September 2012
Dear Friends & Family,
A lot has happened since our last letter. WMF is going through quite a bit of healthy transition. After nearly 20 years of leading the WMF movement, Chris & I have decided to step down & make room for new, fresh vision. WMF is at an important turning point—reform & expansion are necessary ingredients to a thriving & enduring international community. So Chris & I have made our recommendations for our successors to the board & by September 1 we expect the search & interview process to be completed & the new directors to be in place. Bo White & Liz Ivkovich are serving in the interim with incredible vision & grounded wisdom. It’s been one of our greatest delights to serve with these two outstanding leaders.
So what does this mean for Chris & Phileena?
We are continuing to serve within the embrace of our community at WMF. Chris’ third book, Unexpected Gifts: Discovering the Way of Community (Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster) will be released at the end of this year & he will be giving much attention to a book tour. If you are interested in hosting him for a book event, please contact him at chris.heuertz@wordmadeflesh.org.
In addition, WMF is supporting us to launch a Center for Contemplative Activism. For the next year, WMF will be incubating this initiative—seeing it as vital to the future of WMF & other social activist groups & mission groups who are engaging our world in these difficult times of disparity, violence & ecological destruction. I (Phileena) have been accepted into the Halo Institute http://business.creighton.edu/centers-programs/halo-institute–a 3-month intensive for social entrepreneurships. By the end of the year, the mission, vision & values will be refined & a business plan in hand for the success of the Center. Stay tuned on email, facebook & twitter for periodic updates. Take a moment to email me at phileena.heuertz@wordmadeflesh.org to make sure I have your current email address.
What does this mean for you?
We value your partnership now more than ever as we dare to add to the beautiful work of WMF by starting this Center. So please please please continue to send in your support for our account, without that we won’t be able to launch this new venture.
We’re really excited about this new creative work we get to be a part of and will be updating you along the way. In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to call me at 402 639 9509.
Thank you so much for partnering with us in the redemptive work of our Creator.
Be well. Breathe deep.
Phileena