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We looked at our current and recent staffing positions asking what is covered and what is no longer. Then we brainstormed, gathering ideas in Adult Forum, Confirmation class and via email. These ideas ranged from very broad, like wanting to make sure each member feels valued and connected with the congregation, to more specific, like hiring a youth minister, and many ideas in between. A big thanks to Herm and Gayle Heinecke who collated all of that gathered information!
In a second Adult Forum, we looked at the collated ideas, prayed for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and began to process the information. We asked, what is already happening? What committee might a particular idea fall under? Is this idea a value or an action? To what shall we give priority? Then we asked for the Spirit to guide us as we considered what ideas carry energy and what did not. Our conversations were vibrant and varied. I am so grateful for the participation of so many and for the movement of the Holy Spirit in our midst!
In the July meeting of the Council, we took several steps forward for this year and committed to continued work on a couple of items. First, a newly-formed visitation ministry committee is coordinating visits with our homebound and elder members. This ministry is already happening and we will continue to iron out details and snags as we need to.
A second hope was for continued music opportunities for young people. To that end, I am happy to share with you that Gary Butler will take on leadership responsibilities for the Treble Choir as an official part of his staff role at LCR. He will work with the children on Sunday mornings as part of Sunday School for this year. We will continue to evaluate our needs and values when it comes to children's music and make changes as needed.
A third desire was for enhanced youth ministry. I am excited to share with you that Terra Swisher will be leading Sunday evening gatherings for youth beginning this fall. Terra has experience in youth ministry and is excited to explore with us what makes sense for LCR. This is currently a volunteer position.
A fourth idea called for a way to unify the coordination of volunteers and activities in which the congregation takes part. As we brainstormed and dreamed about this work it became clear that more clarity is needed! One response that came out of the second adult forum conversation was being overwhelmed with all that we do and support as a congregation. There was a significant amount of energy and conversation around the tension between doing many things and wanting to dig deeper into a few specific areas and activities. Council agreed that we need further work as a congregation to discern what this will look like for us.
These four are not the only ideas that came up nor even the only areas with energy. Committees are already picking up on many of the other ideas: more Bible Study opportunities, expanding the worship volunteers number, making community connections, and enhancing ways that children engage in worship are some examples.
As we head into a new program year, I am delighted with the ways the Spirit is moving in and through us. And I am confident that same Spirit inspire us to greater clarity of purpose. I am reminded of the text from Ephesians which guided our Rooted and Renewing campaign: "I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love...that to the One who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever."
May we enter this coming season rooted in Christ and renewing for the future!
In Peace,
Pastor Sarah
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