From The Pastor's Desk. . .
I always seem to start my end-of-year letter with the phrase “What a year it has been!” In ministry it never ceases to amaze me with how much changes and how much does not. For some that can be very frustrating, but at the start of my journey in ministry one of my mentors, my beloved college professor, gave me some very important advice; “in ministry things just stop; they are never finished.” This is very true!
Personally, there is part of me that really wants to shut down and reboot, but that is never a possibility! So, some things will stop and other things will keep going and so much more will be started! I am already amazed with how much is going on in the New Year, I know we are going to have another remarkable year like this one.
There were many things that made this year so remarkable, but the most important thing is you. From the way that we have embraced the community and those who visit, to the active care so many give to the grounds and church, I am still amazed at the wonders God has in this place.
We are blessed to have a great music staff who can take our limited resources and use them to make a huge impact! Whether it is Amber during revive or Nick, Christine and Mary Anne on Sunday, the music is as good as ever! But what is really special is all of the lay leadership, especially Dave - who lead and make the music and worship ministries work.
As we look to the new year our session has assessed our changing community and realized it is very different than it was when I came here 7 years ago. The community has transformed from retired and “empty nest” families mixed with a large number of single professionals back to a diverse community of many young families.
With all of that we have not even touched the surface of all the good things that happened in the past year, from cleaning up our financial situation and obligations to reconnecting with our community. I am amazed with the good name that has been fostered in the community. Amazingly, when there are needs people really do think of us! Pretty cool!!!
As we move into 2019, recognizing this change, we are really going to focus on Christian Education in many ways. To start we are revamping our youth program to have something that it is a destination not only for our youth, but also for the youth who live around the church. We are welcoming Oliver Page to take on the yoke of our youth program bringing his experience as a camp counselor, Young Life leader, and youth leader. We are excited about the possibilities and look to support any way we can, this ministry.
We are not stopping there! We are going to be expanding the Adult educational offerings as well. Starting this Sunday, January 6, we will begin a 7-week class exploring the 7 marks of a vital congregations. From that discussion we will be developing other educational opportunities for adults based on the interests of our church and community.
As for Children and ministry with children that is also going to be revamped. Denominational studies over the past few years have consistently highlighted that children who do not attend worship do not continue with their faith journey beyond their primary school years. Moreover, many children have a difficult time conceptualizing a relationship with God. While we do not know what this will look like right now, we know that we will be experimenting with different ways to do both Christian education and have the children as part of worship. I think this is exciting and a real potential for the work of evangelism we are called to do.
Because, our church is alive and active, we are not finished! While this year may end and some programs may stop or change, God’s active work continues and our congregation will continue to move forward into the Grand reality that God has planned for us!
In Christ,
Bryan
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