Episcopal Diocese of Albany

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

December 19, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For quite some time now, I have been emphasizing the importance of each parish in the Diocese offering quality Bible studies and small group ministry opportunities. I believe that both are a key to establishing strong, healthy, vibrant, Spirit-filled parishes where our people can grow in faith, truly becoming Disciples Making Disciples, and not simply Sunday morning "pew potatoes."

To assist us in achieving these goals, I have invited Dr. Joel Comiskey, a gifted author and leading authority on Bible studies and small group ministry to come to the Diocese of Albany to lead a two-day seminar entitled, How to Use Small Groups to Grow Your Church Both Spiritually and Numerically. The seminar will be held Monday and Tuesday, January 12th and 13th at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center. You can register on-line beginning this Saturday at the Diocese's website: http://www.albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/news/events/. A copy of the registration form is attached for those who prefer to register by mail. The cost varies depending on whether you stay overnight or commute. Scholarships are available. Don't let the lack of funds prevent you from coming.

Canon Bob Haskell has read most of Dr. Comiskey's books and attended several of his workshops. He strongly recommends him. Dr. Comiskey earned his PhD from Fuller Seminary and wrote his thesis on churches which are made up of networks of lay-led small group bible studies. He is the author of over a dozen books on the subject.

I highly recommend each rector or vicar to attend if at all possible. Key lay leaders are also welcome. Everyone who registers will receive a copy of one of Dr. Comiskey's books, The Church That Mutliplies.

I apologize for the short notice concerning the seminar. When we first contacted Dr. Comiskey, he was booked solid for the next 18 months. By the grace of God, the week of January 12 just became available. Rather than wait, we accepted his generous offer to come to Albany on January 12 & 13. Please register by January 5th so we can plan accordingly for lodging and food.

I look forward to seeing you at the seminar.

Faithfully in Christ,
+Bill

Back to Index

Disciples Making Disciples