On My Mind...
I want to make you aware of something very important coming to this next business meeting. For several months we’ve been discussing it in deacons’ meeting, and it was announced at the last business meeting, that we would be forming a study group to look at our church documents. It has been 33 years since we approved our church constitution and by-laws. We think it is time to revisit those. Not for the purpose of “revising” them or making a whole-sale change, but to ask if they are sufficiently clear? Is there a better way of stating some things or to clarify what we mean? The goal is to move us closer to having a meaningful membership. To understand that to be a member is not to have your name on a membership list but to be in covenant with your brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s what our documents state but are we clear on what that means? Are we taking seriously our covenant obligations?
Again, this is not about adding further obligations or to change our understanding of what membership means but to clarify what we’ve been saying for over 30 years. Because this is so important, we are proposing a 7-member study group, and 4 of those members will come from the deacons and the remaining 3 will be elected at the business meeting October 15. I’m asking you to begin now praying for those who will lead in this effort. The 3 added at that meeting will need to be mature believers with a solid commitment to the life of the church. This study group will be prayerfully work through our documents and will seek regular input from the membership. This input will include some Sunday night, and Wednesday services designed for such input. This will be an open process, and any changes or clarifications will be approved by vote of the church. Again, this is not a “rewrite” or wholesale change but a clarification with the goal of our taking seriously our obligations to one another as we seek to live out the gospel together.
I’m looking forward to our meeting on the 15th as we begin this process. Of course, if you have questions, I’m happy to discuss them with you at any time. Don’t forget Sunday, is the first Sunday which means we will be celebrating the Lord’s Table in our worship service and having lunch together after the service.
I will see you Sunday for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod
Again, this is not about adding further obligations or to change our understanding of what membership means but to clarify what we’ve been saying for over 30 years. Because this is so important, we are proposing a 7-member study group, and 4 of those members will come from the deacons and the remaining 3 will be elected at the business meeting October 15. I’m asking you to begin now praying for those who will lead in this effort. The 3 added at that meeting will need to be mature believers with a solid commitment to the life of the church. This study group will be prayerfully work through our documents and will seek regular input from the membership. This input will include some Sunday night, and Wednesday services designed for such input. This will be an open process, and any changes or clarifications will be approved by vote of the church. Again, this is not a “rewrite” or wholesale change but a clarification with the goal of our taking seriously our obligations to one another as we seek to live out the gospel together.
I’m looking forward to our meeting on the 15th as we begin this process. Of course, if you have questions, I’m happy to discuss them with you at any time. Don’t forget Sunday, is the first Sunday which means we will be celebrating the Lord’s Table in our worship service and having lunch together after the service.
I will see you Sunday for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod