Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! The first few months after a new pastor arrives at a congregation are exciting. New relationships are being built, the future seems full of possibilities and we are all learning to trust God together – especially when unexpected challenges arise. My experience has shown me that being intentional about transitions can provide long-term benefits. With this in mind, the SPRC and I have developed a plan for the next several months. There are three (3) separate elements, each building upon the other, to provide a foundation for our future together as pastor and people. The gatherings are open to everyone who attends Aldersgate UMC, not just members. In fact,
everyone is not only invited but encouraged to attend. Here are the 3 events planned.
1) SHARING OUR STORIES: SMALL GROUP GATHERINGS — The building of relationships is one of the most important things that can happen during transition. And let’s face it, while we can get to know names and faces on Sundays, our passing conversations don’t really allow for us to get to know one another. One way to facilitate getting to know one another is to hold “cottage meetings.” These gatherings will include a max of 8 people and will be a time for me to hear your stories – about life, about faith, about you! There are already 7 of these gatherings scheduled. Please look elsewhere in the Hinge for more details.
2) SHARING OUR STORY: HISTORY NIGHT — Don’t be fooled by the name…this will not be like History Class in school. Rather than coming to be told about the history of Aldersgate UMC, you will be telling the history. The goal is to honor God in the history of our church. This evening is about moving forward from where we are while understanding how we have been shaped by the past. We will begin with the earliest pastor those present can remember and move forward one pastor at a time. Questions will include: What was happening at the church during this time? What celebrations do you remember? What challenges did you face? A date has not yet been set but expect to hear more soon.
3) THE NEXT CHAPTER: CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION SKILLS FOR CHURCHES WORKSHOP — Conflict can be found wherever there are individuals with their own opinions and ideas. Therefore, conflict is a given in the church, even a church as faithful as Aldersgate. You may not know, I spent several years coaching and consulting with leaders and churches (in addition to serving as a pastor). One of the tools I offered was this workshop developed by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. The goal of our time together will be to begin to look at conflict as potentially creative and uniting as opposed to destructive and dividing. We will learn a common language to use around conflict as well as some basic tools to use when we face conflict as individuals and as a church! The workshop will take place beginning Friday evening and ending Saturday afternoon. Expect a date to be set for early winter.
As Paul wrote, “I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:9 CEB). It is my prayer that God will use these events to continue God’s good work among us. I am excited to see what God has in store.
Peace,
Pastor Wilson