Pastor Dave reminds us that it won’t be very long until we have reached the end of 2020. Many people will be rejoicing that this year is behind us. Many have experienced great loss due to illness or loss of work and businesses. If possible, let’s also try to remember some of the good things that have happened this year as well. With change and hardship always comes growth and endurance which can also strengthen our faith as we turn to God for deliverance and comfort. Please keep those who have been hit hard by this year in your prayers as we look forward to moving ahead.
Facing Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church are some specific challenges. How do we rebuild our church, not just our church but the Christian Church in general? As mentioned previously, beginning in January, we will start a three-year program enabling us to define our concept as who we are as Christians, our relationship to each other, and to God. How can we do better at focusing on the ministry that Jesus Christ gave us as individuals.
The first year of this program will focus on individuals and the leaders in our church our relationship to God. The second year will focus on flourishing and strengthening the congregation as we move forward together. The third year will help us to flourish as disciples of Christ.
It has been said that at the end of this pandemic that although there may be less people attending church as life begins to return to a “new” normal, those who remain could be even more committed. The first two years of this program will help us to be solid in Christ and prepared to not only endure the changes that took place during the pandemic but those changes that may take place in our denomination after the General Convention in the Fall 2021.
To help lead and navigate these programs, a group of 6 to 12 of you will be asked to form a group called CRT (Church Response Team). This group will work with Pastor Dave to guide us in our future, to grow flourish in our faith, and in our ministry.
Blessings to you all this season of Advent. We hope you will join us on our virtual celebrations and services on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning posted on our website and YouTube.
