As the holidays approach, the Advent season brings with it a time of reflection, gratitude, and anticipation. The significance of this period goes beyond festive decorations and bustling shopping malls; it provides an opportunity for individuals to pause, reflect upon the year, express gratitude, and prepare for the future.
The Advent season symbolizes preparation for the coming of Christ. Themes of hope, love, joy, and peace guide us as we take this time to slow down, engage in self-reflection, and ponder the values and beliefs that define us.
One of the essential aspects of the Advent season is the practice of gratitude. It offers a space for individuals to express thanksgiving for the blessings and opportunities they have received throughout the year. Gratitude fosters a positive mindset and encourages us to acknowledge the support and contributions of others. These acts of thankfulness not only cultivate humility but strengthen interpersonal relationships and build community.
In this issue, we want to take time to reflect and to express our gratitude. We give thanks for the time and commitment of our talented staff, Board of Directors, Leadership Fellows, Emerging Clergy Leaders, Disciples leadership at all our partner schools, and the theological leadership of our academic scholars through the Association of Disciples for Theological Discussion.
HELM Leadership Fellows, for example, recently completed their annual fall retreat in Seattle, WA. We are grateful for the many hearts and hands that made this learning and bonding experience possible. Particular thanks to our Program Coordinator, Rev. Katy Sundararajan, and her team of mentors and leaders. Gratitude.
Moreover, the Advent season brings both anticipation and hope, inspiring goal setting, planning, and a renewed commitment to personal, professional, and organizational goals. Lessons learned from the challenges faced during the year become stepping-stones toward a brighter future. Great leaders inspire others by painting a compelling vision of the future and instilling a sense of optimism and possibility. This shared anticipation for what lies ahead creates a unified sense of purpose and motivation.
The themes of the Advent season hold profound relevance for us in Higher Education & Leadership Ministries. Our mission is to prepare effective leadership for the church, society and world which requires the development of individuals who exhibit self-awareness, reflection, empathy, gratitude, and the ability to inspire hope as they guide others.
Therefore, in the spirit of anticipation and hope, as we paint a vision for the future, we are pleased to announce the addition of the Youth Leadership Symposium to HELM. The Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) offers high school-age students a pathway to leadership development, qualification for scholarship, mentoring and direct introductions to Disciples-related institutions of higher learning. You will read more about YLS and its Director, Rev. Lee Yates, in this issue. We welcome individuals, churches, and communities to take advantage of this offering by contacting HELM and creating local “pods” to assist in connecting students to possible pathways to their future.
Finally, as we reflect on 2023 and prepare for the year ahead, we give thanks for the ministry of HELM, the lives it touches, and the gift it brings to the world. We look forward with anticipation and hope as we share more good news in upcoming issues! And for now, we remain grateful for you, our readers, as we continually find new ways to reach and support our students in High School, College, Graduate Theological and Ministerial preparation.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Tamara N. Rodenberg