"Balance, Momentum, Timing: The State of the Church 2013." Miller, First Religious Society, Carlisle MA May 19, 2013
|
|
- Lawrence Eaton
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 "Balance, Momentum, Timing: The State of the Church 2013." Miller, First Religious Society, Carlisle MA May 19, 2013 Rev. Diane Today is Pentecost, an important religious holiday in the Christian liturgical year. Some of you are familiar with Pentecost, even though we haven t observed it here for some time. Pentecost marks the end of Easter. Easter is not a single day, but rather a season - Eastertide, as mentioned in the A. E. Houseman poem - which begins on Easter Sunday and lasts fifty days. So now Pentecost arrives. It is based, like Easter, on a miracle story. One of the listen up and take notice miracle stories. The followers of Jesus were gathered together, weeks after his crucifixion. Evidently they were a diverse group, for they spoke many languages. Light broke through from heaven and descended as tongues of fire. Suddenly they could all understand each other perfectly. The boundaries of different languages fell away, and they spoke to each other and communicated without barriers. This was understood later to be the Holy Spirit, the element of the divine that was not a person, but rather a force, a presence, a connecting blessing. And so the Church was founded. This is the origin story for the institutional structure of Christian faith. And I think it would be fair to say that we have never communicated perfectly since that day, no matter how hard we try! You might guess that Unitarians dropped Pentecost because it was Trinitarian. However, that was a later interpretation of the story. In the Hungarian and Romanian Unitarian congregations, Pentecost is one of the four Sundays when Communion is celebrated in all the churches. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. It is a time of honoring faith as it is lived in community, of acknowledging the importance of the institutional church. Today I honor Pentecost by wearing its color, red. It is the right timing for our Annual Meeting, and for a State of the Church sermon that reflects on where we are now, by looking backward at the church year. It involves some counting, to measure things that can be measured. It involves seeing where we are on the wheel of the year. A state of the church sermon asks how we are living our mission and vision. Our Mission and Vision declares: We are a welcoming inclusive community, striving to make the world a better place, now and for future generations. We are dedicated to service, education and social action. We care for each other and foster personal and spiritual growth." So today I have some thoughts on Timing, Balance, and Momentum. First, Timing.
2 2 Pentecost is an ideal time to consider the institutional form of our faith tradition. Our tradition is congregational, a form of church life that trusts and empowers the members to make decisions and shape the life of the church. Our tradition of ministry also entrusts its clergy with leadership and care of the tradition. It is now 37 since I graduated from Divinity School and began in our tradition of ministry. Seven of those years have been here with this congregation five as your called minister, and two before that as your interim minister. Timing is important in church life. We do not know when flames of the spirit will descend upon us and enable us to hear one another clearly, transcending all differences. We do not control the timing. But we can be ready, so when this happens, we don t miss it. Thus we aspire to be a welcoming, inclusive community. We prepare ourselves by learning how to know one another across differences. We strive not to fall into the pattern of group dynamics of being a friendship group, a club, or a closed system. That means spending time with newcomers and visitors, to find out what brought them to the church, what they seek, and who they are. It is common these days to speak about healthy congregations. I am not fond of the metaphor of health and illness for churches. I prefer the metaphor of being ready for the arrival of inspiration, transformation, Spirit of Life, Joy, or the Holy Spirit, by whatever name. This is not all in the ancient past. There are times now when spirit infuses a congregation, when people feel on fire with mission and purpose. Such times cannot be engineered, but we can be ready, and we can be willing to be changed. Are we able to hear one another, are we open to communication, are we united by common concerns? Balance. Our mission statement describes both compassionate actions and personal growth two aspects of spiritual and institutional life that need to be in balance. Balance is something we each must find in our own lives, and it is always a challenge in a church. For example, how do we find the right balance of serving the community and serving the members of the church? How do we balance the priorities and wishes of various committees and groups? What we call committees and groups could also be called our ministries and we have many of them all seeking to make the world a better place, perhaps working globally, perhaps working locally. A budget is a way we try to allocate resources, in ways that will best further our ministries. It has been said that a budget is a moral document it is a way we express our values and our mission. It calls for balance. You may know the New Testament story of Mary and Martha. Jesus is the
