New Communications Tool!

I am really excited about the potential of a new way to communicate for our church. This is not intended to replace the ways that we already communicate today, but to add to them with a method that can be more timely and responsive. In addition, it provides a way for 2 way communications so that we can dialog and answer questions.

You can save the link to this blog as a "bookmark" and look at it as you desire, or subscribe and you will get an email with a link when there is an update.

I participate in one for the Christian Retail Industry; you can look at it if you would like at http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/.


Let's try an initial note.

The situation with our former Pastor has been like receiving a thousand cuts. We had information last year that we acted on, and then new information again and again in January, February, March and April. What we know is now out there and we need to heal and move on.

When you have knee surgery, you don't sit in the hospital for three months until you are all better, then start walking. You start walking that same day or the next and heal while you move on.

We need to do the same and we intend to. God's kingdom is not waiting; it continues to expand and so does our call to participate in it.

So, we are doing two major things:

1. Trying to understand what we need to do to heal and then doing it. This will be a process we go through this summer and as long as it takes and we are seeking an Interim Pastor who can lead us through this. Now, healing requires forgiveness and forgiveness requires truth. The truth about Rob is now known by all, so let's get on with forgiving and healing.

2. Move forward - God is incredibly at work -

• We have just confirmed 21 8^th graders.
• Mark Anderson has stepped in with a steady hand to shepherd us, and we are talking about needing a new member class this summer or fall.
• We are finalizing the work on a new sound system and awaiting a recommendation on a replacement projector. The former could be installed by late May or early June; the latter perhaps more quickly depending on the recommendation and cost.
• Tana Tatnall and Sarah Anderson are leading a special committee to select an Interim Pastor, likely from among three that the denomination has suggested.
• Greg Asimakopoulos will be our guest preacher this coming Sunday and we have a summer schedule that includes at least four Missionaries helping us to understand what God is doing from their view. This is on the back of a Missions conference where we raised significant support for Bicycles and Aids medicine – over $11,000!
• The Ark Director Search Committee is finalizing its work and God has provided great candidates for us. We expect to present a candidate to the Congregation at a meeting following the service on May 25.
• We have been very concerned about worship leadership, and now Robin has discerned that God is calling her to continue in this role through the summer– praise God for this answer to prayer and thank you Robin for seeking, discerning, and answering this call!
• We will be sending off our Czech Mission trip on June 1; this is a transformational experience for our high schoolers heading off to college.
• PADS starts on site on May 10 and we are planning an all church cookout on June 21 to include our PADS guests that evening.

What I hear most is:

I am praying for you and the Leadership. What can I do?

Participate in the life of the church - on Sunday mornings and otherwise. Men's group, Women's group, Life Groups, Youth etc.
We have three special committees in place - not counting the Ark Search Committee which is finalizing its work.

They are:

• Organization task force, lead by Becky Dunlap;
• Interim Pastor Task Force, lead by Tana Tatnall and Sarah Anderson;
• We are working on a special committee on spiritual health.

Is God telling you to plug in or provide input to one of these?

God truly takes each day and makes it new. Please continue your prayers for all involved and for God’s protection on our church. He has been incredibly faithful and has great plans for us all together. We need to reclaim this church for Christ together and then claim the promises He has for us. As I look around our church body, I count my blessings every day to be able to do this with each one of you.