BUILDING ON THE PROMISES By Doug Cruger

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "BUILDING ON THE PROMISES By Doug Cruger"

Transcription

1 BUILDING ON THE PROMISES By Doug Cruger On a snowy Sunday morning last February - a day when most churches in Maine were closed due to weather - more than sixty of us gathered during the adult Sunday School hour to recall our journey of the last five years and to build on the promises that brought us together as a new congregation. We are Williston-Immanuel United Church in Portland, Maine, and this is our story. Our roots in Portland run very deep but we are only five years old. Five years ago, after years of declining revenue and the overpowering burden of an historic but rapidly aging building, Williston-West Church UCC in Portland, Maine, faced up to a painful fact. Pastor Gina and the church Leadership laid it out. We are a congregation in discernment at this moment in history. We have one year to try to figure out what to do. In another part of Portland's West End, Immanuel Baptist Church, was also facing some hard facts. The masonry from our tower has fallen into the street. We are facing a $34,000 deficit. The good news: the deficit is less than we faced last year. By the end of 2009, a "year of discernment" at Williston-West UCC was drawing to a close. We agree on our Core Values: 1. Being Open and Affirming and "come as you are." 2. Have a strong pastor who leads us and addresses social issues. 3. Have a strong Christian Ed program. 4. Have a strong Music Program that mixes styles/songs. Then comes 2010 and a new reality for Williston-West UCC. We vote to immediately reduce spending by 10%. Even so, this is not sustainable. Over at Immanuel Baptist, the congregation decides to make 2010 a Year of Celebration of Soul Liberty in Portland, Maine. (One of the congregations that later became Immanuel Baptist was founded in 1810.) January 2010 at Williston-West UCC. The moderator, Roxanna, speaks: Tonight discussions and voting will take place in regard to the future of this spiritual institution...it is important tonight that we speak to one another with respect, and love, and truth. We approve a proposal to explore merger/federation talks with 5 Portland congregations - three UCC churches, a UUA congregation, and with Immanuel Baptist. On the first Sunday in February, the pastor of Williston-West UCC announces her resignation, effective immediately. 1

2 April 2010: Conversations between Williston-West UCC and three Portland UCC churches and a UUA church about merger/federation take place. All are friendly. None excite. May 24, 2010: The Merger/Partnership Committee then sits down with a small group from Immanuel Baptist Church. The conversation begins. There is a close match here. Immanuel Baptist wants mutuality. This feels different - and good. Their members see how we could strengthen one another and create a new community. And the word back from Immanuel Baptist: Clearly, we are like minded people. We get positive vibes. We see possibilities. The Merger/Partnership Committee reports back to Williston-West UCC: Let us move forward with Immanuel Baptist, step by step. June 2010 at Immanuel Baptist: We have received a proposal from Williston-West UCC to move forward together. Over the summer we will "learn to dance with each other." Let the dating begin! Summer 2010: The "Summer Blend." Three Sunday mornings at Williston-West, three at Immanuel Baptist, plus one midweek summer gathering. It s called getting acquainted. It feels good. What is it that our two congregations are recognizing in one another at this "getting to know you" stage that seems hopeful? For one thing, both congregations are pioneers in their respective denominations in welcoming and affirming same sex couples and singles into the full life of the congregation. (Williston-West was one of the first Open and Affirming congregations in Maine. Immanuel Baptist was the only Welcoming & Affirming congregation in Maine.) For another, both congregations have strong traditions of social justice that stretches back for more than a century, both in Portland, Maine, and in the wider world. Then there are the demographics. While the Immanuel Baptist congregation is, shall we say, "seasoned," Williston-West Church contains many younger families, lots of children, and several families with same-sex parents. By September 2010, a plan begins to emerge. From Williston-West UCC: We will Worship with Immanuel Baptist for the next program year. We will suspend all church activity in our building. We will call Deborah Davis-Johnson - Immanuel's pastor - as our pastor, too, through the next step in our discernment. And over at Immanuel Baptist: We will pray for Williston-West UCC in their season of discernment. We will merge our program committees for the next year with theirs. We will place the Baptismal Font from Williston-West UCC at the foot of our pulpit. We will add Williston-West UCC's communion-ware (the pitcher and cup) to ours. We will place their Grand Piano beside ours in the sanctuary. We will covenant with Williston-West UCC through June 2011, 2

