Pastor’s Report December 2019
The season of Advent has been filled with expectation for the future, exciting plans, a new vision, and fresh ideas come to the forefront. As we look ahead to the next decade, we can trust that God is still with us, leading, and guiding the way.
Our building will be well used in the coming year. Satauro Samoan Church has been worshipping here already, on Sunday afternoons. They will join us for Christmas Eve and bring their choir to sing! Beginning this week, Torre Fuerte Church will worship Friday evening and Saturday. They are a dynamic group with many generations involved. Our custodian Danny will be adjusting his cleaning schedule to work around these new groups. We will also be updating agreements with current groups that share our space. Join me in giving thanks to God for these new communities of faith here!
I am in the process of setting up cottage meetings to bring church members together to discuss ideas, needs, and strategies for sharing the heart of Christ in the heart of the city. I have several who have signed up to host a meeting, and will be ready in January to begin the process as part of our strategic planning. Pr. Marta has agreed to help lead the strategic planning team, and Kay Carl has volunteered as well.
As a council, we have been discussing the need to update seating in the sanctuary, and would like to begin to share these ideas with the congregation. We also have funds pledged toward increasing technology, including mounting of screens in the chancel – and I have some ideas about how that will look as to not be intrusive. This will be another way that we can welcome people to worship and connect.
Reformation will soon begin hosting a (3-week) personal finance course for members and interested neighbors, led by Kent Larson, using materials from Family Promise. An interest/sign-up sheet will go out soon, but we are planning for a Thursday evening gathering. This is for all who have interest, and we are intentionally reaching out to invite our young adults.
December 29th, the fifth Sunday this month, will include a service of Lessons and Carols, along with cookies and cocoa. There will be no worship at 11:30. In the new year, Adult Bible Study will resume Jan 12th and 19th with an overview of the Gospel of Mark. Our Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday January 26th, between services. In February, we will invite the congregation to read Martin Luther’s work Freedom of a Christian.
As we gear up for a new year, I’m taking time to take in the stillness, the silence (when I can find it), and the celebration of the season, to remember the love of Jesus in my life and in the world. I’m awaiting the good news of our Savior Jesus and the joy of candlelight and communion worship with all here at Reformation, and wishing you a very Merry Christmas. May God Bless you all!
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