On My Mind...
I need to make you aware of a major change. Last week I announced in this newsletter that we would have our quarterly business meeting on Wednesday, October 15. That has been moved back a week. We will meet on Wednesday, October 22. This is due to an issue with our financial report. We wanted to make sure we had a complete report and there were a couple of issue to clear up. So, next week, October 22, will be our business meeting in which we will vote officers, teachers, committee members and establish the study team that will study our documents to see if there are any recommendations for change. Again, the changes would be for the purpose of clarification. We are not looking to make fundamental changes. This is not a “rewrite” or new documents. Four members of the seven-member team will come from the deacons, the remaining three will be determined at that meeting. Thank you for your understanding and for your prayers.
Also Sunday, I announced a new program through Webster High School. We have been asked to participate in a pilot program designed to provide guidance and leadership skills for students. Volunteers will be assigned students to meet with twice a month for about 30 minutes. The goal is to invest in their lives. Volunteers will be encouraged to get to know the students, help them develop skill that will set them up for success in life. If you have any interest in volunteering, I would love to hear from you! We hope to have volunteers in place by the end of October. Volunteers will need to fill out applications through Tulsa Public Schools, including a background check in order to meet with students. You will not be on your own. A handbook has been developed, there will be resources and guidance available to help you with this process. You will not be a counselor, it will not be your job to tutor or solve their problems. You will simply seek to befriend and encourage. Think of it as a ministry of “tilling and planting.” Yes, you will be free to share your faith and invite them to church. This is not designed as an evangelism program. This is not a preaching assignment but as you get to know the students and speak with them about life and your own experience and how you have dealt with various trials and struggles, of course you can speak about the role your faith has played in your life. This is a great opportunity to invest in our community. Yes, it will require commitment. We cannot committee to be there and then no show up. Currently, the plan is to meet with students twice a month for about 30 minutes at a time. The plan is for the 1st and 3rd Monday from 12:30-1:00 pm. All meetings will be at school and there will be certain guidelines in place restricting contact outside of proper channels. There will also be times scheduled for volunteers to meeting, receive instruction and provide feedback. I’d be happy to meet with you to answers any questions.
I will see you Sunday for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod
Also Sunday, I announced a new program through Webster High School. We have been asked to participate in a pilot program designed to provide guidance and leadership skills for students. Volunteers will be assigned students to meet with twice a month for about 30 minutes. The goal is to invest in their lives. Volunteers will be encouraged to get to know the students, help them develop skill that will set them up for success in life. If you have any interest in volunteering, I would love to hear from you! We hope to have volunteers in place by the end of October. Volunteers will need to fill out applications through Tulsa Public Schools, including a background check in order to meet with students. You will not be on your own. A handbook has been developed, there will be resources and guidance available to help you with this process. You will not be a counselor, it will not be your job to tutor or solve their problems. You will simply seek to befriend and encourage. Think of it as a ministry of “tilling and planting.” Yes, you will be free to share your faith and invite them to church. This is not designed as an evangelism program. This is not a preaching assignment but as you get to know the students and speak with them about life and your own experience and how you have dealt with various trials and struggles, of course you can speak about the role your faith has played in your life. This is a great opportunity to invest in our community. Yes, it will require commitment. We cannot committee to be there and then no show up. Currently, the plan is to meet with students twice a month for about 30 minutes at a time. The plan is for the 1st and 3rd Monday from 12:30-1:00 pm. All meetings will be at school and there will be certain guidelines in place restricting contact outside of proper channels. There will also be times scheduled for volunteers to meeting, receive instruction and provide feedback. I’d be happy to meet with you to answers any questions.
I will see you Sunday for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod