About - myrtlecollaboration.org

The Myrtle Collaboration: An Initiative to Reclaim the Vocation of Every Child of God

The Myrtle Collaboration supports individuals, congregations, and communities as they discern God's calling for their lives and envision and implement innovative ministries in response. The Myrtle Collaboration is an Innovation Hub of the Called to Lives of Meaning and Purpose Initiative (CLMPI) at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Initiated in 2017 through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment Inc., congregations, pastors, coaches, and community partners have engaged in deep reflection on individual and collective meaning and purpose, calls and commitments, and vision and vocation. Project Director Laura Aponte facilitated "Myrtle 1.0," bringing together nine PC(USA) churches, listed below, in the first iteration of the Myrtle Collaboration. In "Myrtle 2.0," the second iteration of the Myrtle Collaboration, first cohort pastors Rev. Dr. Felipe N. Martínez (First Presbyterian Church Columbus in Columbus, IN) and Rev. Dr. Kevin Starcher (Covenant Presbyterian Church in Boise, ID) are coordinating faith community partners in their respective local contexts to explore God's call and new ministry opportunities. Project Director Rev. Kathryn House, PhD facilitates the second Myrtle cohort.

Myrtle 1.0

Myrtle 2.0

Project Reflections

What’s Happening in the Myrtle Collaboration!

January 2024: The Myrtle Collaboration hosts the Innovative and Intentional Online Workshop facilitated by Coach Jennifer Wilson.
October 2023: Myrtle 1.0 and 2.o congregational leaders attended Baylor University’s Symposium on Faith and Culture conference “Called Together in an Age of Discord.“
May 2023: Myrtle 2.0 Boise cohort launches Multi-Faith Action Project at lunch with 150 in attendance
May 2023: Rev. Adam Taylor presents the 2023 Laws Lecture, “Where Do We Go From Here? Toxic Polarization or the Beloved Community” at First Presbyterian Church Columbus
April 2023: “Called to Life” Sunday celebration at Oxford Presbyterian Church
April 2023: Project Director Kathryn House visits the Centering Space at Trinity Presbyterian Church
April 2023: Grace Hope Presbyterian Church celebrates their 125th Anniversary and Homecoming
March and May 2023: First Presbyterian Church Columbus hosts “Interrupting Racism for Children” Workshops, presented by Child Advocates
January and February 2023: Myrtle 2.0 Indiana cohort sponsors NEXT Church Anti-racism Learning Circles
December 2022: Representatives from the Myrtle Collaboration travel to Indianapolis, IN for the Annual Gathering of the Called to Lives of Meaning and Purpose Initiative.
November 2022: The Indiana cohort sponsors the Fall 2022 Youth Retreat at Pyoca Conference Center. The Retreat focused on the Matthew 25 Initiative, which is also the focus of the Indiana Myrtle 2.0 cohort.
October 2022: Project Director Dr. Kathryn House visits the Idaho Myrtle 2.0 cohort of churches and celebrated World Communion Sunday at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Boise, ID.

Stories of Calling

In both “Myrtle 1.0” and “Myrtle 2.0,” folks in congregations are deepening their relationships with God, folks with whom they share pews, and neighbors in their broader communities. We are excited to celebrate ways that the Myrtle Collaboration is forming its roots in diverse expressions of community and expansive understandings of calling. We are also relating to many who find their meaning and purpose as students, teachers, parents, children, doctors, listeners, community organizers, builders, makers, artists, congregants, clergy and many others. This vast network broadens our insight and challenges our assumptions. And finally, we are constantly adapting. Just like the individuals who are sharing their stories in this video series, the Myrtle Collaboration is also committed to adapting so that we might better connect with and resource congregations and communities. Here we strive to connect people, recognize our kinship, and help each other find deeper purpose in life.