3 3 honored guest at their home. Mary sits at the feet of the great teacher, listening, taking up his teachings and wisdom and presence. We can picture her: serene, quiet, spiritual. Meanwhile, Martha is bustling about getting the food ready, and she is put out that Mary is doing nothing useful toward that task. Jesus, however, praises Mary. And so churches tend to rank quiet attention above activity and doing. But as we know, in order for there to be quiet times for teaching and learning, times for meditation and being present, someone has to be fixing lunch and getting the table set and making it possible. Mary needs Martha for her moment of sitting at the feet of the great teacher. It takes a lot of busy people behind the scenes to make it possible for us to have worship people making the coffee, providing nursery care, and so forth. That is spiritual work, too. Jesus praised Mary, and it was taken up as the idea that sitting quietly is the better type of spiritual practice. Chances are we are missing what was important in this story. Mary was transgressing the norms of her time to sit with the men. Jesus was probably encouraging that, breaking the norms of gender behavior. In fact Jesus said, in a verse that was lost early on, Peter, go help Martha in the kitchen. You are such a rock when it comes to getting things done, and Martha shouldn t be left to do everything. Church life needs balance of action and reflection, doing and being. Momentum. This is a vital, active, congregation. Our membership has been mostly holding steady in recent years. There is a great premium on growth in church life, and it is usually meant in terms of numbers. In an era of sharply falling church membership, holding steady can be seen as an accomplishment. Our Sunday attendance had been increasing, from 83 to 86 to 88 in the past few years, but it has dropped this year to an average of 75. That may be an aberration caused by a couple snowstorms, but I think it warrants notice. The single best way to draw people to Sunday services is for people to invite friends and neighbors, and tell them what you find here that matters to you. One family has been inviting their friends who have small children, but they are finding that there is a cultural shift going on. Many people feel that church does not have a place in their lives. People with no religious affiliation are the fastest growing demographic in our country. Surely you have had someone tell you that they are Spiritual but not religious. The institutional life of a church, for all its marvelous accomplishments, has been disappointing at times to most of us. Churches are made of human beings, and we can be difficult, imperfect, and time-consuming.
4 4 Every generation of church life faces challenges. One challenge for us now is the individualism of these times, captured in trend of people who declare that they are spiritual but not religious. Many parents believe they can do a better job teaching values to their children than can a church. Many adults are confident they can live good and ethical lives without a religious community. I hear people say that our very name, First Religious Society, and our denominational name, Unitarian Universalist, are off-putting and confuse people. I hear people say that church is too much work, conflicts with family time, with brunch, with sports and other activities scheduled on Sunday mornings. Well, I think we need to address these concerns not by refuting them, but by letting people know what, for you, is worthwhile at the core of being part of an institution that is religious. Everything worthwhile takes effort. Our challenge is to make sure that church indeed IS worth the time to be a priority in your life. How to address those challenges of our times? There is no shortage of ideas. Churches are always being told the ten things they must do to be a thriving church. If we pursued all the advice being urged upon us we would never get anything done. We must find directions from within our particular situation. Not everything important for us to do is going to be new and different. Some is in fact the same old, same old. A minister described a family new to church with several children. They had been what ministers call unchurched and the children had just one year of Sunday School under their belt. In the middle of what was his second Christmas pageant rehearsal ever, the little boy cried out in total exasperation, Do you mean to tell me that we are doing exactly the same story we did last year? 1 Momentum in church life is not always about a linear motion of increase. Momentum is about the cycle of the church year, about seeing new insights in the old stories, rituals, holidays, and people. So why are we here? You who participate, who create the life of this church? What is it that motivates us to gather together as a congregation, a covenanted body of people making up a church? In "The Sacred Journey", Frederich Buechner wrote this: To do for yourself the best that you have it in you to do -- to grit your teeth and clench your fists in order to survive the world at its harshest and worst -- is, by that very act, to be unable to let something be done for you and in you that is more wonderful still. The trouble with steeling yourself against the harshness of reality is that the same steel that secures your life against being destroyed secures your life also against being opened up and transformed by the holy 1 Lillian Daniel, When Spiritual But Not Religious Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church New York: Jericho Books, p. 11
5 5 power that life itself comes from. You can survive on your own. You can grow strong on your own. You can even prevail on your own. But you cannot become human on your own. We are here to become human with each other. We are here to make this a better world. We are here to balance doing and being. This is our time, with its challenges. We do not simply belong to this church. We are the church. AMEN.
