September 25

On behalf of the Strategic Planning Team, thank you to the 135 people who completed congregational surveys as part of the Vision 2025 planning effort.  These surveys are now being analyzed and the results will be reported as follows:

1.       This Tuesday September 29 at 6 p.m. all ordained elders will meet as a “College of Elders” with David York of Holy Cow Consulting and the Strategic Planning Team to hear a detailed report of the results.  These congregational leaders will interact with the results prayerfully and thoughtfully.

2.       Between mid October and early November there will be “Home Groups” where the results will be presented to Eastminster worshippers for prayer and discernment by the Strategic Planning Team.  I hope that every worshipper will commit to attending one of the Home Groups to share in the discernment process and lend wisdom to the shaping of our future together.

3.       The results of the surveys and the wisdom coming from the Home Group meetings will guide our planning efforts in the year 2017 and beyond.

Although I don’t know the specifics of the survey results, I did receive a text from the consultant that simply states:  “GREAT report.  This will be fun!”  It appears as if we are moving into the wonderful position of addressing more opportunities than challenges.  Praise God!  Pray that we will be good stewards that seek to “bear fruit” for God’s kingdom.

One of the ways we “bear fruit” is by investing our time, talent and treasure in service to the Lord.  A very talented group of ladies have been doing just that by knitting prayer shawls to be given to those who would benefit from a tangible reminder of God’s presence and love to envelop them in times of need.  This group is enjoying getting together for prayer, fellowship and ministry on Wednesday afternoons.  You will see the fruit of their labors during Sunday worship as we add our prayers to theirs, seeking God’s blessings for the persons that will receive these gifts of love from our congregation.

Finally, thanks to the Congregational Care and Outreach Committees for hosting the Back to Church Weekend.  What a wonderful day of worship and fellowship over a great meal!  Reaching out and welcoming the community “bears fruit” in many ways.  One of those ways is incorporating others in the life of Eastminster.  Today we welcome seven new members who will certainly enrich life together as we continue to grow in God’s love.  Welcome  to God’s church here at Eastminster!

It is a joy to worship and serve together.  May God bless you and use us all as blessings this week.

Love,

Tim