3 and we will work to understand what God has in mind for us next. October 2010, Pastor Deborah Davis-Johnson observes: God is multiplying our gifts and the coffee pot is empty by noon! God is doing A New Thing, and we are called to pay attention. November 2010: Let there be Truth in Advertising. From now on, the sign on outside our door will read: Williston-West UCC and Immanuel Baptist Meet Together Here every Sunday Morning at 10:30 for Worship. And Our newsletter will now have a new name: "Newsletter for an Emerging Faith Community." February 2011: Pastor Deborah observes: God is making a New Covenant with us. None of us yet knows what it will include....but I know, we are growing in many places all at once. As we began to be more comfortable with one another, and our dating begins to get serious, thorny issues begin to surface. I thought all Baptist's were Fundamentalists. Can we have both infant baptism AND baptism by immersion? Can even young children learn to partake of communion? Are we strong enough to support both American Baptist Mission and UCC Mission? What will become of the Williston-West UCC building on Thomas Street? Can we be both American Baptist and UCC? How? Do new members have to choose one denomination or the other? And the biggies, Whose hymnal will we use? What will we call ourselves? April 2011: After much prayer, our emerging faith community is presented with the draft of a Covenant that might define our corporate life for the next 12 months. We vote unanimously to approve it. June 19, 2011: Decision Day Before morning worship, we gather as two congregations in front of the church, but on opposite ends of the block. As we process toward one another and the front door of our church, we pause for prayers and a blessing. Then, we enter the church as one new congregation. After morning worship, the members of Williston-West UCC gather in the sanctuary. We vote unanimously to merge with Immanuel Baptist Church, And, the hard part: we vote to disband Williston-West UCC. Down the hall, members of Immanuel Baptist Church gather in the Chapel. We vote unanimously to merge with Williston-West UCC, And, the other hard part: we vote to disband Immanuel Baptist Church. We then assemble in the Chapel and vote to formally merge not federate our congregations. 3

4 It's time to name the church. It is now our privilege - one most of us have never-ever had - To name an exciting new ministry, in this wonderful city, in this significant time. Now, think your best thoughts, Seek for a guiding light, And then mark your ballots which the tellers have distributed to you. The vote is taken. The ballots are counted. The result is announced. From this day forward we will be WILLISTON-IMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH. During the summer and fall of 2011, the work of dissolving two historic congregations - one American Baptist and one United Church of Christ - begins, together with the work of incorporating our new church. The Williston-West building on Thomas Street (home to Williston Church since 1878) is put up for sale. (Remarkably, the building sells in six months. The new owner pays cash.) October 30, 2011: Recognition Day Today we gather with clergy and churches of both the American Baptist Churches of Maine and the Cumberland Association of the United Church of Christ to install Reverend Deborah Davis- Johnson (pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church since September 1999) as the pastor and teacher also of Williston-West Church UCC, and to recognize her credentials within the framework of the United Church of Christ. Two former moderators of our two former churches respond in tandem: When Williston-West UCC came a-courting, we at Immanuel Baptist were honored, and soon smitten. We pondered and prayed. It was clear that we were "in like" with the folks at Williston-West. To be honest, one of the only problems in the eyes of several of our members at Williston-West UCC, was that word... BAPTIST! It quickly got serious, and in June of this year we said to one another, "I do." What God is joining together..." This journey continues to be a blessing to us all. November 2011 The bronze plate that reads "Immanuel Baptist Church" is removed from the cornerstone to which it has been anchored for 83 years. It no longer identifies us. January 8, 2012: Saying Goodbye to Williston-West. Mark and his young son Max ring the old steeple bell for the very last time. Saying goodbye to this historic old building with all its history and architectural charm will be hard, but today we share memories, and we give thanks. At the end of the service Sally blows out the altar candles and takes the memorial altar cross out to her car. The lights in the sanctuary are turned out for the last time. 4

5 January 15, 2012 The old Williston-West memorial altar cross now rests above the Communion Table in the new Williston-Immanuel United Church. June 10, 2012: Our First Annual Meeting This is an historic day for us, as we officially become a new church: two Baptistries, two Sanctuary Pianos, two hymnals at least for the time being, two strong, Ecumenical Traditions, merged assets that make us stronger, a new name, and renewed passion for worshipping, loving and serving God, who, in the words of our pastor, accepts each of us, and all of us as we are, and calls us to new life. Each of us is gifted by God, And we are mixing these gifts here each week, To create and recreate with God in constantly changing ways. June 16, 2012: Southern Maine Pride Parade Forty of our number - kids and adults, Jacob and his grandmother riding in a shiny, red convertible - parade down Congress Street, behind our new church banner, greeted by thousands lining the streets of downtown Portland. We are now Williston-Immanuel United Church, An Open and Affirming Faith Community in the heart of Portland, Maine. And day by day, we are building on the promises that brought us together, and building on the promises of God. 5

CHARTER OF THE MONTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

CHARTER OF THE MONTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION CHARTER OF THE STANLY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION PREAMBLE Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and for the furtherance of His Gospel, we, the people of the Stanly Baptist Association do hereby adopt the following

More information

The Sunrise Association of Churches and Ministers Maine Conference United Church of Christ

The Sunrise Association of Churches and Ministers Maine Conference United Church of Christ The Sunrise Association of Churches and Ministers Maine Conference United Church of Christ BY-LAWS 1 1. NAME 1.1. This body shall be known as the Sunrise Association of Churches and Ministers of the Maine

More information

CONSTITUTION AVONDALE BIBLE CHURCH

CONSTITUTION AVONDALE BIBLE CHURCH ARTICLE 1 - NAME AND LOCATION CONSTITUTION AVONDALE BIBLE CHURCH A. The church shall be known as Avondale Bible Church. B. The location of the church is 17010 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville, WA. 98077 ARTICLE

More information

Joseph. Nativity. This January issue. parish. of the bvm parish. A Letter from Our Pastor Our St. Joseph Church Enhancement Project.

