September Leadership Newsletter
Welcome to September's Leadership Newsletter -
a place to hear the heart and thoughts of leaders in our church.
Pastor:
Trust
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful organization,
specifically the church. Trust serves as the bedrock upon
which relationships, collaborations, and achievements are
built. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world,
the need for trust within our church cannot be overstated.
First and foremost, trust fosters effective communication.
When individuals trust one another, they are more likely to
share ideas, concerns, and feedback openly, leading to richer
discussions and better problem-solving and more effective
accomplishment of strategies and vision. In addition,
transparency creates an environment where issues are
addressed promptly, preventing potential conflicts from
escalating.
When team members trust each other's abilities and
intentions, they can delegate tasks, collaborate seamlessly,
and leverage each other's strengths. This not only enhances
productivity but also nurtures a quality church culture, where
the church family feels valued, connected and motivated to
contribute their best.
Trust is essential in leadership. Leaders who are trusted inspire
confidence and loyalty among their team members. Their
decisions are met with support rather than skepticism, and
they can guide the organization with authenticity and
integrity.
In conclusion, trust is the lifeblood that courses through the
veins of a thriving organization. It propels innovation, fortifies
relationships, and propels the collective effort towards our
shared vision. Nurturing trust should be a priority for any
church that aspires to endure challenges, adapt to change, and
ultimately excel in advancing the Gospel of Christ.
Jason
Elder:
Without meaningful relationships, we are wrecked.
Ephesians 4:25-32
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak
truthfully to your neighbor, for we re all members of one body.
‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you
are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold....
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to
their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not
grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for
the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Why is it so easy to assume we know someone’s intent?
Why do we get so angry when others wrong us? Why is it
easier to talk about people’s failures/transgressions with other
people rather than the one who failed/transgressed against
us?
I think it is our sin nature. The one that ruled us before we gave
ourselves over to Christ. The one that fuels the “bitterness,
rage...anger, brawling...slander...malice.” These are the
fruits of our flesh. This is our default with out Christ.
The challenge is to get rid of that stuff. Kindness is giving
the other person the benefit of the doubt, or assuming they
have the best motives. Compassion is wanting the very best
for that person. Forgiveness is letting God be the avenger.
These things require the Holy Spirit. We have to be
intentional to produce these fruits. The key is in that last
phrase, “..just as in Christ God forgave you.”
As members of the body of Christ, we must cultivate
relationships the Ephesians 4:25-32 way:
1. Speak to one another frankly, truthfully, with compassion.
2. Don’t let sin fester. (See also Matthew 18:15-17)
3. Avoid gossip. (See also Matthew 18:15-17)
4. Be kind, compassionate and forgiving.
5. Be anchored in Christ (The Word)
Fighting forward in Christ,
Aaron
Missions:
We've much to learn as we venture to do our part in the "Great
Commission" from Jesus in Matthew 18! And much to discover.
I'm thankful to be a part of what God is doing to bring more
precious people into His family. I look forward to seeing the
ways we grow together working toward this mission as a whole
church body.
Updates and Upcoming Opportunities:
Missions --
-Family Camp was such a taste of the goodness that we get to
invite people into! We hope to host our main partners in
Uruguay, the Griffin Family, when they are stateside in 2025
and embrace them into our fun, refreshing fellowship on the
mountain. I know that feels like a ways out but let's be praying
about it even now!
-January 2024 Mission Trip timing is not looking doable. We
tried to coordinate those details but that timeframe is coming
too soon with minimal response from potential trip team
members so we have decided not to push for it but rather look
forward to other potential dates while fortifying our focus on
other ways to grow our partnership from here. Small Group
and Ministry Leaders ~ be on the look out for communications
from a M&O Team member about when to connect with your
group about specific partnership connection ideas!
-There are always prayer points under Our World on the
monthly Prayer Guides - thank you for your prayers! Keep it
up.
-If you'd like to receive the Griffins ~monthly news/prayer
update let me or Kim know and we can get you connected that
way.
-Missions Week! We get to host another IW couple who
minister in (a different part of) Uruguay for Missions
Conference this time: Peter & Laura Marshall, October 12-18.
Stay tuned for more details!
Outreach--
-The heart for local outreach is for each of us in the whole
church to remain on the lookout in our everyday lives for folks
who may be searching for hope, answers, truth - and
prayerfully find ways to chat with them about that - and then
connect them to some facet of the church where they can seek
more understanding, find Jesus/encounter His love and gospel
truth, and be invited to enter His sheepfold.
