Moses Project 2021-2022 Cohort Kick Off

Director, Dr. Trisha Wheelock

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The Moses Project kicked off the 2021-2022 cohort with a hybrid event designed by Dr. Trisha Wheelock, Ms. Jamie Lackey, and Rev. Dr. Russ Lackey. Pastors joined in person on Grand View’s campus and online for three days of professional development and connection with other pastors serving in rural ministry. The pastors hailed from 9 states and 12 ELCA synods.

 

The Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce, Dean of Howard Divinity School, served as the keynote exemplar along with curriculum development and teaching by Rev. Dr. Ken Jones and music provided by Dr. Michael Elsbernd. Pastors reflected on their call to ministry, shared stories of the joys and the struggles of rural ministry, and enjoyed hospitality including dinner at the Hyperion Club hosted by Grand View President Kent and Carole Henning. Here’s a few comments from our pastors.

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• “Thank you for hosting a wonderful kick-off.”

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• “Thank you again for all your help and generosity last week; it truly helped to make the experience enjoyable!”

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• “Thank you for a great kick-off of the Moses Project. It gave me a lot of food for thought. I am excited to walk this journey with Jesus and our group.”

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The cohort also discussed Open Secrets by Richard Lischer, enjoyed mystery gifts and devotions, took part in opening interviews, spent time in small groups contemplating their call and communities, laughed, and enjoyed hospitality.  

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Thanks to our funding from Lilly Endowments, we're able to offer the pastors generous hospitality. From gift bags, to unique meals at fun Des Moines locations, to snacks and mystery gifts, we work to surround the pastors with a spirit of generosity, recognizing how hard they work and how they need to be cared for and encouraged. 

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Meet our new mini-cohorts and see photos from the event.