Dear Members & Friends of the Central Endicott UMC,
As I write this reflection, Suzette and I have been at Central for seven weeks. There has been a lot to learn: faces, names, routines, traditions, how’s, why’s, wherefore’s, and stories. There has been a lot to experience: worship, music in worship, children in worship, readers and liturgists, communion, funerals, a wedding, fellowship meals, Shepherd’s Suppers, the Clothing Center, the Central Faire, and more. There is much yet to look forward to: more faces and names, choirs and bells in worship, Christian Education, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, more fellowship, and times to learn.
I am especially looking forward to one particular program: the Envisioning/Renewing Week‑end, “ERW” for short. The ERW will be a time of learning, sharing our points of view, and visioning. During this process we will (1) discover new and renewed opportunities in which we as a congregation can engage to enhance and enrich our ministries for the cause of Jesus Christ and (2) identify areas for renewed focus. The ‘main event’ is a week‑end gathering (Friday night and Saturday ‑ no sleepover) to learn and share together, identify areas requiring focus and develop a basic plan for the following months to carry out the ideas.
To prepare, the Church Council approved formation of a Task Force (of approximately 12 members) to oversee this process. When fully organized, the Task Force and the Church Council will set a date for the ERW, probably in the late fall or very early 2011.
To get ready for the ERW, I will conduct 30‑minute “Listening Sessions” with church staff, church leaders, some former pastors, and you – other congregation members and friends who would like to sit with me. I will fashion the information from these sessions into a report to be sent to every member in advance of the ERW so it can be our guide for the week‑end. The more who participate in the Listening Sessions, the more complete, accurate, and helpful the report and the preparation for the ERW will be. The Sunday worship bulletin, The Central Sentry, and the church web‑site will have information on when and how sign up.
As a result of the ERW, we will have a list of items on which we as a congregation can focus in the coming year/s. The ERW is a fun and helpful process I have used with other churches. I am looking forward to engaging in it with Central.
You have made Suzette, me and members of our family feel welcomed and affirmed. We hope that in return we have been able to give back some of that warmth. We are glad to be on this journey with the Central congregation, friends and supporters– moving forward to the exciting future God has for us.
