February 2011
Last April, in preparation for my candidating week with you, I wrote: “I envision my ministry to be a shared ministry, a ministry that depends on the involvement, imagination, passion, and compassion of our lay leadership, our staff, and ultimately all who join our religious journey. I hope to share my ministry as we collaborate during worship, engage each other in life-span faith development, and work as a team in offering pastoral care and spiritual guidance. I envision my ministry to be shared because we each bring gifts and talents that in concert allow us to become and do what would be impossible on our own."
Last April, these words were full of hope and anticipation, but they were largely theoretical. Nine months later, I am filled with joy and gratitude for the many moments of ministry we have shared already. There is nothing theoretical any more about the wonderful gifts and talents you all bring to this work we share. Thank you.
One of the most visible sharing of ministry has been through the participation of our worship associates in Sunday morning services. To allow each worship associate to learn through frequent repetition, we have divided our eight worship associates into three groups. Each group offers worship support for a two month period. Linda Williams, Lyn Betz, and Barbara Stewart were our December & January team. You will see less of them in the months to come. Please thank them for their dedication and willingness to push themselves and work together as we strive to bring quality to all aspects of our worship experience.
One way to find that quality depends on all of us to think of ourselves as worship associates. Think of stories to share as you look at our worship calendar. Think of worship themes as you listen to the heartbeat of our congregation. Think of ways to make visitors and members feel welcome, because "we each bring gifts and talents that in concert allow us to become and do what would be impossible on our own."
~ Michael
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