There has been a lot of buzz lately about Sunshine growing. The focus of this energy has been on the number of kids we have coming up through the ranks. Of course, this blog has already tackled the issue of building a new facility. There were mixed responses regarding building plans. I am wondering what other thoughts you might have about the current state of the congregation.
What are some of your thoughts about where we are and where we are going? What should we develop? What should be retired? Who do you think is the best looking deacon (forget that one)?
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
The State of the Congregation
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10 comments:
I would like to see us start the sports league back up. I really miss going to the games and visiting with everyone on a regular basis. Plus, it was a wonderful tool for bringing in the lost.
You know, it would be great if our new building plans would involve a gymnasium. I really liked how the Nazarene church in Wheelersburg used theirs with the stacking chairs so the space could be used for church services as well as other activities like sports. I know the old people in the congregation will most likely have issues with such a thing but the way I see it is we should take whatever measures we possibly can in order to win even just one soul for Christ. It's worth it all....especially to that one soul who will be found. ;)
I'm afaid I won't be able to vote on who the best looking deacon is considering I am married and it just wouldn't be comfortable to do such a thing. Sorry, Jason ;) Ha!
How about a decon/ preacher/elder calender to raise money for the new church building. ex. "Hi my name is Jamie Riley I enjoy long walks on the beach, The Steelers, and Golf". By the way Scott's shaved head and his Gampp good looks give him the handsome decon award.
The sports teams were a good time for awhile. The problem, as I see it, is that the sports-loving guys have all gotten old. We have resigned to playing golf. The younger folks, for the most part, are not sports enthusiasts.
The ministry ideas, I especially liked the discipleship thing, is good stuff. I think it would be great to have meetings throughout the week at the building or where ever.
I agree that Scott is definitely a front-runner for most good-looking deacon.
Jason: Remember who you look like.
I vote for you. Irmalee
I want to know who Jason looks like and comment "Poor Scott. His own mother didn't vote for him."
HA HA
I think this is a way for growth. Many people use their computers, and this blog site and our website are ways to help grow.
If growth is our plan, we need to be careful in the small group idea. Sports is a wonderful idea, but only for those who like sports; the mom's group also is a good idea, but what if you work. We need to make sure that we do not exclude too many people. Small groups usually work for the people we like to be around. Think about our home groups (I personally love them) but how many new folks come out to these. Usually the groups we attend have people that I already know. Not much of an outreach if you ask me.
I think growth needs to come from community involvement. Jennifer's idea of an auditorium/gymnasium is a good future idea. We would be able to accommodate more outside events. But we will have to wait and see on that plan.
I've got more thoughts, but need to run for now. I'll post later.
The church is a group of people from differing backgrounds and interest with a common goal. We can reach that goal in different ways. I don't think you're going to find any one program that fits everyone. I've grown alot with the home groups and have gotten to know many people outside my regular click due to these meetings. I question the materials used sometimes though.
Thanks Tim and Jason for the shaved head support... no thanks to Mother!
My papaw's advice, in a situation like this, is "Do something even if its wrong."
There is never a time that works for everyone. The more these groups grow and become meaningful to us, the more likely we are to schedule around them rather than fitting them into a schedule.
I was not saying that we shouldn't have small groups. Just stating that we should be careful to only do things that meet our needs. I was thinking a lot about the sports. Anyone who knows me knows that I love sports, so the leagues were a lot of fun. I just have trouble finding time now with the girls getting older. But even when I did have time, I always wondered about those who did not play sports. Yes I felt that I became closer to the people who played the sports, but eventually it was the same people.
That is why I think the discipleship groups or prayer meetings would be able to encompass more of us. Because we all should be interested in these aspects.
I personally miss the Women's Connection that Candi had started a few years ago. It seems like the boys don't have a problem getting together (various golf outings and men's meetings), but we hardly ever have anything like that for the ladies. Even if we just get together for dinner, it would be fun. I also think it is good to have all ages included in whatever we do because I think there is a lot we can learn from others' experiences. I know it is hard to find times that work for everyone, but I think it would well be worth the effort.
I also miss the sports teams we used to have. It has gotten harder and harder to find the time to do that with all the things our boys are involved in. (It has nothing to do with getting older, Jason. Some of us aren't quite as old as you!!) I would be ready for something like that again.
As far as the best looking deacon, I have a vote for that but I might be a little biased! (Sorry, Jason, it isn't you!)
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