moving along quickly
I have always thought that January would be a month that would be a bit slower that the other months. Hmmm, I guess I miscalculated. But that is ok.
I realized that it has been a while since I posted last. I think I have a hangover from Advent and Christmas, but I have to say that part of my reaction is also because I am used to having some time off in January (ok, really having the month off with a slower schedule)
The cottage meetings have started out pretty well. They have been very imformative. I really trusted that things that needed to would percolate to the top and reveal themselves. I notice themes in the way people have shared. It is very exciting because I have learned what is important to people and some important events in their life as a part of the church. It is also very interesting because anxiety and tradition also percolate to the top and we can see some of the things in our way. Overall I am enthused that people would take the time to share about their church and their life. I get asked every day what I am going to do with what I have heard. Many have asked for a report or a forum to discuss what I have 'found'. They are really interested what other groups have shared as well if I am 'going to leave now after what I have heard'. (how cute) What I love about this is they have given me many ideas that when they are implemented they can say 'that was my idea', and take ownership with it. In any case I am still working with how I am going to process all the comments with them as a church. The very challenging part is that each congregation is extremely unique (which you would expect), but yet I don't have the time to tailor a ministry plan, etc...that is unique for each congregation. As in have different bulletins, and plan different Bible studies that meet each of their needs,etc...This I pray about often, and hope that one will not feel neglected, left out or disheartened.
On a lighter note we are taking 2 weeks in February and seeing Seattle (vacation) and visiting Holden Village (cont.Ed.). I think these multiple week breaks will be crucial for my strength and renewal in the context we are in, and how I think I need to renew.
Anyone have experience with Crossways International? I have some of the training, and am hoping to use their lenten piece as a study after the lented service.
Paz
p.s. the wind is blowing about 40 mph this afternoon and we are starting to see grass again...bummer
posted by Chad K @ 1/24/2006 01:27:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
chad, your experiences really give me a lot to think about. your willingness to claim your own need for sabbath is a good reminder to me of my own need to do so. thanks for getting back on the blog.
glad the cottage meetings are going well. February will be a month of those for us, luckily i am not leading them but attending as a "listener." we are proposing to reorganize ourselves (a process i am very excited about) and also we need to talk turkey about stewardship.
have a great time at Holden, what a wonderful thing to do in the winter. make sure you say hi to the Ruen's for us.
it was windy here yesterday, blew all the letters off of our new sign(we have changeable text).
You are one person whom i have always seen as inquisitive and intuitive. You have this keen understanding of how to listen, comprehend and formulate actions based on your findings. It will be tough to reach every person individually, b/c, as you say, each person has different needs. But I think you'll find that as you introduce new themes, processes, etc., that even if you don't intentionally create something for a specific concern, people will still find something to glean from it to help them grow. It's like when you give a sermon and you think it's awful (not that you've had this I'm sure) but so many people or the least person you expect come up to you and says, "Pastor, thank you for the message today...you have no idea how that effected me." etc. You will do well. Pray and be enlightened. ;)
Enjoy your vacation/con.ed. I'm learning myself the need for breaks in the routine. And Con. Ed. is so vital - it's off-season time for you to improve on who and what you are. Relish this time.
Blessings!
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