Discerning the Future

In last week's newsletter, Pr Erik provided the congregation with an update on the findings of the Long Range Planning Team.  If you missed reading that article,click here to go read it in its entirety.  Two of the key findings of the Long Range Planning Team, which echo the findings of the work done for the church profile when calling our present pastor, are an"increased focus on youth and family ministries" and "personal spiritual growth." 

How do we as a congregation go about "painting the masterpiece" that is the fulfillment of these areas?  Beginning this Sunday, January 10, during the 10:00 a.m. Discipleship Hour, everyone is invited for a time of discussion; a time to discern what we mean by an increased focus on youth and families; a time to explore what is involved in personal spiritual growth; a time to plan as a congregation the beginnings of a direction for Christ the King.  The Rev. James A Clark, DMin, STS, will be facilitating this discussion throughout the three weeks.

These next Sundays are seen as only the first step in a process that will take years to accomplish.  Following is a very brief outline of the 3 sessions - left brief on purpose to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us as together we discern the will of God in this time and place.

Sunday, January 10

A brief report from the Long Range Planning Team

Study of scripture

Discussion of the Order of Baptism (ELW 225ff)

Martin Luther's writings

Small group discussions to include topics such as your upbringing, worship experiences and discipleship.

Sunday, January 24

Discussion on approaches and means to accomplish our goals/objectives

Responses from the small groups shared

Again this is only a brief outline for the beginning of a process that will take years to accomplish - along the way always discerning the will of the Spirit among us.  We invite everyone to participate and to attend all three forums if possible as each will build on the previous one. 

Together, we ask for the presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we begin to discern a path for Christ the King into the future; a future thriving and overflowing with the presence of children and youth; a future with the deepening of our spiritual lives together; a future where the masterpiece that is being painted is vibrant and bright with the presence of the Holy Spirit.