Presented by Unity Consulting Unitarian Universalist General Assembly June 25, Agenda
Presented by Unity Consulting Unitarian Universalist General Assembly June 25, 2010 Agenda Fill the nested bowls of values, mission and ends Clarify roles and accountability: visionary vs. operational
More informationUUA Strategic Plan. Our Strategic Vision and the FY 2014 Budget. April, 2013
UUA Strategic Plan Our Strategic Vision and the FY 2014 Budget April, 2013 Introduction Our shared vision the Ends of the Association Our shared vision is an image of a religious people who are deeply
More informationCollective Worship Policy. September 2016
Collective Worship Policy September 2016 Approved by Archbishop Sentamu Academy, Local Governing Committee on 19 September 2016 0 Archbishop Sentamu Academy 2 of 4 Christian Aims and Values Values Inspired
More informationCONGREGATION B NAI JEHOSHUA BETH ELOHIM Affiliated with The Union for Reform Judaism
CONGREGATION B NAI JEHOSHUA BETH ELOHIM Affiliated with The Union for Reform Judaism 1201 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 Tel 847-940-7575 Fax 847-940-7579 www.bjbe.org e-mail: bjbe@bjbe.org BJBE
More informationENDS INTERPRETATION Revised April 11, 2014
ENDS INTERPRETATION Revised April 11, 2014 PART 1: MONITORING INFORMATION Prologue to The UUA Administration believes in the power of our liberal religious values to change lives and to change the world.
More informationCONTENTS PRINCIPLES INFORMING PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
CONTENTS I. VISION STATMENT II. III. IV. MISSION PRIORITIES PRINCIPLES INFORMING PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING ACTION IMPERATIVES A. EVANGELIZATION B. LITURGY C. EDUCATION D. SERVICE E. STEWARDSHIP 1 I. VISION
More informationSo We Had This Seminar
So We Had This Seminar Results from Discovering Your Church s Next Step Mission Study Committee Background As part of the Mission Study Committee s work preparing a snapshot of the congregation, Dr Neal
More informationNCD Survey - Pastor's Form
NCD Survey - Pastor's Form Instructions - please read carefully This form is to be answered by the pastor in addition to a copy of the NCD Survey Form (the main questionnaire). If the church does not have
More informationThe Spirit Creates Community 5. The Empowering Spirit 12. The Spirit on the Margins 18. The Conversion of Peter 26. World Upside Down 34
CONTENTS The Spirit Creates Community 5 1 Acts 2:1-47 The Empowering Spirit 12 2 Acts 4:1-37 The Spirit on the Margins 18 3 Acts 8:1-40 The Conversion of Peter 26 4 Acts 10:1-48 World Upside Down 34 5
More informationVISIONING TOOL FOR INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY
INTRODUCTION Intergenerational ministry, in various forms, has been around the church for a very long time. In Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community
More informationWelcome to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit Alabaster, Alabama
Welcome to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit Alabaster, Alabama 1 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit Our parish is more than just a building with a nave, narthex, and community hall. We are
More informationWhat is the University Chaplaincy?
