Martin's e-note - Jan 29 Issue

Dear Church Family, Last weekend we introduced our new vision statement, "Living like Jesus, bringing Joy to God." This vision will drive our future at BUMC, so it's important that our members and friends be familiar with it. If you missed worship last weekend and would like to hear the sermon on podcast, click here. If you would like to read the sermon manuscript, click here. During our worship services we showed a three minute video that featured members of our congregation answering the questions, "What does it mean to live like Jesus?" and "How can we bring joy to God?" If you would like to see that video, click here.

In last week's e-note and during last weekend's worship services, I shared that BUMC is now operating off of a Ministry Action Plan (MAP). This MAP serves as our foundation and our infrastructure, giving us the capacity to make intentional and exciting ministry plans for the future. Eventually, every ministry team in the church will have their own MAP, all aligned with our master MAP. As already noted, our MAP includes six components: values, mission, context, vision, strategies and assessment tools. I'd like to share two more components of our MAP with you in this week's e-note.

BUMC VALUES As a Christ-centered church: • We love God and others, following the example and teaching of Christ • We follow Christ's command to make Christian disciples • We proclaim God's grace and affirm the beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church

In short, we value being a Great Commandment church (love of God and neighbor) and a Great Commission church (make disciples of all nations) in the United Methodist tradition. These core values are the foundations of BUMC. BUMC MISSION • SEEK people for Christ • CONNECT all to the body of Christ • PREPARE us to live as disciples of Christ • SEND and serve in the name of Christ This four-fold discipleship making process is the primary mission of BUMC and will impact all our current and future ministries. This year, our lead team's primary task will be developing specific and concrete strategies to better implement this four-fold mission.

In the months and years ahead, the leaders at BUMC will work faithfully to help us fully live out our values, mission and vision. I've never felt more optimistic and excited about BUMC, and I can't wait to see what God will do with us in the years to come!

It was good to receive the following 15 new members: Rachel Hollins; Britt, Amy, Mia and Zane Cearone; Trent, Pam, Trent Jr. and Zack Beach; Travis, Branden and Tyler Tannehill; Andre, Hayden and Hailey Hollick. Welcome to our church family.

We're having two special musical offerings in worship this Sunday (in addition to the sermon and Holy Communion). At our 8:30 service we will be blessed to hear The Centurymen - a 100-voice men's choir made up of professional musicians. At 11:00 we will have a combined choir of our Sonshine and Jubilation youth choirs who will be returning from a winter retreat and excited to share in worship.

I hope to see you this weekend at one of our four worship services.

In Christ's Love and Service,

Martin