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cancelled at holy cross until further notice
Imaginal Cells By Marc Winn December 9, 2015 Have you heard of imaginal cells? Although they are associated with insect life-cycles – for me, they are a great metaphor for the way the world is undergoing transformation at the moment. Imaginal cells are the ones that create the incredible process of metamorphosis that occurs when a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. These cells hold all the potential for the future, but initially they act separately, before combining as one to create something incredible that is a great improvement on their previous existence. The process of this change is amazing. Within the chrysalis, the structure of the caterpillar dissolves into a soupy organic mush. Hitherto dormant cells – “imaginal cells” – from the caterpillar start to develop the new structure of a butterfly, even though there is no similarity whatsoever between the two creatures. Initially, each of the imaginal cells operates as a single-cell organism – entirely independent of one another. The immune system of the caterpillar even identifies them as threats and attacks them. Regardless, the imaginal cells continue; they multiply, and they connect with one another, forming clusters. They start to resonate with the same frequency and communicate in the same language, passing information backwards and forwards until there is a tipping point – when they stop acting as individual, separate cells and instead, become a multiple-celled organism: a butterfly. If we take this as an analogy for society today, it presents an exciting proposition. When systems are breaking down, you can either collapse and die or rise to the challenge of creating something better – and achieve the next stage of evolution. Leaders are the imaginal cells within their community or organization. As ideas spread and like minds connect, the possibilities grow exponentially to transform systems, policies and processes to meet the greatest challenges in our world today. Thought leaders – and others – can imagine a greater future and work together to make visions a reality. We are living in an era of increasing interconnectivity. Thanks to the internet, across the globe and across different specialisms and areas of interest, people can instantly communicate with one another like never before. Ideas, news, problems and solutions can travel fast and far – within seconds. We have the capacity to take advantage of the ‘collective consciousness’ – acting in groups as a community with shared ideas, values and circumstances, instead of individually. With focus on a single intent – whether to create environmentally friendly energy, cure cancer or reduce hunger – people working together have the power to radically transform the human race and the world we live in. This heralds massive evolutionary change for us. What if we harnessed this power? What if we worked like imaginal cells – thinking differently from the old ways, working together with others who share our values and principles – to create something wonderful in the world? Our speedy communication networks and efficient technology means that we have the power to take collective action to identify solutions to both personal and global problems. This excites me. This is what drives me to look for imaginal cells in my own community – with the aim of connecting and empowering them to accelerate and multiply. To network, to share and work together – to produce transformational results for the future. Just as it takes the total disintegration of the caterpillar’s structure in order to create a butterfly – it may take the complete breakdown of present systems before a better future occurs. But I am convinced that each of us, working together to make the world a better place will produce something incredible on the other side. Let’s fly! Marc
NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2020
Special Announcement regarding Synod Assembly
The Synod Council has determined that Synod Assembly will be postponed until May 13-15, 2021 at Finlandia University in Hancock, MI.
Refunds will be sent out to those already registered.
We will let you know when 2020 Synod Reports are ready and available on the NGLS website.
If you have any questions, please call the Synod Office at (906) 228-2300. Thank you!
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We appreciate your continued support for the mission of Holy Cross Lutheran Church during this time. Your giving is how we as a church are able to give to our community. Thank you for keeping God’s work going through your hands! Blessings on your giving! Ways to give:
- Mail your check to: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 40, Baraga, Mi 49908
- Stop in at the church office Wednesday or Thursday between 12:00 – 5:00
- While doing your local grocery shopping at Larry’s Market ask for Cindy Giddings. Cindy, our record keeper, will deposit your check for you.
- You can deposit your check directly into the Holy Cross General Checking Account at Superior National Bank. If you chose this route, please notify Cindy Giddings at 353-6036 to ensure your giving is recorded for tax purposes.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church seeks to praise the Triune God
in Worship and Works.
Together, we serve and welcome all of God’s children and act
as stewards of God’s creation.
Hospital Visits
Rules to protect patient privacy mean that limited information regarding who is in the hospital is available to pastors who visit at local hospitals. If you’d like Pastor Julie to know that you’ve been hospitalized, please contact her at: Office hours Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Office Phone: 906-353-6541 Cell Phone: 906-370-5301 E-mail: holycross@up.net
Check them out! Synod website address: www.nglsynod.org ELCA website address: www.elca.org