Anchor Church Exercise The councils of St Stephen and St Matthias met on September 26, 2021, at St Stephen. Of the exercises the councils did one was called APA. The councils were each given a big flip chart and asked to make three lists. What do you (the congregation) want to Achieve , Preserve, and Avoid? What follows is a list of responses to these questions, as reached by the council of St Matthias
What do we want to Achieve: Continue in relevant ministry/make a difference. Support diversity, equity, and inclusion (in our church and in our community). Reach out and communicate to under-served communities. Continuing education for oursevles and our interns. Provide a safe space and promote harmony in the world.
What do we want to Preserve : Preserve and be good stewards of our building. Preserve our connectedness and cafring for each other. Preserve our members’ openness to new ideas and ministry. Continue RIC mission. Preserve and continue music ministry and worship practices.
What do we want to Avoid : Avoid closing our doors. Avoid existing as a church for ourselves alone. Avoid shutting down commmunication / listen to each other and include all ( ie, those who are not tech savvy ) . Avoid being outreach only. Avoid comparing oursevles to larger churches.
This chart will be shown in the church. Near it will be sticky notes, and a pen. If you have further ideas write them on the sticky notes and then place it where you think it makes most sense. And these can be both ideas, and questions. These questions will be seen by council and can be used to spark further conversation, both within St Matthias, and at the next Anchor Church meeting, coming soon. Many thanks to Marji for her Temple Talk on October 10, 2021. This is the beginning of the journey. The Spirit knows where this will lead, so stay tuned. Please keep this whole process in your prayers.
Speaking of prayer : Today we lift these before God in prayer : Christian and all serving in the military. Those who have no home, and those who work to provide housing. Those who work to control COVID, which is still alive among us. We ask God’s grace on : Pam, Betty Lou, Mark, Pat, Seth, DJ, Margaret, George, Arleen, Greg, Charles and Ruth, Darryl, Billie, Dave, Tim and Lisa, and Pr. Carla Christopher Wilson. We pray for St Stephen’s and Pr Matthew Best, as they too begin the journey of Anchor Church. We pray for those discerning lives of service and ministry. We pray for those serving their internships across the country, and those waiting for calls. All these things and whatever is on our hearts and minds we lift before God, confident in their grace and mercy. AMEN. Be well, people of God.