Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Sept. 2005 - GHOJ Update
With “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey” Continues . . .
The Building Ministry Team recently sent out a letter updating us on the plans for our building addition. While we look forward with anticipation to breaking ground, we remember that “God’s Hope-Our Journey” is much more than a building campaign. Adding staff and creating a benevolence fund are equally important elements of our journey. Here is a brief update on some events and opportunities as our journey continues.
New Staff Positions Filled
On July 31, we formally commissioned three new staff members. Beverly Karika, RN, BSN, and Ruth Zartman, RN, BSN, are sharing the position of Parish Nurse. They will help develop our ministry of caring by promoting health and wellness in our congregation. Identifying health education and counseling needs will be a key aspect of their position.
Julie McNitt is serving as Youth Ministry Coordinator. She is assisting with the elementary and high school youth groups, as well as with the confirmation program. She will also be involved with Sunday School, Faith Matters, and Donuts and Discussion. She is looking at a number of ways to build deeper relationships with our young people.
Benevolence Ministry Team Being Formed
The Benevolence Ministry Team will make recommendations for how we will direct the gifts from our annual benevolence fund of over $30,000. Half of these gifts will be made locally, and half made globally. If asked to serve on this team, please give the request prayerful consideration.
Speaking of Prayer…
The Spirituality Team has arranged an event with Jane Vennard, nationally known author of A Praying Congregation. She will be with us on Sunday, September 18 from 2:00 to 5:30. Mark your calendars now! In addition, the Adult Forum Sessions on September 18, September 25, and October 2 will focus on prayer.
Relational Visits Beginning
The Relational Visit Team is embarking on their “Just Say Hi” campaign. These informal visits are designed to strengthen the connections between members of our congregation. We embrace the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Thank You For Faithful Stewardship
Less than a year into our three year campaign, over 1/3 of the pledged amounts have already been received! Thank you so much for your faithful stewardship in this area. If you did not pledge last Fall but would like to, pledge forms can be obtained from church staff or from Larry Koppenhaver or Cathy Bajcsi of the Follow-up Ministry Team.
God’s Peace
Randy McNitt
God’s Hope-Our Journey Ministry Follow-up Team, Communication Team Member
Reality Check!
The Building Ministry Team is struggling with the startling rising costs of materials. Our architects are giving us all of their creative ability to get the building project within budget. There will be a BMT meeting on Thursday September 15. Hopefully we will be able to set a date for ground breaking. Pray for this ministry to fulfill the dreams of Traditional and Contemporary worship styles that have become so meaningful! Ron Lorenz and his committee of Bob Lombard, Jan Harding, Michael Lewellen, Steve Riedel, Jade Santoro, and Ron Andersen have even tougher decisions ahead. Recently, Ron Lorenz sent a special letter to keep you informed.
A year ago we were beginning the “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey” appeal. We have come a long way and we continue to push forward. We have added an office secretary, two parish nurses, and a youth coordinator. We are still interviewing for a contemporary worship ministry director. Pray for this ministry to find the person we need to help us. Pray we can create space for all to work together while we wait for the new building to be built.
The Building Ministry Team recently sent out a letter updating us on the plans for our building addition. While we look forward with anticipation to breaking ground, we remember that “God’s Hope-Our Journey” is much more than a building campaign. Adding staff and creating a benevolence fund are equally important elements of our journey. Here is a brief update on some events and opportunities as our journey continues.
New Staff Positions Filled
On July 31, we formally commissioned three new staff members. Beverly Karika, RN, BSN, and Ruth Zartman, RN, BSN, are sharing the position of Parish Nurse. They will help develop our ministry of caring by promoting health and wellness in our congregation. Identifying health education and counseling needs will be a key aspect of their position.
Julie McNitt is serving as Youth Ministry Coordinator. She is assisting with the elementary and high school youth groups, as well as with the confirmation program. She will also be involved with Sunday School, Faith Matters, and Donuts and Discussion. She is looking at a number of ways to build deeper relationships with our young people.
Benevolence Ministry Team Being Formed
The Benevolence Ministry Team will make recommendations for how we will direct the gifts from our annual benevolence fund of over $30,000. Half of these gifts will be made locally, and half made globally. If asked to serve on this team, please give the request prayerful consideration.
Speaking of Prayer…
The Spirituality Team has arranged an event with Jane Vennard, nationally known author of A Praying Congregation. She will be with us on Sunday, September 18 from 2:00 to 5:30. Mark your calendars now! In addition, the Adult Forum Sessions on September 18, September 25, and October 2 will focus on prayer.
Relational Visits Beginning
The Relational Visit Team is embarking on their “Just Say Hi” campaign. These informal visits are designed to strengthen the connections between members of our congregation. We embrace the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Thank You For Faithful Stewardship
Less than a year into our three year campaign, over 1/3 of the pledged amounts have already been received! Thank you so much for your faithful stewardship in this area. If you did not pledge last Fall but would like to, pledge forms can be obtained from church staff or from Larry Koppenhaver or Cathy Bajcsi of the Follow-up Ministry Team.
God’s Peace
Randy McNitt
God’s Hope-Our Journey Ministry Follow-up Team, Communication Team Member
Reality Check!
The Building Ministry Team is struggling with the startling rising costs of materials. Our architects are giving us all of their creative ability to get the building project within budget. There will be a BMT meeting on Thursday September 15. Hopefully we will be able to set a date for ground breaking. Pray for this ministry to fulfill the dreams of Traditional and Contemporary worship styles that have become so meaningful! Ron Lorenz and his committee of Bob Lombard, Jan Harding, Michael Lewellen, Steve Riedel, Jade Santoro, and Ron Andersen have even tougher decisions ahead. Recently, Ron Lorenz sent a special letter to keep you informed.
A year ago we were beginning the “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey” appeal. We have come a long way and we continue to push forward. We have added an office secretary, two parish nurses, and a youth coordinator. We are still interviewing for a contemporary worship ministry director. Pray for this ministry to find the person we need to help us. Pray we can create space for all to work together while we wait for the new building to be built.
# posted by Anonymous @ 2:57 PM 