Joseph. Nativity. This January issue. parish. of the bvm parish. A Letter from Our Pastor Our St. Joseph Church Enhancement Project. St. Joseph parish Nativity of the bvm parish \ St. Joseph Parish Church Enhancement Receptions for all parishioners: Monday, January 21 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22 7:00 p.m. All receptions

More information

2017 Constitutional Updates. Based upon ELCA Model Constitution adopted 2016 at 14th Church Wide Assembly

2017 Constitutional Updates. Based upon ELCA Model Constitution adopted 2016 at 14th Church Wide Assembly 2017 Constitutional Updates Based upon ELCA Model Constitution adopted 2016 at 14th Church Wide Assembly The Model Constitution for Congregations was adopted by the Constituting Convention of the Evangelical

More information

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Appreciative Inquiry results 2016 In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In the summer of 2015, members and friends of MCC began exploring their

More information

The History and Future Direction of First Baptist Church

The History and Future Direction of First Baptist Church The History and Future Direction of First Baptist Church THE HISTORY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH The migration of Baptists to our area and the history of First Baptist Church share similar historical points.

More information

i am about to do a new thing; Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

i am about to do a new thing; Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. i am about to do a new thing; Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19a Together, as one An Invitation to Create a

More information

United in Ministry and Mission: An Invitation to Create a New Conference of the United Church of Christ

United in Ministry and Mission: An Invitation to Create a New Conference of the United Church of Christ P a g e 1 of 7 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19a In the midst of new dimensions,

More information

A Presbytery Policy for Congregations Considering Leaving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Approved by Carlisle Presbytery February 24, 2015

A Presbytery Policy for Congregations Considering Leaving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Approved by Carlisle Presbytery February 24, 2015 A Presbytery Policy for Congregations Considering Leaving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Approved by Carlisle Presbytery February 24, 2015 According to the guiding principles of the Presbytery of Carlisle

More information

Joining All Souls. New Member Orientation Harvard St NW, Washington DC

Joining All Souls. New Member Orientation Harvard St NW, Washington DC Joining All Souls New Member Orientation 2017 1500 Harvard St NW, Washington DC 20009 202.332.5266 www.all-souls.org All Souls Mission and Vision Mission Statement To create a diverse, spirit-growing,

More information

Being and Making Disciples October 27, 2013 Matthew 28:16-20

Being and Making Disciples October 27, 2013 Matthew 28:16-20 Being and Making Disciples October 27, 2013 Matthew 28:16-20 This morning's reading comes from the twenty-eighth chapter of Matthew. It is a passage that contains what is commonly referred to as the Great

More information

BYLAWS FOR ELDER LED CHURCH

BYLAWS FOR ELDER LED CHURCH BYLAWS FOR ELDER LED CHURCH The head of Church is Jesus Christ. As an organization, we seek to reflect His priorities in all we do and how we do it. No decision is ever made that would knowingly contradict

More information

Church Phone (260) website: trinitychurchum.org

Church Phone (260) website: trinitychurchum.org T r inity Spire Volume 43 Issue 5 Church Phone (260) 347-0056 Email: info@trinitychurchum.org website: trinitychurchum.org OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To Be and Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation

More information

CONSTITUTION Article I. Name Article II. Structure Article III. Covenantal Relationships Article IV. Membership Article V.

CONSTITUTION Article I. Name Article II. Structure Article III. Covenantal Relationships Article IV. Membership Article V. Constitution and Bylaws Cathedral of Hope Houston UCC January 2018 CONSTITUTION Article I. Name The name of this Church shall be Cathedral of Hope Houston UCC, located in Houston, Texas. Article II. Structure

More information

Love and Gratitude. Reverend Rebecca M. Bryan October 22, 2017 First Parish in Brookline

Love and Gratitude. Reverend Rebecca M. Bryan October 22, 2017 First Parish in Brookline Love and Gratitude Reverend Rebecca M. Bryan October 22, 2017 We were set up! There is no other way around it. We were set up. You all of you and me. We met, we were together for about a nanosecond, and

More information

CORPORATE BY-LAWS Stanly-Montgomery Baptist Association

CORPORATE BY-LAWS Stanly-Montgomery Baptist Association PROPOSED REVISIONS to Bylaws Approved April 24, 2018 CORPORATE BY-LAWS Stanly-Montgomery Baptist Association PREAMBLE Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and for the furtherance of His Gospel, we, the people

More information

B25 NSW/ACT SYNOD 2. LEADERSHIP AND SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE (SSC) COMPOSITION

B25 NSW/ACT SYNOD 2. LEADERSHIP AND SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE (SSC) COMPOSITION 1. OVERVIEW AND CONTEXT B25 NSW/ACT SYNOD The NSW/ACT Synod covers approximately 811,802 km² supporting 13 Presbyteries and more than 400 Congregations, Faith Communities and Parish Missions. There are

