September Note from Pastor Jon

Filed Under Archives, Pastor's Notes

 

Earlier this summer, a survey was mailed out to congregation members that asked about preferences in styles of worship, preferences in the number of worship services that we offer, and about the Christian Education times in the church.  The surveys were written and received by a task force that was created by Session in April which included your Pastors and representatives of the Christian Education, Personnel, and Church Life Worship and Music Committees of Session.  This task force was committed to acting upon the results of the survey, for they all felt that a survey would be worthless if we do not pay attention to the results.

The respondents to the survey showed a significant desire for our church to come back together for one worship service, and the task force carefully reviewed all other information gleaned from the survey and made a recommendation to Session that we continue having one service throughout the year in the same worship structure we have followed this summer with the return of the music in worship that we have not seen in the summer months such as the:  

·         Traditional Choir

·         Bell Choir

·         Children’s Choir

·         Intergenerational Orchestra

Beginning September 7th, we have the opportunity for those who are interested to join together in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. for Gathering Songs.  Just before 10:30 a.m., the prelude will begin, calling us together to worship our Lord.

We have also very intentionally attempted to structure Sunday mornings and Wednesday Night Downtown, so that we can minimize having to choose between opportunities to participate in the church.  This is done with the awareness that frequently members of our choir, teachers, and kitchen committee have felt unable to attend other gatherings as a result of their volunteerism.  We felt this was asking too much of those persons and are very purposefully seeking to end double scheduling of events, classes and rehearsals.

It is truly my hope that anyone who wishes to participate in the music, education, or fellowship in the church can do so without feeling like they must give up something of equal importance.

Posted September 2, 2008, 3:31 pm | Comments Off