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Pastor to People
Dear RRPC Family,
In this pastor to people I would like to begin a series of reflections on this interim period. Now that your PNC has been elected and beginning their task to find the right pastor for our congregation, I
would like to lift up some areas of our ministry for consideration.
This Sunday we will have several youth as liturgists as we recognize their
graduations and advancement in their education. Since I arrived to serve you in October, I have heard many times about the thriving youth ministry our congregation formerly had. There is an element of sadness and even nostalgia for those days when we had Sunday School and Youth groups etc. I have served other churches where the same situation presented itself. Our collective loss of youth and children is a cause for concern.
Here is how I hope we will approach this challenge. First, we must not be mired in nostalgia. There is an old country song that says, "Nostalgia is not what it used to be." And nostalgia will not take us back to the "good ole days". We are where we are.
Second, we need to be grateful for all the children and youth this church has served and helped bring up in the faith.
Third, we need to ask ourselves, "What would attract families with children and youth to our church?" That is a crucial question. One that I hope the Session will consider seriously. Fourth, we need to pray that we become an attractive place for families with children and youth. And we need to invite them to our congregation. We are a very welcoming congregation when people show up. We need to become more proactive in actually inviting friends, neighbors, family and co-workers to come worship with us. A simple,, "We would love to have you come share in our worship" is
all you need to say. And leave the rest to God's Spirit.
So let's start a serious conversation about how we can move forward into the future to invite and welcome and nurture families with children and youth. Will you pray with me about this ministry? Can we talk about this challenge together without nostalgia? This is a crucial aspect of this interim ministry. Let's put our shoulders to the wheel, by the grace of God.
Peace and hope Frank
PS Like this cat, I have been giving thanks for the rain and the snow. I hope you have been as well!
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