More information

Frequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance)

Frequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance) Frequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance) What is the state of ECO today? What has changed since 2013? ECO now has almost 300 churches compared with fewer than 100 in 2013 and

More information

Shaping a 21 st century church

Shaping a 21 st century church Shaping a 21 st century church An overview of information shared at MSR information sessions in February & March 2016 The Major Strategic Review (MSR) has been on the road again across Victoria and Tasmania

More information

Eight Options for Congregations to Move from at risk to Risking for Mission

Eight Options for Congregations to Move from at risk to Risking for Mission Eight Options for Congregations to Move from at risk to Risking for Mission Many churches come to a time in their congregational life where the question of sustainability or viability is raised. At this

More information

Immanuel Christian Reformed Church

Immanuel Christian Reformed Church Immanuel Christian Reformed Church 61 Mohawk Road West, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 1V9 Immanuel CRC is a vibrant, thriving church in the heart of the Hamilton mountain and is part of Classis Hamilton. The congregation

More information

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (Approved by congregational vote 10/22/17)

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (Approved by congregational vote 10/22/17) CONSTITUTION CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (Approved by congregational vote 10/22/17) ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this church shall be the Mount Sinai Congregational Church located

More information

A proposed outline of the 2016 National Church Life Survey.

A proposed outline of the 2016 National Church Life Survey. A proposed outline of the 2016 National Church Life Survey. We invite your feedback. Every five years, since 1991, we have invited local Christian churches in Australia to take part in a National Church

More information

Happy Sabbath By Gary Patterson

Happy Sabbath By Gary Patterson Happy Sabbath By Gary Patterson It is unfortunate that we have largely lost the original meaning of the word Sabbath. While it is true that we understand it actually means rest, yet both in ancient Israel

More information

Sunday Sermon: The Interim Period

Sunday Sermon: The Interim Period AUGUST 30, 2015 Sunday Sermon: The Interim Period Rev. Dr. Len De Roche The former District Executive of Ballou Channing District, Bill Zelanzy, once told a story about change and described his experience

More information

A multi-generational church with a next-generation ministry.

A multi-generational church with a next-generation ministry. Important note: This is a work in progress. While we seek your input and covet your prayer cover, we do not yet have a Plan. It is likely that we ll do some of the things in this proposal. But this proposal

More information

John 13:12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to

John 13:12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to John 13:1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

More information

Christ Church Rector Search Results from Parish Conversation Cafés

Christ Church Rector Search Results from Parish Conversation Cafés Christ Church Rector Search Results from Parish Conversation Cafés The Christ Church Search Committee convened 3 Conversation Café s during March. They yielded the following participation: March 2, following

More information

THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT

THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT G-1.01 G-1.0101 G-1.0103 THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT CHAPTER ONE CONGREGATIONS AND THEIR MEMBERSHIP G-1.01 THE CONGREGATION G-1.0101 The Mission of the Congregation The congregation is the church engaged in

More information

State of the Conference Address SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017 MISSOURI MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE

State of the Conference Address SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017 MISSOURI MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE State of the Conference Address SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017 MISSOURI MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Our 2017 Conference Ministry Theme has been Living Our Change! And we have indeed had ample opportunities

More information

INTRODUCTION SITE. First Baptist Church of Guilford is the 15 th oldest church in Columbia, Maryland. First Baptist is one of

INTRODUCTION SITE. First Baptist Church of Guilford is the 15 th oldest church in Columbia, Maryland. First Baptist is one of INTRODUCTION SITE First Baptist Church of Guilford is the 15 th oldest church in Columbia, Maryland. First Baptist is one of 1 fourteen churches in Howard County that dates back to the late 1800 s and

More information

DEACON HANDBOOK. The Deacon Ministry of University Baptist Church Charlottesville, Virginia ~ 1 ~

DEACON HANDBOOK. The Deacon Ministry of University Baptist Church Charlottesville, Virginia ~ 1 ~ DEACON HANDBOOK The Deacon Ministry of University Baptist Church Charlottesville, Virginia ~ 1 ~ Approved January 25, 2011 Revised August 2012 Revised March 2015 Revised June 2015 Revised October 2017

More information

THE NEWSLETTER OF TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Trinitarian. May 2018 ARE YOU IN THE BOOK??

