Letters from Representatives
Intentionality
Over the year, I have found one word that is vital to my spiritual growth and stability and that word is “intentional.”
I have found that when I am intentional about my spending time in The Word, in prayer, in quiet time, in reunion activities and in community activities that I grow spiritually and remain strong in my faith. When I allow myself to think that these basic things are not important or I fail to intentionally work on spending time on them, I suffer. In fact, it is often easier to neglect these simple things and get tied up doing the busy work of life and church. Thankfully, I have those people who know me, love me, and hold me accountable and help me return to being intentional.
As I have had the opportunity to travel and meet with the various communities, the word "intentional" continues to be important. So many times, we become so focused on the details(which are important) of running the community, that we forget about being intentional about the really important things. When was the last time we intentionally prayed for the community as a whole as well as the leadership; for the teams - selection, training, and weekend service; for the spiritual directors; for the caterpillars that we are so eagerly wanting to sponsor; and most importantly for us to be aware of God's presence and direction in our lives and our communities?
Prayerfully, you will take the time to be intentional about your own spiritual growth. And prayerfully you will intentional in your prayers for Chrysalis.
God Bless,
Pat Miller
Chrysalis Regional Representative
South Central
Purpose and Action
It is indeed an inspiring responsibility to be traveling in the West, working with communities and discussing the purpose of Chrysalis. What exactly is the purpose of Chrysalis? To me, the most important part of a Chrysalis training is looking together at the statement of purpose while rekindling our beliefs and desires to “encourage a young person to become intentional and more mature about living out his or her faith in God through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit”.
As we further examine the statement together, groups will begin to notice the “action words”. Youth are called to “seek a dynamic friendship with God”, and to “grow towards the unique person that each was created to be so that each can serve as Christ served the world.” Further, it is the “intention of Chrysalis for each person to experience the living Christ though worship, scripture, systematic teaching and the living Christian community.”
Through these words we are called to remember that Chrysalis is a movement where the Christian community walks beside youth. It is a part of the process in journeying toward Christ.
How fortunate we are to be part of an experience that seeks to “increase faith and hope” through ways of “loving in the name of Christ”.
I encourage you to look again at the Chrysalis Statement of Purpose and renew your commitment to this ministry.
A prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for reminding us that we walk beside one another in the journey of faith. We serve you through Chrysalis and offer it as an opportunity for Christian growth. Our trust remains in you and your holy purpose.
Amen
Susan Jackson
Western Chrysalis Regional Representative
