I have had the joy of being your interim pastor for about 10 months. It is a great experience that is personally rewarding and enriching. Thank you for giving me this privilege. As we prepare for the fall season I thought it would be helpful to reflect on where we have been and what we have done. The following is my report on some of the things we have accomplished and/or are exploring. I invite you to add to this list.
We wrote a new Mission Statement: The mission of Pine Valley Christian Church is to be a progressive faith community practicing unconditional love and seeking justice in an interfaith world so that all people may experience abundant life.
In addition to our Mission Statement, we have identified four Focus Areas: 1) to offer theological and spiritual activities/opportunities consistent with our mission; 2) develop and identify pathways to leaderships that match individual interests and gifts with congregational and community needs; 3) enhance opportunities for sharing life together; and, 4) develop/strengthen community partnerships which provide opportunities for service grounded in justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
Take a deep breath. We have set our sights high. And then rejoice and give thanks. Here is my list of some of the things we are doing, have initiated or are thinking about in each of these areas.
1. We maintained our 9:00 am Sunday school throughout the summer months, continued our Wednesday morning and Sunday evening Bible study and started a meditation group that meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday. We rejoice every Sunday with outstanding music and energetic worship. The Fall Festival is coming—Sept. 8th.
2. Ed O’Malley from the Kansas Leadership Center spoke with our congregation on July 21st. Members of the congregation have been asked to consider being part of a team to participate in the KLC training program in 2014. The PVCC Nominating Committee will soon begin looking for Spirit Team and congregational leaders. If you feel the call, please contact Kirk. It is nice to be asked but it is also good to be proactive. The Ministerial Search Committee is awesome.
3. We have eaten our way through a good part of May, June and July thanks to the Hospitality Spirit Team and the congregational bakers. Could this become a habit??
4. Last Sunday, we learned about the Circles program and opportunities to work with others in our community to address poverty. PFLAG Sunflower Chapter is in the process of getting incorporated. Last Sunday, I handed out a “Pledge of Nonviolence” created by the Institute for Peace and Justice. I invite you to share this with teachers and others in school and to sign the pledge and bring it to church on Sunday. It is a relatively small but potentially powerful step in becoming known as a faith community taking advantage of opportunities for service grounded in justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
“How good and pleasing it is when people of faith dwell together in unity and harmony.”
Psalm 133:1
Peace, David Hansen