We believe that the fingerprint of St. Paul's lies in this: FAMILY.
More than anything else we desire to be a family together. Have you ever noticed that families change over time?
But, when a new group of leaders and family renew the spirit of collaboration - Family can rebound and begin a season of new strength.
I remember when my Aunt Reba became the "matriarch" of our family, in 1992. Uncle Bert had died and it brought a need for change. Aunt Reba became the leader, accompanied by a new generation of cousins stepping up. The next 20 years were remarkable in the cohesive experience of family in our lives. It had a profound impact on my daughters - all because Aunt Reba and others stepped up - and encouraged others to do the same. It was a collaborative advance.
It is pivotal for a family to be led and identified as persons who are committed to collaboration. A family is undermined when some balk at collaborating, and instead pursue their own way.
But, when a new group of leaders and family renew the spirit of collaboration - Family can rebound and begin a season of new strength.
2020 is such an opportunity for St. Paul's. We are in a place where our collaboration is lieaping old hurdles. Together, we are moving into new seasons of life.
Here are some of the possibilities of a year of collaborative Journey in 2020: Spiritual Life (BECOME):
In 2020 we have new leadership in our worship services. We will be developing innovative worship in both. In the Flame we are actually "designing-as-we-go" a fresh worship congregation. (see below for more new venture in this service)
This spring we will experience "Inspire Weekend". This will be a special experience of fellowship, teaching, and spiritual experience.
This year, we will be focusing on developing discipleship practices where there is a closer dynamic of "shared life." It is only when we share our lives, our real lives, with a circle of friends, that we best begin to move our faith from our head (what we've been "told" into our hearts and lives (what we are actually doing.)
New Advances (ENGAGE):
We will develop a strategy of ENGAGING our neighborhoods. We will look to find a way such that we are invested in more than projects. Instead, we will develop a strategy for long-term interactions with our neighbors.
We will develop several new venues of outreach to the Next Generation of families in the Northeast Heights. This will involve the launch of several new ministries, revitalization of the Flame Worship, and new staff leadership designed to create St. Paul's mission for the next 20 years.
These are just some "highlights" to serve as a preview to 2020.
OUR DEEPEST NEED IS TO OPEN OUR HEARTS IN PRAYER TO COLLABORATE IN SEEKING GOD'S SPIRIT TO MOVE IN SUCH A WAY THAT HIS DREAMS BECOME REAL. LET US BEGIN!
