Sarah and
I went shopping at Target a couple weeks ago. Just inside the door was one of
those giant racks that come out this time of year. It was full of sheets of
paper, school supply lists for the various grades and schools in our area. The
sight dampened Sarah’s mood somewhat. She’s an elementary school music teacher
in Greeley. So I am sure she was seeing past the paper to how her vacation
running is quickly running out! I, however, had a different series of thoughts
pop into my brain. Being your pastor, I thought about how so many people in Rinn
Nation have been out on vacation this summer. Fall is coming for us as well.
Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to post a School Supply of sorts for
our church to help people prepare as they return from break. It’s going to be
another busy year around Rinn, so we are going to need to be ready! Here’s what
you can bring to help us:
·
Energy- You’ve had a few months to rest.
So I hope you come back energized and excited for our mission and ministry. We
are again going to be working with our developing vision to be an
intergenerational church that supports the families in our community. It’s
something that is full of possibilities. So get excited about what God is
doing! Tell others that Rinn is a church on the move!
·
Commitment- We are going to be unveiling
some new discipleship options in the fall (stay tuned to our emails for
details!). Some are going to be unlike anything Rinn has offered before. There
is talk about having new studies for adults, small groups for parents and other
exciting things. Then there are our returning classic ministries like Kids
Hope, Brews and Views, Habitat for Humanity and our partnerships with the
Carbon Valley Help Center. We need these ministries to be live and vital! Our
Sunday morning worship also needs to be the basis for all we do. So what can
you commit to helping us with? Can you be in church one more Sunday a month?
Can you contribute to or lead one of these efforts? If so, we will rocket out
of the gate in the fall.
·
Flexibility- We are again going to be
experimenting with our church’s dynamics and trying new things come September!
As you know from last year some efforts will succeed, but others will come up
short. So we ask for your patience as we work. Bringing God’s vision into
reality takes time and determination, so thank you in advance for your help!
·
Feedback- With so much going on, it is critical to hear your thoughts
one what is occurring. Good or bad, your leadership would love to know what you
are feeling about the life of the church. I especially value your opinions, but
unfortunately, I don’t hear many of them firsthand. There still seems to be
some misconceptions out there that I am too busy and don’t have time to hear
you out! This is totally not the case. I love your in input and I buy a mean
cup of coffee for discussions. Our leaders need your thoughts too, as they
point out things we may not see. So please, share away!
·
Your Prayers- this is by far the most
important element you can give. Our Whole Church Initiative coach, Rev. Beth
Estock put it this way, “Bryson, your church needs to tap into a deep well of
spiritual strength. So up your prayer life!” I am summarily issuing that
challenge to you. Reach out to the Divine and ask God to guide Rinn. Pray that
we could see the way and find strength for the journey.
If we can bring these things to the fall,
it will be a great year! I look forward to being with you through it. Blessings
to you and yours as summer comes to a close.
Blessings,
Pastor Bryson