THE NEWSLETTER OF TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Trinitarian. May 2018 ARE YOU IN THE BOOK?? THE NEWSLETTER OF TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Trinitarian ARE YOU IN THE BOOK?? May 2018 This year, when Bishop Fisher joins us for Pentecost, Sunday May 20 th, at the 10 am service, we will offer Confirmation,

More information

Restructuring Proposal from the Vision Team May 2018

Restructuring Proposal from the Vision Team May 2018 1 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Restructuring Proposal from the Vision Team May 2018 PREFACE: (an excerpt from For

More information

BAPTISM: THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY (06/21/15) Scripture Lesson: Matthew 19:13-15

BAPTISM: THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY (06/21/15) Scripture Lesson: Matthew 19:13-15 Scripture Lesson: Matthew 19:13-15 BAPTISM: THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY (06/21/15) Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. (Matthew 19:13)

More information

DBQ: The 1970 s, a Decade of Change

DBQ: The 1970 s, a Decade of Change DBQ: The 1970 s, a Decade of Change From 'Malaise' to 'Morning in America' QUESTION: How and why did American politics shift from liberal dominance to conservatism from the 1970 s to the 1980 s? Document

More information

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS THE CHURCH ON RUSH CREEK. Arlington, Texas

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS THE CHURCH ON RUSH CREEK. Arlington, Texas CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS of THE CHURCH ON RUSH CREEK Arlington, Texas ARTICLE I: Name The name of the organization is Rush Creek Baptist Church, also known as THE CHURCH ON RUSH CREEK. This organization

More information

Building New Memories. Parish Event Center, Plaza & Gymnasium Building Program

Building New Memories. Parish Event Center, Plaza & Gymnasium Building Program Building New Memories Parish Event Center, Plaza & Gymnasium Building Program St. Paul s Greek Orthodox Church Irvine, California June, 2017 Shaping the Future Introduction As approved by the parish of

More information

WELLSPRING FELLOWSHIP. Bolivar, Missouri. By-Laws. (Adopted May 16, 1989; Amended September 21, 2014; Amended January 24, 2016) ARTICLE I

WELLSPRING FELLOWSHIP. Bolivar, Missouri. By-Laws. (Adopted May 16, 1989; Amended September 21, 2014; Amended January 24, 2016) ARTICLE I WELLSPRING FELLOWSHIP Bolivar, Missouri By-Laws (Adopted May 16, 1989; Amended September 21, 2014; Amended January 24, 2016) ARTICLE I NAME, SEAL, AND OFFICES Section 1. NAME. The name of this Church is

More information

Services. 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC ~ Fax: Website: FernwoodChurch.org

Services. 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC ~ Fax: Website: FernwoodChurch.org Services Sunday: Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 10:55 a.m. Wednesday: Family Supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by 6:00 p.m. - Music, Missions & More for Children 6:15 p.m. - Explorations for Adults All Members

More information

Leader s Guide to A Guide for Talking Together about Shared Ministry with Same-Sex Couples and Their Families

Leader s Guide to A Guide for Talking Together about Shared Ministry with Same-Sex Couples and Their Families Leader s Guide to A Guide for Talking Together about Shared Ministry with Same-Sex Couples and Their Families LEADER S GUIDE Thank you for your willingness to lead your congregational group through these

More information

Presbytery of Missouri River Valley Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Policy

Presbytery of Missouri River Valley Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Policy Presbytery of Missouri River Valley Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Policy The Presbytery of Missouri River Valley is committed to pursuing reconciliation with pastors, sessions, and congregations

More information

MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE, SUPPORT and AUTHORIZATION (MESA) Ministry Team

MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE, SUPPORT and AUTHORIZATION (MESA) Ministry Team MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE, SUPPORT and AUTHORIZATION (MESA) Ministry Team The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Ministry Team (MESA), located within the Local Church Ministries Covenanted Ministry

More information

Second Church in Newton West Newton, MA. Senior Pastor. Massachusetts Conference, Metropolitan Boston Association SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE

Second Church in Newton West Newton, MA. Senior Pastor. Massachusetts Conference, Metropolitan Boston Association SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE Second Church in Newton West Newton, MA Senior Pastor Massachusetts Conference, Metropolitan Boston Association December 4, 2017 SUMMARY CHURCH PROFILE LISTING INFORMATION Church name: Second Church in

More information

Wellesley Village Church Congregational United Church of Christ August 6, :00am Ecumenical Worship

Wellesley Village Church Congregational United Church of Christ August 6, :00am Ecumenical Worship Wellesley Village Church Congregational United Church of Christ August 6, 2017 10:00am Ecumenical Worship There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one

More information

USHERS, GREETERS, READERS & COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

USHERS, GREETERS, READERS & COMMUNION ASSISTANTS A Guide for USHERS, GREETERS, READERS & COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Immanuel Lutheran Church Pflugerville, Texas Revised 2012 USHERS Ushering affects not only the work of the Pastor, but the entire congregation.

More information

C O N S T I T U T I O N A N D B Y L A W S

C O N S T I T U T I O N A N D B Y L A W S C O N S T I T U T I O N A N D B Y L A W S Pages 1 thru 9 CONSTITUTION/BYLAWS OF PLAINVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH PREAMBLE For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith and to the

More information

Worthington Meditation Chapel

Worthington Meditation Chapel Worthington Meditation Chapel Reverend Tim Worthington Pastor Tim Worthington, Dow Rummel Village Director of Spiritual Care, is an integral part of our mission. Christian spirit and service is the essence

More information

Standard Script and Instructions for Worship Leaders

Standard Script and Instructions for Worship Leaders Page 1 of 9 Standard Script and Instructions for s For use when minister is not the speaker. This Document includes: 1. General Responsibilities 2. Checklist for Sunday Morning 3. Standard WL script for

More information

Membership FAQs. The United Church of Granville

Membership FAQs. The United Church of Granville Membership FAQs The United Church of Granville UCG is a unique congregation in many ways, and over the years that I ve been here as pastor, I ve heard some of the same questions over and over again. So,

More information

CONSTITUTION of the Open Door Baptist Church of Columbia, Missouri

CONSTITUTION of the Open Door Baptist Church of Columbia, Missouri CONSTITUTION of the Open Door Baptist Church of Columbia, Missouri PREAMBLE We, the members of Open Door Baptist Church, in orderly manner do hereby establish the following principles by which we mutually

More information

Table and font: Who is welcome?

