“Let Us Build A House Where Love Can Dwell ... All Are Welcome in this Place"*
Incorporation has absolutely nothing to do with how the church is organized as a business and everything to do with how the members of the church discover their gifts and use them for the building up the ministry of the body of Christ.
The Mutual Ministry Review Team for Incorporation, consisting of Gail Bemus-Armstrong, Pat Hoffman, Ann Robinson and Priest Joanne Skidmore met to review this ministry. The mutual ministry review process is a great opportunity to look at what has worked in the past and what we want to build on going forward.
In the past, Incorporation Ministry has organized Newer to the Pew dinners, Priest visits, Ministry Fair and Celebration of Ministries. Over the course of the past years, we have also offered spiritual gifts discernment opportunities as well. Informally, yet importantly, Priest Joanne works with individuals to help them discern their gifts and determine how they might be used.
It didn’t take long for us to realize that incorporation is not just about the work of a committee, but rather should be about changing our culture. Incorporation, in order to be truly successful, needs to be done through the efforts of many individuals listening more carefully to each other and extending invitation to people to try on different ministry opportunities.
What’s happening right now?
- In the month of May, you will hear weekly announcements about various aspects of incorporation. Opportunities for involvement will be briefly explored and we will all be praying about where we may hear God calling us to serve.
- Celebration of Ministries will be held on Sunday, May 23! This ceremony gives us a visual of the many, many things we do as a part of our parish.
- Transforming Stewardship is a book study that starts on April 18th at 9:10 a.m. It’s an easy read and really offers an opportunity to look creatively at how we invite all into the stewardship process. YOU are invited to participate!!! Sign up in Healy Hall.
We are excited about this journey! Undoubtedly, we will continue to grow into a more vibrant and stronger community of faith.
Ann Robinson, Incorporation Ministry Team Leader
* From the hymn, All Are Welcome Words: Marty Haugen, © 1994 GIA Publications. All rights reserved.
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