-Existing ministries can create outreach-minded entry points
(example Kids Min: VBS), and the M&O Team can help provide
and generate support for those activities. Also, we can host or
collaborate on events that welcome folks in our community.
-Participation opportunities include things like True Care
prayer or counseling support, Unaccompanied Students
Initiative volunteering, Facilitating events at our church like an
Open Mic Night or inviting folks with kids to the Fall Kick-Off
(Sept. 6th;)
Let's link arms in this gospel-mission!
Your response (https://forms.gle/5VGPBADNYqu6UMRh9) on this
quick form is helpful to keep the conversation going and
determine how best we can work together:
God bless and encourage you as you shine His light in our city
and beyond!
-Marie
Coaching:
Development Questions:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
What is your path for the next year? What does it mean for you
to not lean on your own understanding but live in submission
to God?
Opportunities from the Coaching Ministry:
Discovery Course Small Group - We are wanting to take the
Discovery Course methods and create further encouragement
through a small group format. If you are interested into digging
deeper with Strengths, Spiritual Disciplines, and Spiritual Gifts
in a small group, let us know.
Ministry Team Coaching - Team coaching is happening! These
meetings are tailored to help take your team to the next level.
Whether it is clarity of vision, defining roles, planning for the
future, or communication, we can help you in the process.
Strengths Coaching - Have you taken the Clifton Strengths
Assessment? Are you interesting in developing your strengths
more? Schedule an hour with me and walk a way with more
understanding about your particular strengths and questions
to help further your strengths development journey.
Kris
Worship:
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing
for joy” Psalm 5:11
“I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with
me” Psalm 13:6
“I will sing aloud of your strength, I will sing aloud of your
steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a
fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress” Psalm 59:16
and on and on and on the Scripture goes....
What is it about a song that can bring me so quickly into a
place of safety and joy with my Father? Where the truths my
mind and heart believe meet the rawness of my humanity? I
don’t know how it all works, but I know that worship is a gift.
You see, it is about HIM. It is my soul saying “You are worthy.
You deserve my attention and my love.” It is a response to
Love Himself. But it is in that right response to the holiness
and goodness of God that I get to experience a little bit of
heaven on earth - a little bit of how things were made to be: me
whole, forgiven, pure - Him good, holy, and deserving of all the
adoration creation can muster.
Grace. Strength. Peace. Gift.
Kids Ministry:
Our Kids Ministry Team is ready to roll with another school
year and season of caring for and discipling the kids to love
and follow Jesus with all their hearts!
Kids Ministry will be available on Sunday mornings for Sunday
School, on Sunday mornings during the sermon, and on
Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30.
C
Thank you to all who have served as a Care Team Volunteer!
Your warm welcome, donut delivery, provision of meals,
prayers, cards, and support with church events is a valuable
part of church life.
Did you take a moment to check out the Care Team Questionnaire? We greatly appreciate your time to answer a few quick questions about simple ways you can participate in our ministry to serve our visitors and church members with a smile at the church door, welcome bags, donuts, meals and cards, and prep for church meals and events like showers.
Women's:
Ladies Monday Night Bible Study starts up on Mondays beginning
September 11th! Coffee/Tea @ 6:30, Study starts @ 6:45. "Quick
to Listen, Slow to Speak"
Sandcastles Women's Lunches and Events will be happening September--December and February--March this school year, come join the fellowship and Christ-centered discussion! **Note: We're switching from the First Friday to the Fourth Friday of the Month** Most months will be the 4th Friday. Lunches are 11:30am-1:00pm, with lunch and childcare provided. Other events timing TBD. The general Schedule for the next year will be as follows:
-September 15th Lunch & Learn: Book discussion "Upward Spiral:
40 Points of Connection Along the Journey of Faith" ~ Section One
-October 27th Lunch & Learn: Upward Spiral ~ Section Two
-November 17th Lunch & Learn (3rd Friday): Sharing/hearing our God-stories
-December Event: Something Fun, likely to include Blessing our community
Break for January
-February 23rd Lunch & Learn: Upward Spiral ~ Section Three
-March 22nd Lunch & Learn: Upward Spiral ~ Section Four
-April 26th Lunch & Learn: Sharing/hearing our God-stories
-May Event: Something fun!
Break for June
-July fun? TBD?
-August lunch at Family Camp
Denise Pierce coordinates food and Leah Wiebe will help lead discussions, thanks ladies!
**Please talk with me if you plan on joining so I can make sure you get a copy of the book**
-Marie
a place to hear the heart and thoughts of leaders in our church.
Pastor:
Trust
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful organization,
specifically the church. Trust serves as the bedrock upon
which relationships, collaborations, and achievements are
built. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world,
the need for trust within our church cannot be overstated.
First and foremost, trust fosters effective communication.
When individuals trust one another, they are more likely to
share ideas, concerns, and feedback openly, leading to richer
discussions and better problem-solving and more effective
accomplishment of strategies and vision. In addition,
transparency creates an environment where issues are
addressed promptly, preventing potential conflicts from
escalating.
When team members trust each other's abilities and
intentions, they can delegate tasks, collaborate seamlessly,
and leverage each other's strengths. This not only enhances
productivity but also nurtures a quality church culture, where
the church family feels valued, connected and motivated to
contribute their best.
Trust is essential in leadership. Leaders who are trusted inspire
confidence and loyalty among their team members. Their
decisions are met with support rather than skepticism, and
they can guide the organization with authenticity and
integrity.
In conclusion, trust is the lifeblood that courses through the
veins of a thriving organization. It propels innovation, fortifies
relationships, and propels the collective effort towards our
shared vision. Nurturing trust should be a priority for any
church that aspires to endure challenges, adapt to change, and
ultimately excel in advancing the Gospel of Christ.
Jason
Elder:
Without meaningful relationships, we are wrecked.
Ephesians 4:25-32
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak
truthfully to your neighbor, for we re all members of one body.
‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you
are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold....
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to
their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not
grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for
the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Why is it so easy to assume we know someone’s intent?
Why do we get so angry when others wrong us? Why is it
easier to talk about people’s failures/transgressions with other
people rather than the one who failed/transgressed against
us?
I think it is our sin nature. The one that ruled us before we gave
ourselves over to Christ. The one that fuels the “bitterness,
rage...anger, brawling...slander...malice.” These are the
fruits of our flesh. This is our default with out Christ.
The challenge is to get rid of that stuff. Kindness is giving
the other person the benefit of the doubt, or assuming they
have the best motives. Compassion is wanting the very best
for that person. Forgiveness is letting God be the avenger.
These things require the Holy Spirit. We have to be
intentional to produce these fruits. The key is in that last
phrase, “..just as in Christ God forgave you.”
As members of the body of Christ, we must cultivate
relationships the Ephesians 4:25-32 way:
1. Speak to one another frankly, truthfully, with compassion.
2. Don’t let sin fester. (See also Matthew 18:15-17)
3. Avoid gossip. (See also Matthew 18:15-17)
4. Be kind, compassionate and forgiving.
5. Be anchored in Christ (The Word)
Fighting forward in Christ,
Aaron
Missions:
We've much to learn as we venture to do our part in the "Great
Commission" from Jesus in Matthew 18! And much to discover.
I'm thankful to be a part of what God is doing to bring more
precious people into His family. I look forward to seeing the
ways we grow together working toward this mission as a whole
church body.
Updates and Upcoming Opportunities:
Missions --
-Family Camp was such a taste of the goodness that we get to
invite people into! We hope to host our main partners in
Uruguay, the Griffin Family, when they are stateside in 2025
and embrace them into our fun, refreshing fellowship on the
mountain. I know that feels like a ways out but let's be praying
about it even now!
-January 2024 Mission Trip timing is not looking doable. We
tried to coordinate those details but that timeframe is coming
too soon with minimal response from potential trip team
members so we have decided not to push for it but rather look
forward to other potential dates while fortifying our focus on
other ways to grow our partnership from here. Small Group
and Ministry Leaders ~ be on the look out for communications
from a M&O Team member about when to connect with your
group about specific partnership connection ideas!
-There are always prayer points under Our World on the
monthly Prayer Guides - thank you for your prayers! Keep it
up.
-If you'd like to receive the Griffins ~monthly news/prayer
update let me or Kim know and we can get you connected that
way.
-Missions Week! We get to host another IW couple who
minister in (a different part of) Uruguay for Missions
Conference this time: Peter & Laura Marshall, October 12-18.
Stay tuned for more details!
Outreach--
-The heart for local outreach is for each of us in the whole
church to remain on the lookout in our everyday lives for folks
who may be searching for hope, answers, truth - and
prayerfully find ways to chat with them about that - and then
connect them to some facet of the church where they can seek
more understanding, find Jesus/encounter His love and gospel
truth, and be invited to enter His sheepfold.
-Existing ministries can create outreach-minded entry points
(example Kids Min: VBS), and the M&O Team can help provide
and generate support for those activities. Also, we can host or
collaborate on events that welcome folks in our community.
-Participation opportunities include things like True Care
prayer or counseling support, Unaccompanied Students
Initiative volunteering, Facilitating events at our church like an
Open Mic Night or inviting folks with kids to the Fall Kick-Off
(Sept. 6th;)
Let's link arms in this gospel-mission!
Your response (https://forms.gle/5VGPBADNYqu6UMRh9) on this
quick form is helpful to keep the conversation going and
determine how best we can work together:
God bless and encourage you as you shine His light in our city
and beyond!
-Marie
Coaching:
Development Questions:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
What is your path for the next year? What does it mean for you
to not lean on your own understanding but live in submission
to God?
Opportunities from the Coaching Ministry:
Discovery Course Small Group - We are wanting to take the
Discovery Course methods and create further encouragement
through a small group format. If you are interested into digging
deeper with Strengths, Spiritual Disciplines, and Spiritual Gifts
in a small group, let us know.
Ministry Team Coaching - Team coaching is happening! These
meetings are tailored to help take your team to the next level.
Whether it is clarity of vision, defining roles, planning for the
future, or communication, we can help you in the process.
Strengths Coaching - Have you taken the Clifton Strengths
Assessment? Are you interesting in developing your strengths
more? Schedule an hour with me and walk a way with more
understanding about your particular strengths and questions
to help further your strengths development journey.
Kris
Worship:
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing
for joy” Psalm 5:11
“I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with
me” Psalm 13:6
“I will sing aloud of your strength, I will sing aloud of your
steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a
fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress” Psalm 59:16
and on and on and on the Scripture goes....
What is it about a song that can bring me so quickly into a
place of safety and joy with my Father? Where the truths my
mind and heart believe meet the rawness of my humanity? I
don’t know how it all works, but I know that worship is a gift.
You see, it is about HIM. It is my soul saying “You are worthy.
You deserve my attention and my love.” It is a response to
Love Himself. But it is in that right response to the holiness
and goodness of God that I get to experience a little bit of
heaven on earth - a little bit of how things were made to be: me
whole, forgiven, pure - Him good, holy, and deserving of all the
adoration creation can muster.
Grace. Strength. Peace. Gift.
Kids Ministry:
Our Kids Ministry Team is ready to roll with another school
year and season of caring for and discipling the kids to love
and follow Jesus with all their hearts!
Kids Ministry will be available on Sunday mornings for Sunday
School, on Sunday mornings during the sermon, and on
Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30.
C
Thank you to all who have served as a Care Team Volunteer!
Your warm welcome, donut delivery, provision of meals,
prayers, cards, and support with church events is a valuable
part of church life.
Did you take a moment to check out the Care Team Questionnaire? We greatly appreciate your time to answer a few quick questions about simple ways you can participate in our ministry to serve our visitors and church members with a smile at the church door, welcome bags, donuts, meals and cards, and prep for church meals and events like showers.
Women's:
Ladies Monday Night Bible Study starts up on Mondays beginning
September 11th! Coffee/Tea @ 6:30, Study starts @ 6:45. "Quick
to Listen, Slow to Speak"
Sandcastles Women's Lunches and Events will be happening September--December and February--March this school year, come join the fellowship and Christ-centered discussion! **Note: We're switching from the First Friday to the Fourth Friday of the Month** Most months will be the 4th Friday. Lunches are 11:30am-1:00pm, with lunch and childcare provided. Other events timing TBD. The general Schedule for the next year will be as follows:
-September 15th Lunch & Learn: Book discussion "Upward Spiral:
40 Points of Connection Along the Journey of Faith" ~ Section One
-October 27th Lunch & Learn: Upward Spiral ~ Section Two
-November 17th Lunch & Learn (3rd Friday): Sharing/hearing our God-stories
-December Event: Something Fun, likely to include Blessing our community
Break for January
-February 23rd Lunch & Learn: Upward Spiral ~ Section Three
-March 22nd Lunch & Learn: Upward Spiral ~ Section Four
-April 26th Lunch & Learn: Sharing/hearing our God-stories
-May Event: Something fun!
Break for June
-July fun? TBD?
-August lunch at Family Camp
Denise Pierce coordinates food and Leah Wiebe will help lead discussions, thanks ladies!
**Please talk with me if you plan on joining so I can make sure you get a copy of the book**
-Marie
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