Table and font: Who is welcome? Table and font: Who is welcome? An invitation to join the conversation about Baptism and Communion Who Is Welcome at the Lord s Table? Roger V. Asplund Primary Questions Does the announcement, written

More information

CONSTITUTION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS PREAMBLE

CONSTITUTION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS PREAMBLE CONSTITUTION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS PREAMBLE We, the people of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, Arkansas, in order that we may secure to ourselves and those who come after

More information

BYLAWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PREAMBLE 100 These Bylaws, consistent with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, further define

BYLAWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PREAMBLE 100 These Bylaws, consistent with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, further define BYLAWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PREAMBLE 100 These Bylaws, consistent with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, further define and/or regulate the General Synod and its relationships

More information

BYLAWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

BYLAWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 BYLAWS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PREAMBLE 100 These

More information

TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL PARISH OF CASTINE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. membership booklet III: Our faith

TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL PARISH OF CASTINE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. membership booklet III: Our faith TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL PARISH OF CASTINE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST membership booklet III: Our faith WELCOME! We thank you for your interest in the Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine, United

More information

Emmanuel Church. Open Doors at Main Street & Broadway

Emmanuel Church. Open Doors at Main Street & Broadway Emmanuel Church Open Doors at Main Street & Broadway Welcome to Emmanuel Church! Thank you for filling out an information card. This is our way of introducing you to who we are, what we can do for you

More information

FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING LEADERSHIP FOR A DESIGNATED TERM POSITION

FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING LEADERSHIP FOR A DESIGNATED TERM POSITION FOR LOCAL CHURCHES SEEKING LEADERSHIP FOR A DESIGNATED TERM POSITION The covenantal relationship between a church and those called by that church to serve as pastors and teachers and in other ministerial

More information

PRELUDE RINGING OF THE BELL AND LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE WELCOME & PRAYER OF INVOCATION

PRELUDE RINGING OF THE BELL AND LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE WELCOME & PRAYER OF INVOCATION ORDER OF WORSHIP October 7, 2018 10:00 am Hymns may be found in the New Century (black) hymnal or in this bulletin. *Please stand as you are able. PRELUDE RINGING OF THE BELL AND LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST

More information

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C Easter Sunday Scripture: John 20:1 18 NRSV Gathering Welcome Easter is the day Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is

More information

Worship at St. Paul s

Worship at St. Paul s Items in our Chapel Gospel Book Worship at St. Paul s Burse and Veil that covers the chalice and paten. The pulpit in the chapel where the readings are proclaimed. This book is designed to help you follow

More information

Stop, look and listen

Stop, look and listen of St. Paul s United Church of Christ, Village of Attica Stop, look and listen This year, the Lenten season begins on Valentine s Day and ends on April Fool s Day. The word Lent comes from old German and

More information

Manual On Ministry Supplements and Appendices

Manual On Ministry Supplements and Appendices Authorized Ministry in the Northern California Nevada Conference A. COVENANTING IN MINISTRY Our United Church of Christ Statement of Faith describes the covenant within which we live as faithful Christians.

More information

REARRANGED POLITY TASK FORCE REPORT, REQUESTED BY CONFERENCE COUNCIL Recommendations

REARRANGED POLITY TASK FORCE REPORT, REQUESTED BY CONFERENCE COUNCIL Recommendations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 REARRANGED POLITY TASK FORCE REPORT, REQUESTED BY CONFERENCE COUNCIL

More information

Emmanuel Church. Open Doors at Main Street & Broadway

Emmanuel Church. Open Doors at Main Street & Broadway Emmanuel Church Open Doors at Main Street & Broadway Welcome to Emmanuel Church! Thank you for filling out an information card. This is our way of introducing you to who we are, what we can do for you

More information

Dear Friends, With hope and gratitude, 1000 East Morehead Street Charlotte, NC

Dear Friends, With hope and gratitude, 1000 East Morehead Street Charlotte, NC Dear Friends, The following report is one part of the important long-range planning initiatives undertaken by the Planning and Evaluation Board over the last year to strengthen our worship life and expand

More information

Columbus Baptist Church Constitution

Columbus Baptist Church Constitution Columbus Baptist Church Constitution ARTICLE 1 FOUNDING AND INCORPORATION Columbus Baptist Church was founded as a mission church in September of 1993 under the authority of Grace Baptist Church in Jonesboro,

More information

sacred moments i m p r e s s t h e m o n y o u r c h i l d r e n w r i t e t h e m o n t h e d o o r f r a m e s o f y o u r h o u s e

sacred moments i m p r e s s t h e m o n y o u r c h i l d r e n w r i t e t h e m o n t h e d o o r f r a m e s o f y o u r h o u s e sacred moments 34 34 impress them on your children T hroughout the course of our Christian walk, there are those times when we stop the busyness of life and in stillness and reflection remember our Lord.

