To: All Covenant For New England Town Facilitators 

From: Al Shimer, Coordinator 

Subject: Getting started

Dear Friend in Christ:

Welcome and thanks for being a Town Facilitator.

One essential part of being a Town Facilitator is to get better acquainted with the pastors and churches in town and provide them and their attendees with information about Covenant For New England events, conferences and other programs. Informational materials about these things will be made available to you from time to time as they are released.

The important thing right now is to get started:

First, make a list of all churches in your town. Include the pastor's name. Include the church name, address, fax number, email address, phone number and any other information you may feel may be important. (Note: You'll be keeping this list current as you go.)

Second, write a personal note to each pastors on your list introducing yourself, telling them what you will be doing and what Covenant For New England is about. Here's an example letter you can work from. Brochures are available now. Let me know if you would like copies or request them on-line here.

As you get better acquainted, identify possible church liaisons to help you distribute information within churches about upcoming Covenant For New England events, conferences, etc. Your area coordinator will release advanced information to you. You'll want to update your coordinator with any concerns, issues and praise reports from your town so Intercessors and Steering Committee members can be praying in agreement with you.

Get pastors involved. One great way to get pastors involved is to invite them to write a short devotion for distribution by Covenant For New England to their subscriber's list. Pick some pastors from your list that you believe would be good at this and enjoy doing it. You may either invite them personally to submit a 300 word devotion or have your have me send a letter of invitation to them mentioning your recommendation. Here's suggested guidelines for writing a devotion.

Praying for pastors and churches within a community is important. A Bible bookmark with suggested ways to pray for the churches and pastors in your town is available. You can download, print and trim to size. The "New England Prayer Suggestions for Your Town's Churches and Pastors" bookmark is available on-line.

Thanks again for having a part. And let me know how I can help. This may well be just a start as we develop our understanding of the role of the local church and Town Facilitator by working together and letting the Lord lead us according to His purpose.

Blessings in Christ, Al Shimer, Coordinator