Update from the Executive Couple.
We all have a desire to belong. Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has had a need to belong, to be a part of something, to feel included. Belonging can give us a sense of purpose, and even identity. However, simply belonging is not enough.
Early in Dan’s teaching career, we were blessed to attend the Reclaiming Youth at Risk Conference in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Lakota Medicine Wheel was used to represent four basic areas which we, as people need to have in balance in our lives. It’s kind of like a four-legged stool. If one of the legs is missing, the stool falls over. If one of the four tenets of the Medicine Wheel is missing, there is imbalance in your life. The four quadrants of the Circle are Belonging, Mastery, Generosity, and Independence. Over the years, we have come to see this Circle in many parts of our lives, including our service to United Marriage Encounter.
As each of us completes our Weekend, we become members of the UME family. Each couple has their own set of skills and gifts, often different from other couples. On the Weekend, we are told that each of us is gifted with skills with which to serve. As we master these skills, our involvement, or sense of belonging may increase. As we explore and hone our gifts, we develop a sense of independence within a larger body. As we learn to share these gifts, through our generosity, we help the Ministry move forward.
On our Weekend, we felt a sense of belonging as the Weekend progressed. We joined a Core one week later, and that belonging feeling grew. A few years later, we became part of the local UME Board, expanding that sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves. By being open to God, and each other, we recognized our belonging to UME as part of our calling to serve.
We pray each of you hears God’s call to you, to serve UME, in whatever capacity you are able. We are each a part of the body of Christ, needing to work together, as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:12-18, 26-27. Your gift of service to United Marriage Encounter are highly valued and greatly appreciated. Together, we can serve, to transform marriages around the world, and strive to achieve the dream of Christ-centered Biblical marriages.
It is our wish for each of you to feel that sense of belonging within United Marriage Encounter. It is also our wish for each of you to discover your gifts and talents and use them in service to others. Belonging to the United Marriage Encounter family has become an integral part of our serving. Serving together is a blessing which we cherish. Thank you for being part of the family! We love you.
Peace, love and joy,
Dan & Pat
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