More information

The Integration of Preaching & Transformational Leadership

The Integration of Preaching & Transformational Leadership The Integration of Preaching & Transformational Leadership by Mariann Edgar Budde St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, MN In the fall of 2002, I received a Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral

More information

SECTION 1. Start on Solid Foundations

SECTION 1. Start on Solid Foundations SECTION 1 11 Start on Solid Foundations 1 Why Plant New Churches? 13 THE BIRTH OF A BABY USUALLY BRINGS A LOT OF JOY. We love to examine the baby s tiny fingers as we marvel at God s miracle of newborn

More information

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church ALTAR SERVER TRAINING BOOKLET

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church ALTAR SERVER TRAINING BOOKLET Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church ALTAR SERVER TRAINING BOOKLET By: Deacon Raymond Elias May 17, 2014 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS! ALTAR SERVER PRAYER! DEFINITION OF ALTAR SERVER! DRESS CODE! RULES! SACRAMENTALS

More information

Restructuring Proposal from the Vision Team September 2018

Restructuring Proposal from the Vision Team September 2018 1 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Restructuring Proposal from the Vision Team September 2018 PREFACE: (an excerpt from

More information

Pullen Memorial Baptist Church

Pullen Memorial Baptist Church Pullen Memorial Baptist Church Raleigh, North Carolina World Communion Sunday October Fourth Two-Thousand and Fifteen * Worshipers are invited to stand. The Worship of God October 4, 11:00 a.m. World Communion

More information

St. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Profile 2014

St. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Profile 2014 St. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Profile 2014 St. Bart s strives to be an open and inclusive parish, friendly and welcoming to all people, regardless of who they are or where they might be in their spiritual

More information

Memorial Gift Catalog

Memorial Gift Catalog Memorial Gift Catalog This Catalog contains many opportunities for our parishioners to honor a person, group or occasion with an enduring gift to our St. Andrew Church and parish family. We will continue

More information

The One Hundred Forty Eighth Annual Session Of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Association

The One Hundred Forty Eighth Annual Session Of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Association The One Hundred Forty Eighth Annual Session Of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Association Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church 5326 Ridgeway Street Columbia, South Carolina 29203 Reverend Fred W. Coit,

More information

Hampshire Association of the United Church of Christ Massachusetts Conference

Hampshire Association of the United Church of Christ Massachusetts Conference Amherst First North South Belchertown Chester Chesterfield Cummington Easthampton Granby Hadley First North Hatfield Haydenville Huntington Leverett Northampton First Edwards Pelham Plainfield Southampton

More information

St. James Lutheran Church

St. James Lutheran Church Getting to Know St. James Lutheran Church Annual Corn Roast Christian Care in Rock Island The Mission of St. James Lutheran Church Spirit-filled, joyful and welcoming all people, St. James is a community

More information

EAST END UNITED REGIONAL MINISTRY: A PROPOSAL

EAST END UNITED REGIONAL MINISTRY: A PROPOSAL EAST END UNITED REGIONAL MINISTRY: A PROPOSAL MAY 14, 2017 On September 25, 2016 Cosburn, Eastminster, Glen Rhodes, and Hope United Churches voted to continue to work together towards a proposal for becoming

More information

Paper X1. Responses to the recommendations of The Gathering. National Synod of Wales. United Reformed Church Mission Council, November 2013

Paper X1. Responses to the recommendations of The Gathering. National Synod of Wales. United Reformed Church Mission Council, November 2013 Paper X1 Responses to the recommendations of The Gathering National Synod of Wales 187 Paper X1 National Synod of Wales: Responses to the recommendations of The Gathering Basic Information Contact name

More information

HOMILY Constant Prayer -- Not an Option!

HOMILY Constant Prayer -- Not an Option! HOMILY Constant Prayer -- Not an Option! Father Larry Richards Moderator, Bread of Life Community Homily for the 7th Sunday of Easter Cycle A READINGS: Acts 1:12-14; 1 Peter 4:13-16; John 17:1-11a Today

More information

Grace Episcopal Church Capital Campaign

Grace Episcopal Church Capital Campaign Grace Episcopal Church Capital Campaign Grace Episcopal Church 160 High Street Medford, MA 02155 www.gracemedford.org Dear Friends, Grace Episcopal Church is a beacon of hope and faith to our members and

More information

Message New Year, New Road Pam Rumancik

Message New Year, New Road Pam Rumancik Message New Year, New Road Pam Rumancik 1-4-15 All of life is a journey; it s the journey not the destination; we are all sojourners on this earth. Lauren Bacall said Standing still is the fastest way

