I want to take a moment to review some of what has been accomplished through the monthly Dinner & Discernment and Small Group meetings. We first began by looking at the church’s history so that we might better understand how we have come to need a pastor. At the same time participants were introduced to Change theory and Family Systems theory and how groups respond to change and the obstacles to growth that can occur.
As we moved into the Fall – small groups engaged in Listening Circles so that we might better understand the full range of feelings experienced by the congregation as the decision was made by Pastor Cara to leave. As a result, for some, healing has begun.
Throughout this time, we have looked at our values – both individually and as a church. We took an inventory of our personal giftings and how they might be used to help the church grow. At the same time, we identified what the church does well and should be celebrated as well as areas in need of some attention.
Committees have begun evaluating what they do and how they do it in preparation for updating the church’s Manual of Operations. Communication between committees has increased – with tasks being reassigned based on a more complete understanding of how committees and the church work. A committee workshop day is in the planning. The new Prayer Chain app is a wonderful example of growth that came from this process.
Cathy Foerster – our COM liaison – spoke at the April Session meeting. She explained in detail the current process for forming a PNC. Many were unaware that a Self-Study has become a requirement. While this was a surprise for many – I want to assure you that the work that has been/continues to be done during Dinner & Discernment and Small Groups has been designed to prepare the congregation to complete the Self-Study.
While the Self-Study might feel like another box that needs to be or another hurdle to be overcome – the Self-Study has been designed to involve the entire congregation in the process of preparing for and forming a PNC. Ms. Foerster reminded us that more participation means that
- the pastor you call will be the best possible fit for the needs of the congregation and
- takes some of the burden for preparing the MDP off the PNC members.
This process works best when more of the community participates.
It is not too late to begin participating in a Small Group or Dinner & Discernment.
Your voice matters!
Blessings, Pastor Lynda
