| Update The Co-Coordinators of the L.E.A.D. (Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship) Certificate Program, in conjunction with the Office of Formation and Leadership Development, are proud to announce the initial candidates seeking the L.E.A.D. certificate: Liz Bisordi, Sun Coast MCC, Venice, Florida Jackie Gascho, First Coast MCC, St. Augustine, Florida R.J. Hadley, Sunshine Cathedral MCC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Richard Henry, Joy MCC, Orlando, Florida Elizabeth Jensen-Forbell, First Coast MCC, St. Augustine, Florida Ken Keates, All God's Children, Minneapolis, Minnesota Kevin Marik, MCC Omaha, Nebraska Geoffrey Maul, Church of the Trinity MCC, Sarasota, Florida Sandra Millar, MCC Toronto, Ontario, Canada Felix Power, Church of the Trinity MCC, Sarasota, Florida Kathy Olejniczak, MCC of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida John Weyersmiller, Water of Life MCC, Tucson, Arizona  These lay people from across North America met in Ellenton, Florida, for four days at the first L.E.A.D. Retreat, where they learned more about the program, the current and future role of laity in MCC, and their individual spiritual journeys. By the end of the weekend, each participant had created an "Action Plan" to better equip themselves as lay leaders, not only in their local church, but in the denomination at large. Each participant will work with one of the co-coordinators and their local church pastor to bring their plan to life. Guest presenters for the weekend were Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson, Rev. Don Eastman, Rev. Dr. Mona West, Doug Berger (one of the L.E.A.D. program designers), Nancy Maxwell, and Barry Hundley. Bryan Parker, another program designer, was also present for part of the weekend. The next L.E.A.D. retreat (which is required of all participants) is tentatively scheduled for February 17-20, 2012 (Friday through Monday), and plans are already underway for L.E.A.D retreats outside of North America. If you would like to know more about the program and how you can apply to be in the next class, please reach out to one of the co-coordinators, Nancy Maxwell (nancy.maxwell@washburnedu.com) or Barry Hundley (barhun@aol.com). Please keep these lay people in your prayers as they journey to be better leaders and work toward certificate completion. Your Partners in Christ's Work, Nancy Maxwell and Barry Hundley
L.E.A.D. Program Co-Coordinators Rev. Dr. Mona West
Director of the Office of Formation and Leadership Development | 
