October 2010
Two years ago this month, Mt. Zion accepted a profile that was based upon the outcomes of our self-study process. In that profile three major trends we envisioned in our church over the next five years were identified.
They were:
- Change in the demographics of the community will challenge us to be more inclusive ;
- Youth Programming to keep youth involved after confirmation and establish a thriving youth/young adult program; and
- An Aging Population within our church community and around us that will challenge us to find ways to stay connected to one another.
At the same time, we felt God was calling us to ensure spiritual needs for all ages were being met, to continue our mission involvement and to expand that aspect of ministry in conjunction with the larger church and community churches to meet the needs of the community.
This is the vision the community created and adopted to seek to implement. It is important that we keep this vision before as we move forward to give us guidance and direction. In a recent newsletter from Paul Nickerson, the Coach for the Road to Vitality initiative, he said one of the key factors to revitalization is the “balancing act.” He describes this as the challenging and delicate work of balancing the needs of the current congregation with those you are attempting to reach.
As we move into the vision we created for Mt. Zion, may we be reminded our journey began on the foundation of bedrock beliefs which included forgiveness and prayer. It grew into core values such as commitment, acceptance, faith, love and community.
In all things, the consummate vision we share is a love for God in Christ Jesus and a heartfelt passion to further the body of which Jesus Christ is the head.
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to which indeed we were called into one body. Colossians 3:15In Christian love,
Pastor Cathy