LeadershipFirst Newsletter
February/March 2018
As we move deeper into 2018 we are excited to continue our existing LF programs, the Overview and Project Moses, and are dreaming of ways we can continue to make a positive impact on FUMCR and beyond.
Blessings to you all!
Karen, Beth and Matt
Clayton's Corner
Recently I attended a luncheon at SMU where the featured speaker was Joseph Jaworski. He is the son of famed Watergate Special Prosecutor, Leo Jaworski. Joseph was a young trial lawyer when his father was in the midst of the Watergate investigation. His father shared with him a copy of the manuscript of taped conversations in the Oval office where the President was instructing two of his senior staffers to commit perjury. It so sickened him, that from that day forward he shifted his work to be about healthy leaders and organizations.
As Jaworski spoke I couldn’t help but notice parallels with LeadershipFirst. For example, he talked through qualities of unhealthy leaders and healthy leaders. Carl Smith has led our LeadershipFirst groups through a similar conversation and the lists I have heard in both settings were similar. As he shared the focus of his work, I was so proud to see that we are pointing to these same areas in LeadershipFirst: Selflessness, having a vision or cause larger than yourself, listening, healthy conflict management, courage, seeking spiritual guidance, being secure in who you are, encouraging and empowering people to use their gifts, and more. His book, which I commend to you, is called Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership. In it he shares four key principles:
1) There is an open and emergent quality to the universe. A group of simple components can suddenly reemerge at a higher level of self-organization as a new entity with new properties. We can’t find a cause or reason for this emergent quality, but as we experience it again and again, we see that the universe offers infinite possibility.
2) The universe is a domain of undivided wholeness; both the material world and the consciousness are parts of the same undivided whole. The totality of existence is enfolded within each fragment of space and time - whether it is a single object, thought, or event. Thus, everything in the universe, including human intentions and ways of being, affects everything else, because everything is part of the same unbroken whole.
3) There is a creative Source of infinite potential enfolded in the universe. Connection to this Source leads to the emergence of new realities - discovery, creating, renewal, and transformation. We are partners in the unfolding of the universe.
4) Humans can learn to draw on this infinite potential of the Source by choosing to follow a disciplined path toward self-realization and love, the most powerful energy in the universe. The path may include teachings from ancient traditions developed over thousands of years, contemplative practices, and direct exposure to the degenerative process of nature.
Thank you for being part of the important movement we call LeadershipFirst. There is an urgent need in the world today for leaders to lead with love and integrity – in homes, schools, businesses, governments, churches, communities – in all areas of life. I am so grateful you, as participants and alumni of LeadershipFirst, are part of the answer!
In Christ,
Clayton Oliphint
LeadershipFirst Important Dates!!!
1) Wednesday, Mar 28, 6-8 pm, Ogden Fellowship Hall - Faith Quakes: How Has Your Faith Changed?
Join us for an intergenerational conversation about faith. For each of us, we face times in life that challenge our faith. It may be through an event, or a person, or something else, our faith is constantly maturing....changing. At this event, we will hear the stories from five people of different generations, how their faith has changed and the influences they have had on their faith development. We will also offer an opportunity to share personal stories and questions around tables.
Dinner will be served. Please REGISTER ONLINE.
2) Sunday, April 8, 12-2:30p (Lunch provided) – LeadershipFirst Spring Summit/Social
We invite you to join us as Pastors Clayton, Debra and Julie share insights on the impact of Servant Leadership and more! We will also give important updates on LF and just as important, spending time together as alumni. Please RSVP your attendance at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0849a9a82c7-leadershipfirst2 You do not want to miss this event.
3) Friday, 5/4/18-7:30 AM – 3:00 P.M. (Light breakfast and lunch included in ticket price) – Leadercast Richardson
This is an event that will inspire you and speak to your soul! Leadercast Richardson is a Ted-Talk style, leadership conference, simulcast from Atlanta. Whether you are a stay at home mom, student, corporate executive or non-profit volunteer, come and be moved by the top-notch leaders as they cover the theme Lead Yourself, so that we may be leaders worth following. Tickets are on sale now at www.leadercastrichardson.com. Invite your friends, family, colleagues, business partners, vendors, neighbors, and teachers! Would your company like to partner with FUMCR and be a sponsor. See the website for more details!
4) Sunday, 6/3/18 – Tuesday, 6/5/18 – FUMCR is hosting Annual Conference. Volunteers are needed throughout all 3 days. Stay-tuned for sign-ups! We can't wait to once again demonstrate our radical hospitality,with your help, as we host pastors and laity from throughout the North Texas Conference!