Open Letter to Spirit of Hope community

Dear friends and community at Spirit of Hope!
 
I wanted to take a moment to reach out to our blessed community and remind everyone that the leadership from our community comes from us. This is a “hands-on” and “equal-opportunity” community where it is our responsibility to create the community that we want to have. There’s a famous quote by Mahatma Ghandi that says, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  I would offer up this idea for our community as well.  What would you like our community to stand for?  What is the culture you would like to see within our community?  What do we need to do for each other and what do we need from each other?
 
The bottom line is this - no participation in the leading of our community means no community. At this point, no names have been submitted, nor do we have any volunteers to join the Circle of Servant Leaders and we have openings for three additional people to join at the table. The election is coming up quickly, now in November. As one who has served in this capacity for several years, I can tell you that it is a rewarding role, an important role and an evolving role.  I have learned so much and have gotten to know so many people throughout our community through service on the CSL. I really value all the interaction that this role has afforded me.
 
When the Circle of Servant leadership team was originally set up, it served more as the body to make the business decisions of the church. As our community has changed and evolved, the Circle now acts more like the original Core team - one where business and good stewardship decisions are still made, but where we also take the time to plan social events and learning opportunities. The meetings are held virtually now and will be hybrid in the future, so you can participate from anywhere.
 
A definition of leadership is the ability of an individual, group or organization to "lead", influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations.  It is something that we are all very familiar with as we see it every day in our government, in our communities, in all sorts of organizations and in the places where we work.
 
Leadership that is concentrated at the top reflects a style used by many churches. The decisions generally flow in one direction. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. At Spirit of Hope and within the Old Catholic community, we practice servant leadership. A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.
 
I would ask each of you to consider a role on the Circle. Think about the ideas and the energy you can bring to both the Circle and to the community at large. I know this is a group of people who are very grateful to have found one another. I see and feel the genuine care between us. The invitation is for more of “us” to become servant leaders for the good of all.
 
The time commitment is minimal.  A monthly one-hour meeting and sometimes there are subcommittees to help with planning of events or social justice activities.
 
Please think about this; pray on this and consider putting your name and skills forward so that we have more voices and hands to help us not only survive, but thrive.
 
With appreciation,
Ingrid
 
 
Ingrid Mattsson
Vice Chair
Spirit of Hope Circle of Servant Leaders