time to talk to your neighbor and time to dig into a Bible story. Every worship ends with communion served by children and adults of all ages.

3. What is one fact about you that would surprise people?

My favorite part of worship is sitting next to the busiest (and sometimes loudest) children present. My second favorite place is by youth.

4. What are three BIG questions Christian educators need to keep their eye on?
 
What does faith formation look like in a secular, skeptical world? Bold, adaptive, experimental change is needed.

We "swim" in the seas of digital information and connections. How do we utilize this gift? How do we respond to the challenges and disconnection that are also part of this digital world?
     
How can our ministries offer space for quiet, calm and reflection in a frenetic culture? How can our ministries offer space in the flesh relationships in a divided world?
 
5. What are some of your favorite resources?  
  
One of my favorite books is Tod Bolsinger's "Canoeing in the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory."        As the world changes, we too must change.

6. How can we pray for you? 

Please pray that people would see the humanity and dignity of each and every person and treat them accordingly. My heart breaks over and over these days as I'm sure God's does too.
 
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If you would like to recommend a Lutheran or others with a passion for lifelong learning for the "6 Questions and a Cup" column, please let us know! 
Prayer Pause
 
 
Heavenly Father, 
 
We thank you for food and remember the hungry.
We thank you for health and remember the sick.
We thank you for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank you for freedom and remember the enslaved.

May these remembrances stir us to service so that our gifts may be used for others. 
 
Amen.
 
 
  
   
 
Our Facebook group continues to grow with over 
1,000 members!
 
 

 

 



  

Christian Education Network of the ELCA
Vision Statement
 
Building a community which equips, encourages and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith formation in a changing world.

The CENetwork will:
  • Identify and evaluate resources and educational opportunities
  • Facilitate communication and conversation
  • Offer guidance, networking and mutual support
  • Nurture spiritual growth online and face to face
Check out our website

Contact Us 

   
CENetwork of the ELCA 
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903


  Phone messages may be left at 
(507) 721-0057