Dear Church Family,
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This past Tuesday evening, at the stated session meeting, the elders made an important decision that impacts the whole congregation. We are moving to one service beginning June 2. We will worship at 9:45am and have Sunday School at 11am. The session realizes this is big change for everyone. This change is not \u201csummer only.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This decision might seem out of the blue, but we\u2019ve been discussing this for some time. Every summer when we combine services, many in the congregation enjoy that people from both services are together, and there is genuine disappointment expressed when the two-service schedule is resumed. \u201cWhy can\u2019t we do one service year-round?\u201d was a common refrain every fall. In addition, attendance at the early service reached a point where, on aver-age, between 15-20 people were in attendance. That\u2019s a hard sell for a new person. Every time a first-time visitor comes to the early service it\u2019s usually the last time we see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of other reasons which are explained in the letter, which was sent out this week. Those persons with concerns about this change are encouraged to review the letter and to share their concerns with session members. The driving reason for this change is mission and outreach. <\/strong>The session is well aware that, as much as none of us likes it, the world is much different in 2019, and older paradigms for ministry don\u2019t work like they used to. We all agree that we\u2019d like to see our church grow, and for that to happen, we need to change. You can\u2019t change without change.<\/em> The session recognizes that this is going to create some anxiety. We will have some bumps in the road. We will survive this change. When this congregation comes together – whether it\u2019s for a capital campaign, learning new music in worship, or taking on a new mission endeavor, we always manage to rise to the challenge and end up working well together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we decide that this change won\u2019t work, let\u2019s give it a chance. Let\u2019s pray for one another, be patient with one another, and most of all, seek to be a strong witness to the world for Jesus Christ. Blessings, Pastor John<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We are moving to one service beginning June 2. We will worship at 9:45am and have Sunday School at 11am. Continue reading
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