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I had the pleasure of meeting with both the outgoing and the incoming Boards recently to identify our goals for 2008. We started with an exercise of listing some of the things that make RUCC such a special place. The list flowed like water: hospitality, listening to the Spirit, open to change, feeling at home (family), justice at home and abroad, theological university (ongoing learning encouraged), diversity (“difference not division”), paying attention to scripture, moving from tourist to pilgrim, God rings in your ears here, beauty, faithful all week long, challenge … What a list of blessings!
From this uplifting beginning, we moved toward setting some broad goals … challenging but realistic. Again, the Spirit spoke and we felt the following calling to us: 1) Discern and address inter-generational needs; 2) Better use of facilities (scheduling, over-scheduling, storage needs, etc.); 3) Address educational needs (including adequate space for classes); 4) Integrate all areas of church in planning and implementing events and activities; 5) A successful sabbatical experience for pastor and congregation.
Finally, we looked at each Area in the church and how each could be part of making these church-wide goals happen. We came up with a great list of ways to work together from Celtic influences in worship, to lay training in pastoral care, to a “grandparents’” tea. Over the next month, each Area will be looking at how they can make this vision come alive during the year.
Everyone is needed as part of this process! If you are an Area member, please work with your Area leader to develop a plan that is specific, realistic and attainable. If you are one of the many people who covenanted for activities and events, please talk to the Area leader about how your time and talent can contribute toward one or more of the above goals. And for everyone, please contemplate, pray and especially, listen. Be open to the still, small voice calling us to God’s will. It’s going to be an exciting year at Redlands United Church of Christ and each one of us is going to be right in the thick of it!
With optimism and hope,
Loring Fiske-Phillips
President
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