More information

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI October, 2018 2 CONSTITUTION REVISED 2018 ARTICLE I: NAME The body shall be known as The Second Baptist Church of Springfield,

More information

GS 55 MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF MINISTRIES WITH THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE REPUBIC OF KOREA

GS 55 MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF MINISTRIES WITH THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE REPUBIC OF KOREA March 21-23, 2015 PAGE 111 GS 55 MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF MINISTRIES WITH THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE REPUBIC OF KOREA Origin: General Secretary, General Council The General Secretary proposes that the

More information

2014 Revision Principles and Processes For The Presbytery of Lake Erie When Churches Seek to Separate From the Presbytery

2014 Revision Principles and Processes For The Presbytery of Lake Erie When Churches Seek to Separate From the Presbytery 2014 Revision Principles and Processes For The Presbytery of Lake Erie When Churches Seek to Separate From the Presbytery The 218th General Assembly (2008) approved a commissioner s resolution (Item 04-28)

More information

BYLAWS CHURCH ON MILL FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF TEMPE TEMPE, ARZONA ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP

BYLAWS CHURCH ON MILL FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF TEMPE TEMPE, ARZONA ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP BYLAWS OF CHURCH ON MILL FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH OF TEMPE TEMPE, ARZONA ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION Church on Mill First Southern Baptist Church of Tempe (hereinafter referred to as "the Church"), is

More information

Diane s Retirement Transition

Diane s Retirement Transition Diane s Retirement Transition The purpose of this document is to address the immediate need of ensuring a smooth (as possible) transition due to Diane s retirement. There are both short-term and long-term

More information

HOST CHURCH CHECKLIST HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY

HOST CHURCH CHECKLIST HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY HOST CHURCH CHECKLIST HUNTINGDON PRESBYTERY Here is what will be expected and some suggestions of other preparations to make to be ready to host a Stated Meeting of Presbytery: A. ADVANCE PREPARATIONS

More information

A Proposal for Unified Governance of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ:

A Proposal for Unified Governance of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ: Report of the Unified Governance Working Group to the Executive Council of the 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 A Proposal

More information

Christian Endeavor groups are a part of a local church which determines theology, program, activities and relationships.

Christian Endeavor groups are a part of a local church which determines theology, program, activities and relationships. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR Christian Endeavor is a Christ-centered youth-oriented ministry which assists local churches in reaching young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, discipling them in the

More information

ADVENT 2018 NEWSLETTER

ADVENT 2018 NEWSLETTER UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST EAST GOSHEN 1201 North Chester Road, West Chester, PA 19380 An Open and Affirming Congregation All are Welcome! ADVENT 2018 NEWSLETTER REV. ANGELEE BENNER-SMITH, PASTOR Caroline

More information

Principles and Processes For Beaver-Butler Presbytery When Churches Seek to Separate From Presbytery

Principles and Processes For Beaver-Butler Presbytery When Churches Seek to Separate From Presbytery As Amended by 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Principles and Processes For Beaver-Butler Presbytery When Churches Seek

More information

89-GS-58 VOTED: The 17th General Synod adopts the Resolution "Ecumenical Partnership."

89-GS-58 VOTED: The 17th General Synod adopts the Resolution Ecumenical Partnership. 89-GS-58 VOTED: The 17th General Synod adopts the Resolution "Ecumenical Partnership." ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP Background The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ affirm

More information

SoulCare Foundations I : The Basic Model

SoulCare Foundations I : The Basic Model SoulCare Foundations I : The Basic Model Getting Started on the Journey CC201 LESSON 01 of 10 Larry J. Crabb, Ph.D. Founder and Director of NewWay Ministries in Silverthorne, Colorado Let me read you an

More information

The Episcopal Church of Bangor in Caernarvon

The Episcopal Church of Bangor in Caernarvon January 8, 2017 The Episcopal Church of Bangor in Caernarvon Founded in 1722 2099 Main Street Churchtown, Narvon, Pennsylvania 17555 The Rt. Reverend Audrey Scanlan, Bishop The Reverend Canon Mark A. Scheneman

More information

Ettalong Baptist Church Constitution:

Ettalong Baptist Church Constitution: Ettalong Baptist Church Constitution: August 2016; Last amended May 2017 1) Name: The name of the church shall be Ettalong Baptist Church (referred to as the church in this document). 2) What We Believe:

More information

Viral Churches: Helping Church Planters Become Movement Makers. Ed Stetzer and Warren Bird. Kindle Notes ~ Dave Kraft

Viral Churches: Helping Church Planters Become Movement Makers. Ed Stetzer and Warren Bird. Kindle Notes ~ Dave Kraft Viral Churches: Helping Church Planters Become Movement Makers Ed Stetzer and Warren Bird Kindle Notes ~ Dave Kraft In successful church plants, evangelism simply overpowers the need for self-preserving

More information

Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7 Photo by ChallengingPanoramas.com VISION A MESSAGE

More information