Vision Board Update
The first weekend in January, Vision Board members along with Pastor Megan spent a day in retreat visioning, discussing, listening, and playing. Even though we had an agenda that was too full, we eased into our day with an exciting game of Easter Pictionary. Each secret word to draw was connected to Easter be it baptism, a ministry area, a pastor/staff, or a recurring Easter activity. It was delightful and a wonderful way to engage and ground us! The day was filled, and by the day’s end, we had met the two pastoral candidates, began developing vision statements rooted in themes from our listening sessions and survey, and discussed priorities for the budget.
As we packed up our belongings, said our goodbyes, and headed towards the parking lot, Abby Andrus, fellow Vision Board member, and I started reflecting on all the things we (Easter and the Vision Board) have accomplished since the retreat last year. It was pretty awesome. Some of these were tasks and conversations of the Vision Board (I’ll share more about these items in the annual report) and other events, which included saying goodbye to two pastors, facilitating a farewell party, meeting two sets of interims, calling two pastors, congregational listening sessions and survey, streaming now available from both campuses, and a relaunch of the Physical Development Task Force (PDTF). Wow! It has been a busy, full year.
All the while, even in the face of tremendous change, Easter continues to be active and strong. This is a testament to faith and Easter as a community. The message this sends me is that Easter is bigger than a pastor or a building. We are a dynamic congregation who greatly value community, service, diversity, worship variety, outreach, and inreach.
January tends to be the month of reflection as a new calendar year commences, and indeed, these reflections were initially had in January. Even more than a month later as I finally sit to put words on a page, I still find myself both reflective and filled with gratitude for both the work completed and the work to be done. It will continue to be a busy, full year. We anticipate the arrival of our newly called pastors, updates from the PDTF, and launch of the next sermon series, ministry activities, and Easter events.
I am excited.
Prayer:
Most Gracious God, as we continue to be reflective into this new year, let us be grateful and in awe of all that we have been able to accomplish with your help. Bless as we strive to be steadfast and faithful to you as we live out our mission to carry on your work throughout this next year. We give thanks to you, Lord, for all of the blessings we have received.
Amen