The goal of the meeting was to simply get to know each other.
First we introduced ourselves by revealing most embarrassing moments from the past. One of us accidentally kissed the back of a stranger's neck! Another tripped on his acolyte robe! Another did a back flop from the high-dive!
Next, we shared the most important moments we have experienced at First United Methodist Church of Hudson. We allowed those experiences to teach us what we and people like us need from Church. Here is the list (without names attached to maintain confidentiality):
Church should...
- Mentor new people and help them claim gifts and leadership.
- Find belonging, support and healing through intimacy in small groups.
- Welcome newcomers.
- Not be judgmental or hypocritical.
- Offer a sense of history (through rituals like baptism) and community (through experiences like the Walk to Emmaus).
- Be authentic/genuine.
- Be explicit about Jesus' welcome (as we are with Holy Communion).
- Appreciate that people are at many different stages of age and faith. Feed needs.
- Be inclusive of all people. Pay particular attention to younger people.
- Pray.
TASK IN PREPARATION FOR NEXT MEETING:
We need to discern three things,
- Our Christian Mission
- Our Church Identity
- Our Context or Demographic
Each of us agrees to help discern:
Our Christian MISSION--by reflecting on the good things we have each received from this particular church and writing one statement from all of these good things that explains what the mission of the church seems to be.
Our Church IDENTITY--by talking with church participants as well as non-participating neighbors about what FUMC is known for. Keep a written record of what people say.
Our Context or DEMOGRAPHIC--by making a list of important local organizations and people who can help us better understand realities in the community and needs of the people.
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE IN SEPTEMBER
The only days when those in attendance can meet are Tuesdays, Sundays and Saturdays.
Please respond to this post listing which Tuesdays in September you CAN meet.
2 comments:
The first Tuesday of the month is not good for me, first day back to work and kids start school the next day. The other Tuesday's are fine but would prefer it not to be on the last Tuesday, I think Stephen has a finance meeting at the church. But I can always get a sitter if this is the only Tuesday that works for everyone.
Christie
Greetings!
I am sorry I missed your first gathering and it sounds like you are off to a great start. I am delighted to be the consultant assigned to support your work and look forward to hearing more about your hopes for this process.
I don't know if you have talked about work formats yet and I hope this blogspot will be a useful tool for us. Thanks, Doug!
Since I am nearby, we can explore a variety of work formats and can have short sessions or longer work sessions occassionally. I know saturdays are precious, but I could do a short early am session on September 13 or 20. Sunday evenings work sometimes and I am available September 21 or 28. Tuesday's best time would be early, say 5:30 to 6:30 if possible. I have a regular commitment on tuesdays at 7pm, but would adjust that if tuesday becomes the best option for all of you. Let's explore...
Blessings, Bonnie
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