The Spirit is alive and hard at work in your church!
June 20, 2008
Here's a few examples!
Last night we had 33 people at our second Thursday Night Twilight service!
Remember that the service really serves two purposes. It is first of all an
alternative to Sunday in the summer, and a number of people were there last
night who knew they couldn't be here this Sunday. Second, it is an
alternate worship experience; casual, interactive, lay-led, outside, food,
fun! After our meal last night, our devotion was led by our staff around
the idea that when we all work together, the privelege of ministry is easier
and more effective. We than took a walk together, stopping along the way to
pray for creation, community, commerce, children, our community churches,
and our congregation. We ended up at our church cemeter, behind the "old
church" on Viking Blvd, which has a lot of history and was very interesting
for those not even aware we have a cemetery! Next week our Outreach team
will be our leaders.
We exceeded our "Summer Match" goal of $30,000, actual gifts received of
$35,501.82! Doesn't it feel good to do something so positive as a church?
In the face of daily news that says cut, pull back, lay off, etc., we were
able to do quite the opposite, and that my friends, is the gospel! Thanks
so much for your generosity. It means we can go full steam ahead with our
current ministries, staff, and programs, seeking ways to expand and improve
what we do. Your ongoing support will, of course, be needed (Thanks!), but
now we can return our main focus to the ministry we do, and that's a
blessing!
We received news from Pastor Lufyagila at Mtera Church in Tanzania, that he
and two members of his parish have accepted our invitation to visit us in
the summer of 2009. We're very excited about this, for it will give the
whole congregation a chance to meet a delighful servant of God some of us
have had the chance to meet in Tanzania, and it will "complete the circle"
of partnership that we have entered into. They will have a much better
understanding of who we are through their visit, just as we have a much
better understanding by having visited them. We pray the details and
support will all work out for this exciting visit.
The next big opportunity for the congregation ate the "summer dessert"
gatherings being planned for July. I am convinced we are best as a church
when we get together face to face, meet each other, enjoy food, and talk
about our life in Christ personally and as a congregation. The dessert
gatherings are intended to be delighful times to do this. I'll take 20
minutes or so to share some of my hopes and dreams for our church, where
we've been and where we're going. One of our council members will be
present to facilitate some discussion around what you feel are the strengths
of our church, and growth areas for the future. We'll eat dessert and
visit. While primarily an "adult thing," there are a few homes, like the
Ihfe's, who have said bring the kids along and they'll have things to do.
Another option is a babysitter and a night out for mom and dad. Let me know
if you need help with a sitter. I know a few confirmation students who
maybe could help out! It would really help us if you can sign up for one at
church, or call the office to do so. They are Mondays and Tuesdays in July,
beginning July 7th.
This Sunday sounds like it is going to be wonderful for outdoor worship.
Our guest musician is Mark Kuefler, who has sung with us many times in the
past. If you've heard Marty Sonnek from our church, Mark has a similar kind
of style. (think James Taylor, for those of my generation!) Sunday's theme
is "God's Abundant Protection," timely, I think, in light of the tornadoes
and floods we have seen this summer. We also have 2 babies to Baptize!
What a blessing!
Have you noticed how lovely the church grounds are looking? Thanks to Zella
Oswald, Joe, Andy Peterson, my son Michael, and many volunteers who have
helped pull weeds, plant, trim, and shape things up. There's a lot to
maintain, and a long summer ahead, so if you can give a little time to trim
and pull weeds, it's appreciated!
I could go on and on, but that's enough for today. Blessings on your
weekend. See you in church!
Pastor Jeff
Last night we had 33 people at our second Thursday Night Twilight service!
Remember that the service really serves two purposes. It is first of all an
alternative to Sunday in the summer, and a number of people were there last
night who knew they couldn't be here this Sunday. Second, it is an
alternate worship experience; casual, interactive, lay-led, outside, food,
fun! After our meal last night, our devotion was led by our staff around
the idea that when we all work together, the privelege of ministry is easier
and more effective. We than took a walk together, stopping along the way to
pray for creation, community, commerce, children, our community churches,
and our congregation. We ended up at our church cemeter, behind the "old
church" on Viking Blvd, which has a lot of history and was very interesting
for those not even aware we have a cemetery! Next week our Outreach team
will be our leaders.
We exceeded our "Summer Match" goal of $30,000, actual gifts received of
$35,501.82! Doesn't it feel good to do something so positive as a church?
In the face of daily news that says cut, pull back, lay off, etc., we were
able to do quite the opposite, and that my friends, is the gospel! Thanks
so much for your generosity. It means we can go full steam ahead with our
current ministries, staff, and programs, seeking ways to expand and improve
what we do. Your ongoing support will, of course, be needed (Thanks!), but
now we can return our main focus to the ministry we do, and that's a
blessing!
We received news from Pastor Lufyagila at Mtera Church in Tanzania, that he
and two members of his parish have accepted our invitation to visit us in
the summer of 2009. We're very excited about this, for it will give the
whole congregation a chance to meet a delighful servant of God some of us
have had the chance to meet in Tanzania, and it will "complete the circle"
of partnership that we have entered into. They will have a much better
understanding of who we are through their visit, just as we have a much
better understanding by having visited them. We pray the details and
support will all work out for this exciting visit.
The next big opportunity for the congregation ate the "summer dessert"
gatherings being planned for July. I am convinced we are best as a church
when we get together face to face, meet each other, enjoy food, and talk
about our life in Christ personally and as a congregation. The dessert
gatherings are intended to be delighful times to do this. I'll take 20
minutes or so to share some of my hopes and dreams for our church, where
we've been and where we're going. One of our council members will be
present to facilitate some discussion around what you feel are the strengths
of our church, and growth areas for the future. We'll eat dessert and
visit. While primarily an "adult thing," there are a few homes, like the
Ihfe's, who have said bring the kids along and they'll have things to do.
Another option is a babysitter and a night out for mom and dad. Let me know
if you need help with a sitter. I know a few confirmation students who
maybe could help out! It would really help us if you can sign up for one at
church, or call the office to do so. They are Mondays and Tuesdays in July,
beginning July 7th.
This Sunday sounds like it is going to be wonderful for outdoor worship.
Our guest musician is Mark Kuefler, who has sung with us many times in the
past. If you've heard Marty Sonnek from our church, Mark has a similar kind
of style. (think James Taylor, for those of my generation!) Sunday's theme
is "God's Abundant Protection," timely, I think, in light of the tornadoes
and floods we have seen this summer. We also have 2 babies to Baptize!
What a blessing!
Have you noticed how lovely the church grounds are looking? Thanks to Zella
Oswald, Joe, Andy Peterson, my son Michael, and many volunteers who have
helped pull weeds, plant, trim, and shape things up. There's a lot to
maintain, and a long summer ahead, so if you can give a little time to trim
and pull weeds, it's appreciated!
I could go on and on, but that's enough for today. Blessings on your
weekend. See you in church!
Pastor Jeff