May 2015
An Open and Affirming Congregation
INTERIM TRANSITIONAL CONGREGATIONAL GATHERINGS Sundays, May 3 & 17 Following morning worship
CELEBRATE PENTECOST SUNDAY on May 24 After the 50 days of Easter we celebrate Pentecost, the day of the Holy Spirit!
SUNDAY, MAY 3 LEADERSHIP and DECISION MAKING Who is the leader of a congregation? Is it the pastor or the chair of the Church Council? How is leadership shared and how are decisions made? Every church answers these questions differently and every church has a culture, a style of its own. The understanding of leadership is changing and shifting in congregations today. We will discuss new trends and explore where we are and where we want to be as we prepare for new settled ministry.
Pentecost is not a popular celebration for many, yet it is central to our faith, as the day of the Spirit and the birthday of the Church! God is born to us at Christmas in bodily form, on Pentecost God is born to us in spirit form. The Spirit has traditionally been the feminine side of God, the mysterious presence, the spark that lives in each human heart and the energy that lives in community, the Church. The Spirit also seems to be the mystical side of God as she is depicted as dove and fire, wind and breath, energy and power, and more. Join us to celebrate the “birth” of the Holy Spirit.
SUNDAY, MAY 17 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Governance and ministry are joined inextricably, states Dan Hotchkiss in his book Go vernance and Ministry. Without a functional and efficient structure—committees, administration and decision making, the mission and ministry of a congregation flounders. Today congregations are embracing new ways of structuring their committees and ministries. Much effort is given to discerning people’s gifts and nurturing them for leadership. Opportunities to inspire and create are sought so that committees do not only manage but also innovate. Join us to discuss and share and learn, and be part of the process.
WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM Losing Weight and pursuing a healthy lifestyle can be very challenging on your own. Our support group will gather once a week on Wednesday at 6pm. This group is a Ministry of St. John UCC and will be provided at no cost. We will have a scale available for those who wish to weigh in privately. Our goal is to provide a place of encouragement and support for those ready to take the first steps towards health and wellness. 1