What is the University Chaplaincy? The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide pastoral care,
More informationFurther Reflections on Worship. Donald Goertz
Further Reflections on Worship Donald Goertz I. Worship and the Church One of the big struggles we always face in worship is that worship is trying to shape a community of the kingdom, to form virtues,
More informationMetropolitan Community Churches Strategic Plan
Metropolitan Community Churches 2014 2018 Strategic Plan 1 U P D A T E D 3 0 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 MCC 2014-2018 Strategic Plan 10/30/2014 Governing Board Strategic Planning Framework and Background Governing
More informationScripture Acts 2:1-21, from The Message Bible by Eugene Peterson
Evie Macway May 27, 2012 Pentecost Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34 Prep for worship: Every year, on the Day of Pentecost, we are reminded of who we are a church, what we proclaim, and the
More informationAPRIL 24, 2017 CHURCH MINISTRY ANALYSIS REPORT PREPARED FOR: THE FELLOWSHIP EASTON, MASSACHUSETTS
APRIL 24, 2017 CHURCH MINISTRY ANALYSIS REPORT PREPARED FOR: THE FELLOWSHIP EASTON, MASSACHUSETTS TABLE OF CONTENTS CHURCH MINISTRY ANALYSIS (CMA) OVERVIEW 3 VITAL SIGN #1: ATTENDANCE 5 VITAL SIGN #2:
More informationWhat Is Reconciliation? Witnesses to Resurrection
What Is Reconciliation? Witnesses to Resurrection John Wilkinson Third Presbyterian Church April 16, 2017 (Easter) Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 28:1-10 *** One definition of reconciliation has to do with
More informationBreath and Strength and Life by Rev. Sarah Stewart Sermon delivered at First Unitarian Church of Worcester June 4, 2017
Breath and Strength and Life by Rev. Sarah Stewart Sermon delivered at First Unitarian Church of Worcester June 4, 2017 Here at First Unitarian Church we know who we are. We are the free church on Court
More informationUU PRINCIPLES, PURPOSE, and TRADITION Part III UU Beliefs and the Sources of our Living Tradition
Rev Bob Klein First UU Church Stockton August 28, 2016 UU PRINCIPLES, PURPOSE, and TRADITION Part III UU Beliefs and the Sources of our Living Tradition In part one of this series I talked about our seven
More informationCONGREGATIONAL VITALITY VOL
CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY VOL. 3 2017 ABOUT THE PRESBYTERIAN PANEL The Presbyterian Panel is made of up of representative samples of Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and members of Presbyterian Church
More informationMemory and Meaning: Sustaining Our Legacy A sermon by Rev. Steven Epperson September 20, Unitarian Church of Vancouver
Memory and Meaning: Sustaining Our Legacy A sermon by Rev. Steven Epperson September 20, 2015 2015 Unitarian Church of Vancouver A little over a generation ago, Unitarian Universalists in North America,
More informationProverbs 29:18 Copyright
Statement of WHY, Mission, Vision, Core Values, Strategic Areas of Focus and Preliminary Strategic Goals ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Where there is no vision, the people will perish Bill Marianes April, 2016 Copyright
More informationVISIONING TOOL FOR INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY
VISIONING TOOL FOR INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY For assistance with this tool, contact GenOn Ministries 877.937.2572 info@genonministries.org GenOn Ministries P.O. Box 4, Springdale, PA 15144 877.937.2572
More informationFOSTERING. in the Northwest Conference NORTHWESTCONFERENCE.ORG
FOSTERING in the Northwest Conference NORTHWESTCONFERENCE.ORG WHAT IS CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY? Congregational Vitality is a result of the living God breathing new life into the heart of a congregation.
More informationSample Simplified Structure (BOD 274.2) Leadership Council Monthly Agenda
So, you have downsized your church administrative board and simplified your congregation s leadership structure. More leaders are now moving from leading meetings to leading ministries. You might think
More informationWhat Is Worship the Westbury Way?
What Is Worship the Westbury Way? A church for all people with more than enough love to go around. I n Acts 2, we read the powerful Pentecost story of the Holy Spirit coming to Christ s followers. They
More informationSOLSTICE RITUALS SPEAKER: CHRSTE LUNSFORD AND THE SOLSTICE SINGERS
First Unitarian Church of Louisville ~ A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations ~ (502) 585-5110 www.firstulou.org We are grateful for those who serve this morning, including:
More informationCongregational Vitality Index
What is a Vital Congregation? Congregational Vitality Index Vital congregations exude a certain kind of vibrancy, a friendly welcoming manner, and a tangible sense of God's presence. Those who attend regularly
More informationLISTING INFORMATION SCOPE OF WORK COMPENSATION & SUPPORT WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US?
