 The weekend of November 20-22 was a very busy one for about 100 disciples who traveled from around New England and New York to intersect for two eternity-touching meetings.
On Friday night, November 20, over 60 elders and wives (plus those in training) met in New Britain, Connecticut, at the building of the Greater Hartford Church of Christ to kick off the third annual shepherd’s event entitled “Partners in Leadership.” The past two workshops have started with a memorable meal cooked by Clarence and Laura Webster. The BBQ feast actually began at 6 AM, as Clarence braved the pouring rain to load up his “grill.” It culminated at 7 PM with great food, fellowship and a start to the weekend that could not have been any better. (Click Here to view pictures of the event)
 Following the magnificent dinner, several disciples shared in inspirational fashion on a couple of different topics. John McGuirk from Boston started the sharing called “Elders and Wives – Beyond Our Borders” by connecting the book of Acts with our ability to reach out to other churches on both sides of the ocean. John and his wife, Carol, have been great examples in this area as they traveled across Europe this summer strengthening many congregations. Boston’s Beth Buchholz also shared about her family’s time in Zagreb, Croatia. The Boston trio finished up with Ken Ostrowski telling the story of having a heart for Syracuse, New York. The most recent chapter to that novel includes a ministry couple – Roger and Sue Wine (also at the weekend conference) – moving to Syracuse in the early part of 2010, as a result of the heart and labor of many “outside the borders” of their own home churches.
The concluding section of the first evening was focused on “The Joy of New Elderships.” In an attempt to inspire many in attendance whose churches do not presently have elders, Lincoln Gifford from Hartford and Mike Villars from New Hampshire shared about the recent journeys both churches have taken, which resulted in elderships and multiple joys.
 After a long night of fellowship and a brief sleep, the Saturday morning activities began with a devotional. Many songs, prayers and a scripture reading set the tone for a spiritual day. In addition to elders and wives, this year evangelist Douglas Arthur from Boston preached the theme lesson of the conference on the uniting of elders and wives with evangelists and women’s ministry leaders. Navigating using everyone’s gifts but not holding any role as supreme while staying united is God’s call to His church in the 21st century. The morning session was joined by several area evangelists and members of the International Mission’s Society Board of Directors, who have a heart for partnering in leadership too. As happened at the conclusion of all the classes, questions and answers followed the lecture.
 Next, the men and women split up for directed classes. The sisters, led by Jeanie Shaw from Boston, shared about what they have been learning as elders’ wives over the past year. Larry Craig from New York and Mark Whittier from Boston spoke on the topic of “The Daily Life of an Elder” for the men.
Lunch was another great time for re-connecting with old friends and making new ones. Several disciples in the Hartford church prepared this fine meal and there was even leftover meat from the Webster feast the night before.
The day’s last session featured Wyndham Shaw from Boston and New Hampshire’s Mike Fix preaching on “Partners in Decision-Making.” Working through challenges when there is a split vote and learning how to be persuadable were two of the many nuggets imparted.
 Also after lunch, the IMS Board had headed out to a nearby hotel for a seven-hour meeting. Several European disciples had crossed the big pond to share in this meeting intended to help the evangelistic growth of churches in New England and Europe. A budget was set. Plans were made for 2010 – including the planting of a new church in Portland, Maine. Perhaps a little later than expected - hugs and goodbyes were spread. And then the high-speed 48 hours were over.
Though most had left, a few brave souls remained one more day to worship with the Greater Hartford Church for a Bring Your Neighbor Day event on Sunday. Almost 500 people showed up to hear Douglas Arthur preach on “What Are You Afraid Of?” from Genesis 3 and John 9. Some other elders stayed and prayed, the band played and even a baptism took place (Sherry Carter).
It was more than just another weekend. Lives were touched. Those lives in turn will touch many other souls in New York, New England, Europe and around the world! It is special to be “Partners in Leadership” and God help us stay that all the way to the finish line of heaven.
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