Pacific School of Religion - Congregational Renewal Cohort

This fall, Florence United Methodist Church is embarking on a new learning journey through the Congregational Renewal Cohort at Pacific School of Religion (PSR). Pastor Deb and Amanda Weaver are participating in this 10-month program designed to help congregations like ours strengthen minis tries, deepen relationships with the community, and discover fresh ways of contributing to the world around us.

The program is hosted on PSR Collective, a digital platform guided by leading faculty in theology and ministry. Each week includes online coursework, facili tated sessions, and congregational conversations. The process culminates in a final project designed and implemented right here at FUMC. Possible pro jects might include expanding outreach to new neighbors, introducing worship practices that foster mental health and wellness, creating stronger community partnerships, or bridging political, racial, and cultural divides.

We have just completed our first course, Spiritual Formation Leadership, which focused on the spiritual foundations for congregational renewal. Our next class, Design Thinking for Social Change, will help us imagine creative, practical steps toward ministry that truly meets the needs of our time.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you—because renewal does not belong to two people alone. It belongs to the whole church, listening for God’s Spirit and responding with courage. Please pray for us, join the conversa tions, and keep watch for opportunities to participate in shaping FUMC’s future together.

In the spirit of God’s grace and renewal,

Amanda and Pastor Deb