POSITION POSTING LISTING INFORMATION SCOPE OF WORK COMPENSATION & SUPPORT WHO IS GOD CALLING TO MINISTER WITH US? LISTING INFORMATION Church name: Trinitarian Congregational Church Street address: 54 Walden
More informationDear 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 informationBELONGING, BELIEVING, BECOMING
BELONGING, BELIEVING, BECOMING 1. Fundamentals Policy for Collective Worship Christian emphasis In this Church of England Voluntary Aided School, Collective worship is in conformity with the ethos statement
More informationCOMPASSIONATE SERVICE, INTELLIGENT FAITH AND GODLY WORSHIP
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE, INTELLIGENT FAITH AND GODLY WORSHIP OUR VISION An Anglican community committed to proclaiming and embodying Jesus Christ through compassionate service, intelligent faith and Godly
More informationRoanoke, Virginia April 15, I Belong. Matthew 15:21-28 George C. Anderson
Roanoke, Virginia April 15, 2018 I Belong Matthew 15:21-28 George C. Anderson 21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came
More informationNCD Survey - Pastor's Form
NCD Survey - Pastor's Form Instructions - Please read carefully * This form is to be answered by the pastor in addition to a copy of the questionnair * If the church does not have a pastor, a member of
More informationPosition Description Outline The Episcopal Diocese of Newark
Position Description Outline The Episcopal Diocese of Newark Once completed, this clergy position will be posted on our diocesan website with a link to this document. Date Submitted June 29, 2018 GENERAL
More information(Letter from the Prelate: April 2012)
(Letter from the Prelate: April 2012) My dear children: may Jesus watch over my daughters and sons for me! I am writing to you at the beginning of Holy Week. From Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem,
More informationPolicy On Sustainable & Strategic Ministry
Policy On Sustainable & Strategic Ministry Policy Document Approved by Diocesan Council, May 2004 Last update, December 2004, by A. Knight [Secretary of Synod] Policy On Sustainable & Strategic Ministry
More informationDISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOP [KNOW-BE-DO]
DISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOP [KNOW-BE-DO] August 28, 2016 A Picture of Whole-Person Discipleship Basic Objectives Our intent is to set the stage for a long-term focus of our church. This is not a one-year focus.
More informationPrincess Frederica CE VA Primary School Collective Worship Policy
Princess Frederica CE VA Primary School 1 College Road London NW10 5TP Phone: 0208 969 7756 Interim Headteacher: Ms B Simpson Email: admin@princessfrederica.com admin@princessfrederica.brent.sch.uk Princess
More informationBut it didn t take long for us each to figure out what a powerful promise we had extracted from one another.
Called Back A Sermon by the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon Delivered to the UU Church of Columbia September 30, 2012 When James and I got married and joined our names together in the book of life, we promised
More informationCOMPETENCIES FOR MINISTRY TO/WITH YOUTH
COMPETENCIES FOR MINISTRY TO/WITH YOUTH Developed by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Congregational Life Staff (2017) Table of Contents Introduction Page 3 Competencies for Ministry
More informationFOR 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 informationFoundation for Liberal And Management Education. First Annual Convocation Address - FLAME School of Liberal Education
Foundation for Liberal And Management Education First Annual Convocation Address - FLAME School of Liberal Education Prof. Srikant M. Datar, Harvard University May 6 th, 2011 Founder Chairman Parag Shah,
More informationCollective Worship Policy Learning Together, following Jesus COLLECTIVE WORSHIP BACKGROUND TO COLLECTIVE WORSHIP AT OUR SCHOOL
1. INTRODUCTION Collective Worship Policy COLLECTIVE WORSHIP BACKGROUND TO COLLECTIVE WORSHIP AT OUR SCHOOL This policy outlines the nature and provision of daily collective worship at The Beacon Church
More informationWorkshop 1 The Web of Youth Ministry
Workshop 1 The Web of Youth Ministry Introduction There is, finally, only one thing required of us: that is, to take life whole, the sunlight and shadows together; to live the life that is given us with
More informationMonthly Guide Your Name Here YOUR PERSONAL YEAR
Monthly Guide Your Name Here YOUR PERSONAL YEAR 2017: 1 UNIVERSAL YEAR The following is an example. The Guide starts with the current Universal Year One of the reasons you simply can t resist making New
More informationThe Salvation Army Leadership Letter
Issue 25: The Salvation Army Leadership Letter Should we coach our Churches and leaders? Helping leaders become all God wants them to be Dear Ces Congratulations on your appointment as a regional leader!
