In our last council meeting, during our devotional time, we shared around connection, particularly connecting to visitors and new people in our congregation (also, check out Chris’ council article!). A particular theme struck me – in order to build connection, we must be vulnerable. Such as, nervously introducing ourselves to someone, unsure what their response will be. And the truth is, anyone who visits a church that is new to them is also practicing vulnerability – they don’t know what to expect!
Vulnerability creates community.
I invite you into a time of creating community, which may also be an invitation into vulnerability. Starting the week of September 10th, we are starting a sermon series on the theme, “I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…,” a series for curiosity, courage and connection. With this theme, I am inviting you to join a small group for the 4 week duration. Small groups will share with each other from a different theme each week. The conversations will be guided by the hosts. The first week is “I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…where are you from?” So much is packed into that question: family, church, culture, the memories that are most important to us. So much!
I encourage you to sign up for one of these groups and join in the sharing. Families with kids are encouraged to join and talk with the host on what will work best for kids. We hope that some families will join the same small group and kids can play together! The options are as follows:
Carolyn H.’s house on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Beaty’s house on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Adam at the church on Saturdays at 11:00am
Sign up here.
On a personal note, I am excited to share with you that I will be starting a Doctorate of Ministry program this month. It is an interschool program with Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Presbyterian Seminary, and Catholic Theological Union. I will be a part-time student joining online. I look forward to sharing more with you as I move forward!
Peace,
Pastor Liz
Vulnerability creates community.
I invite you into a time of creating community, which may also be an invitation into vulnerability. Starting the week of September 10th, we are starting a sermon series on the theme, “I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…,” a series for curiosity, courage and connection. With this theme, I am inviting you to join a small group for the 4 week duration. Small groups will share with each other from a different theme each week. The conversations will be guided by the hosts. The first week is “I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…where are you from?” So much is packed into that question: family, church, culture, the memories that are most important to us. So much!
I encourage you to sign up for one of these groups and join in the sharing. Families with kids are encouraged to join and talk with the host on what will work best for kids. We hope that some families will join the same small group and kids can play together! The options are as follows:
Carolyn H.’s house on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Beaty’s house on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Adam at the church on Saturdays at 11:00am
Sign up here.
On a personal note, I am excited to share with you that I will be starting a Doctorate of Ministry program this month. It is an interschool program with Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Presbyterian Seminary, and Catholic Theological Union. I will be a part-time student joining online. I look forward to sharing more with you as I move forward!
Peace,
Pastor Liz