Do not
lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient
in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints;
pursue hospitality to strangers. –Romans
12: 11-13
This
verse from Romans describes the Resurrection family and our attitude in the
weeks since our annual meeting. As a community we have been taking on tasks,
dreaming, and reflecting. We have done this with enthusiasm and passion. Today’s
reflection shares some of the contributions and invites the community to
continue reflecting on ‘what could be’ and ‘what my contribution will be.’
Contributions:
PRAYER –
thank you to Mary and Shirley who have encouraged via email by specifically
noting their prayers for the church and this community. Many of you pray. Your
participation through a perseverance in prayer during this transition process
is welcomed.
TIME –
Thank you to those who taken the time to reflect on “What Could Be’ and ‘What
My Contribution Will Be.’ Thank you to those who listened to the presentation
on the theme of redevelopment.
COUNCIL - “What Could Be’ – council member’s visions
(prepared before the annual meeting) are posted in the church hall. After church on Sundays there has been a growing
excitement as people read the ideas of others. Council continues with zeal and members
are ardent in spirit, making decisions and working in many directions with a
common purpose. Each council meeting begins with members finishing the
sentence, “You know what I love about this church…” This exercise reminds us
why we are passionate about this community and doing God’s work.
How would you finish the phrase, “You know
what I love about this church…” Please share your responses by responding in the comments or sending an email to the church halifaxlutheranchurch@gmail.com
At
council on Wed. night the following items were decided or reported on:
·
Decision made to participate in the
first steps of redevelopment with Kindred Works (Synod partners with this
group). This step is a visioning and capacity survey. Donors have come forward
pledging most of the cost of this service. We are ready to start this
step ASAP.
·
Property – matters of insulation in
all parts of the church/hall have been investigated and videoed; the physical
property and zoning have been researched;
·
Outreach – partnerships are being considered;
new users welcomed into the hall; monthly events planned for interaction with
the neighbourhood (some with a financial benefit too).
You will
notice that council did not do the second part of the exercise, stating what
their contribution will be. They are reflecting on that piece now. We give
thanks for the contribution of council members who are working together and
each taking on tasks and duties. Your passion and dedication is encouraging and
infectious. Thank you for your positive attitudes!
PASTOR
KIMBER - You will have noticed that Pr.
Kimber did not add a ‘what could be’ to the conversation. This is not for a
lack of ideas. This comes from what she has learned in clergy coaching. The
framework of ‘Together We Know’ is her creative expression to walk with the
congregation through transition. It is the voices in the community that are to
be heard and reflected on; this becomes everyone’s discernment and action to
create what will be in five years time.
Pr.
Kimber did do the ‘What will my contribution be,” it reads like a job
description:
1)
Hostess
a.
Attentive and graceful
b.
Conversation starter
c.
Create a safe space for discernment
work
2) Curator
a.
Taking input and distributing
b.
Responsibility of inviting/including
all voice
I
promise to participate in this process starting in my belief that:
Grace
changes everything! Because of this grace actions are #forthehealingoftheworld
Persevering
in prayer, we pray as directed in Devotion 2:
Create
in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Keep us ardent
in spirit, filled with passion, and focused on being a community who acts
#forthehealingoftheworld. Amen.
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