More informationPurpose of Ministerial Search Survey
Purpose of Ministerial Search Survey This survey has been designed to elicit thoughtful and reflective responses that will illustrate our identity as a congregation. The responses from this survey are
More informationA 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 informationBecoming Beloved Community Strategic Plan
Becoming Beloved Community Strategic Plan Objectives and Action Steps In June of 2017 St. Martin s vestry commissioned a team of parishioners to study how St. Martin s could live out its commitment to
More information(000)
1 NORTHWEST TEXAS HIGHLIGHTS (000) 2017 2018 2019 Ministry Support & Leadership $2,087 $2,165 $ Clergy Care & Services 900 550 250 Strategic Priorities 890 925 852 Conference Ministries 867 834 730 Beyond
More informationScope and Sequence for Youth
Fall 2018 Session 1 September 2, 2018 Proper 17 James 1:17 27 Session 2 September 9, 2018 Proper 18 James 2:1 17 Session 3 September 16, 2018 Proper 19 Mark 8:27 38 Session 4 September 23, 2018 Proper
More informationI praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Shine, God s People Differently Gifted in mind and body Light a Candle You created all in your image. We are grateful you make all your children beautiful. Thank you. I praise you, for I am fearfully and
More informationYEAR ONE MEETING FOUR THE PILLARS OF DOMINICAN LIFE MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Union with God is the goal of the spiritual life.
YEAR ONE MEETING FOUR THE PILLARS OF DOMINICAN LIFE MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Union with God is the goal of the spiritual life. This union with God will, in turn, enrich and perfect our active
More informationA Strategic Plan for Doylestown Presbyterian Church One Flourishing Church
A Strategic Plan for Doylestown Presbyterian Church One Flourishing Church 2018-2023 Prepared for the Session of Doylestown Presbyterian Church by the Strategic Planning Task Force John Baker - Lynn Bush
More informationDr. William H. Edwards, Regional Pastor and President
General Board Business Item # GB-11-0728 Title: Origin: Report of Christian Church in Ohio Dr. William H. Edwards, Regional Pastor and President The following is provided for information to the General
More informationDavis UMC is Welcoming and Affirming Romans 12:15-18; Galatians 3:28 May 15, 2016 Rev. Kelly Love Davis United Methodist Church
Davis UMC is Welcoming and Affirming Romans 12:15-18; Galatians 3:28 May 15, 2016 Rev. Kelly Love Davis United Methodist Church This church has some particular characteristics that God has shaped most
More informationGuidelines for Catechesis of High School Youth Grades 9-12
Guidelines for Catechesis of High School Youth Grades 9-12 Stages of Development of Youth Grades 9-12 and Implications for Catechesis GRADE 9-12 YOUTH _ becomes more accountable for who I am and who am
More informationTrends among Lutheran Preachers
Word & World Volume XIX, Number 1 Winter 1999 Trends among Lutheran Preachers DAVID S. LUECKE Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church North Royalton, Ohio HAT IS HAPPENING TO PREACHING IN THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF
More informationdescriptive budget Pour Out your Spirit THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN BEVERLY HILLS
2017 descriptive budget Pour Out your Spirit THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN BEVERLY HILLS All Saints Parish introduction 2017 ALL SAINTS BEVERLY HILLS IS A SPECIAL PLACE. We are a welcoming, inclusive, dynamic
More informationi 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 informationSettings for Ministry
Settings for Ministry Craig Kennet Miller Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having
More informationGeneral Board Business Item #GB A covenant network of congregations in mission
General Board Business Item #GB-13-0826 Report to the April 7 9, 2013 Meeting of the General Board Title: Origin: Report of Christian Church in Ohio Dr. William H. Edwards, Regional Pastor and President
More informationUnited 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 informationENEMIES OF PRAYER. Romans 8:1-28
Romans 8:1-28 ENEMIES OF PRAYER There are little enemies of prayer, like distraction, or feeling unworthy, or being undisciplined. They can do as much damage to our relationship with God as the big enemies,
More informationBooks Recommended on Healthy Church:
Books Recommended on Healthy Church: 20 20 Vision: How to Create a Successful Church With Lay Pastors and Cell Groups. It was Charles Duell, Director of the United States Patent Office, who said, Everything
More informationThe Life Cycle and Stages of Congregational Development. By Rev. George Bullard, D. Min.
The Life Cycle and Stages of Congregational Development By Rev. George Bullard, D. Min. The Birth of a Congregation This article explores the ten stages of development in the life cycle and stages of congregational
More informationTHE MEETING AS COVENANT COMMUNITY pp (abridged) in Lloyd Lee Wilson, Essays on the Quaker Vision of Gospel Order. (2001) Quaker Press, Philadel
THE MEETING AS COVENANT COMMUNITY pp. 61-72 (abridged) in Lloyd Lee Wilson, Essays on the Quaker Vision of Gospel Order. (2001) Quaker Press, Philadelphia, PA. Copied with permission of the author. The
More informationEssentials for CARE Groups
Session 1 Essentials for CARE Groups Welcome to care group leadership: New Hope began its CARE Group Ministry in the summer of 2002. That year we invited the entire church to participate in a Connections
More informationSPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY REPORT. One Life Church. September 2011
SPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY REPORT One Life Church September 2011 2011 Willow Creek Association. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized distribution is prohibited. 0 Table of Contents Understanding Your Report 2
More informationParish Survey Results and Analysis
St. James Episcopal Church Baton Rouge, LA Parish Survey Results and Analysis April 10, 2015 FINAL - v.2.1 By Reb Scarborough Consultant 2015 Scarborough Consulting Services www.askscs.com EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
More informationOur Sacred Covenant. by Rev. Don Garrett delivered June 2, 2013 at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
Our Sacred Covenant by Rev. Don Garrett delivered June 2, 2013 at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley This church has had some interesting adventures over the past couple of years. We
More informationSnowflakes and Ice Cubes 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Snowflakes and Ice Cubes 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Introduction: You ve probably heard of the Stepford Wives. It s a novel set in the fictional town of Stepford, Connecticut. When new people arrive in town
More informationTHIS MONTH. March/April The Calvary United Methodist Church Newsletter
March/April 2019 The Calvary United Methodist Church Newsletter 1415 Miller, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (734) 769 0869 calvary1415@att.net http://a2calvary.org minister's message Remember that you are dust, and
More informationUUA PRINCIPLES IV & Our Religious LIVING TRADITION
Rev. Bob Klein First UU Church Stockton August 17, 2014 UUA PRINCIPLES IV & Our Religious LIVING TRADITION The living tradition which we share draws from many sources: Direct experience of that transcending
More informationFacilitator Notes for Caring Community. The Gathering. Preparation for this final meeting. As participants arrive. Words of the Day.
Facilitator Notes for Caring Community Preparation for this final meeting There are three considerations for the facilitator - an introduction to the time of silence, a special Shared Reading where members
More informationon a mission! love god "! love people
on a mission! love god "! love people AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR COMMUNITY wh# s $si% From the Pastor 1 Who We Are 3 What We Believe 5 What We Do 7 Two Special Things 10 The Joy of Membership 12 Got Questions?
More informationHow the TCC Cares for its Children: She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah 1 John 4:13-18
My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pray. God of our loving bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of all our hearts always be acceptable in Your sight.
More informationPASSOVER. From the 7 th Day To the Eighth. Be Set Free
PASSOVER From the 7 th Day To the Eighth Be Set Free In Leviticus 23:2 the Lord says these are my Holy Convocations, these are My feasts and He lists them. The food served at these feasts is not food for
More informationGreat Milwaukee Synod Interim Ministry Task Force Manual for Congregations in Transition Interim Ministry
Great Milwaukee Synod Interim Ministry Task Force Manual for Congregations in Transition Interim Ministry Life is a series of transitions from birth to death. At best, transition, though painful, can provide
More informationAwaken Parish Network
AWAKEN PARISH NETWORK Awaken Parish Network Parish Model Church Planing * thanks to Trinity Grace for much of the inspiration in creating this document. AWAKEN COMMUNITY SUMMARY Objective & Vision To increase
More informationPlanning a Funeral. at First United Methodist Church Midland
Planning a Funeral at First United Methodist Church Midland Table of Contents Regarding Funerals... 3 To the Family... 4 General Policies... 5 Regarding Funerals at First United Methodist Church Christians
More informationThe Young and the Restless Sermon by Amber Naylor Lake Street Church, February 17, 2019
The Young and the Restless Sermon by Amber Naylor Lake Street Church, February 17, 2019 As many of you know, I am the Director of Youth Programming here at Lake Street Church. In addition to leading the
More information1. We re still grieving! What losses have we experienced in our congregational life over the last generation that fill our hearts with grief?
Reflection Questions Reclaiming the Great Commission Bishop Claude E. Payne & Hamilton Beazley Chapter 1: Spiritual Hunger in America 1. We re still grieving! What losses have we experienced in our congregational
More informationZion Lutheran Church Transition Team Report June 2018 A. BEGINNING
Zion Lutheran Church Transition Team Report June 2018 A. BEGINNING Zion Lutheran began a pastoral transition with the retirement of Pastors Loren and Linda Schumacher at the end of August 2017. Pastor
More informationOrganizational Structure and Leadership Model
Organizational Structure and Leadership Model East Goshen Mennonite Church Prepared by the EGMC Structure Team March 5, 2016 Unanimously Approved by EGMC Congregational Vote April 10, 2016 Purpose and
More informationHoly Baptism at Church of the Transfiguration
Holy Baptism at Church of the Transfiguration BACKGROUND The sacrament of baptism is the ancient rite of initiation into the Christian Church. A sacrament is something outwardly visible that conveys or
More informationThe Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36
The Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36 We ve all heard about people being wrongly convicted of a crime and then later being exonerated - either through an eye-witness that surfaced or through DNA testing
More informationHealing Democracy Action Circles Unitarian Universalist Supplement
Healing Democracy Action Circles Unitarian Universalist Supplement Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes Together as Unitarian Universalist Congregations, we affirm and promote: The inherent worth
More informationCONGREGATIONAL ASSESSMENT
CONGREGATIONAL ASSESSMENT Thank you for participating in this survey. At LEAD, we believe that every individual and every faith community has the capacity to grow. Your honest answers will help your congregation
More informationSurvey Report New Hope Church: Attitudes and Opinions of the People in the Pews
Survey Report New Hope Church: Attitudes and Opinions of the People in the Pews By Monte Sahlin May 2007 Introduction A survey of attenders at New Hope Church was conducted early in 2007 at the request
More informationHoly Baptism at Church of the Transfiguration
Holy Baptism at Church of the Transfiguration BACKGROUND The Sacrament of Baptism is the ancient rite of initiation into the Christian Church. A Sacrament is something outwardly visible that conveys or
More information1. How do you reflect a life and ministry rooted in Wesleyan theology, spirituality and practice?
Page 1 of 6 1. How do you reflect a life and ministry rooted in Wesleyan theology, spirituality and practice? I was very blessed in seminary to have been formed by students and faculty who were bent towards
More informationBeyond Tolerance: Being a Christian & Pagan Community February 17, 2008 Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty
Beyond Tolerance: Being a Christian & Pagan Community February 17, 2008 Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty Unitarian Universalism is a unique religion in many ways.
More informationCenter for Applied Research in the Apostolate
Special Report: Parish Life Today About CARA CARA is a national, non-profit, Georgetown University affiliated research center that conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church. Founded
More informationSmall Group Leadership Orientation Meeting. October 26, Agenda
0 Small Group Leadership Orientation ing October 26, 2014 Agenda Welcome Overview of LCC s Disciple s Pathway Overview of Plans and Resources for Legacy Small Group Leadership Questions Conclusion 1 2015
More information815 Wilmot Road Deerfield, Illinois
ARIS RO IL 2016 815 Wilmot Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 847-945-1678 ABOUT ST. GREGORY S Our Mission St. Gregory s mission is to receive and share God s love through worship and fellowship so we may
More informationSt. Boniface Episcopal Church Parish Profile. Priest-in-Charge Search St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
St. Boniface Episcopal Church Parish Profile Priest-in-Charge Search 2016 St. Boniface Episcopal Church 5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242 941/349-5616 bonifacechurch.org St. Boniface Episcopal
More informationPersonal Theological Statement
Personal Theological Statement The purpose of this essay is to address the foundational aspects of my understanding of the Christian message and to give an explanation as to how these aspects influence
More informationFrequently asked questions about Church of the Holy Cross, Episcopal
Frequently asked questions about Church of the Holy Cross, Episcopal First Visit I ve never been to an Episcopal church. What should I expect on my first visit? If I don t know how to participate, is there
More information