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August 26, 2022
Hello Grace Commons family,
Carl’s sermon this past Sunday addressed our desire to grow together as a multi-generational community. It was deeply rooted in Scripture and practically applied to our lives. He spoke about how it is our natural, normal instinct to gravitate towards people of the same age, stage, ethnicity, education and socio-economic status. These commonalities create easy connections, but they are “...also subject to sin and corruption,” as Carl pointed out.
In Christ we have the great bridge, the great connector, the incarnate son of God who breaks down the barriers between us, empowering us by his Spirit to transcend our natural divisions. How, then, do we walk in the Spirit, and with one another, so we can be the living example of a loving community that crosses divisions? It takes practice being a multi-generational community but it leads to great joy, and it creates a welcoming community that invites others in.
Overview of this letter
In this letter, I will explain Session’s recent decision to continue our blended worship service, and I will outline ways for you to get connected with others. Finally, an update to the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) process and a link to the PNC nominating form is below.
New service time starts September 18
Beginning September 18, we will continue our summer rhythm of a blended worship service but will instead start at 9:30am. This new service time creates space for worshiping together, followed by discipleship and community:
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All: Sunday worship service at 9:30am.
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Children: Kids are dismissed to Sunday School after the children's story in the service. (Nursery for infants through 2-years-old is available for the full hour.)
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Middle and High Schoolers: Middle and High Schoolers meet in the Atrium for coffee before worship.
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Adult Sunday School: These will convene after the worship service; check class offerings for start times.
We realize this is a change in schedule for everyone; we were very intentional with this change. Here are the undergirding values and considerations:
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We want to foster unity as we prepare to call a new pastor.
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We want to encourage a multi-generational service where we all learn from, and delight in, one another.
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The time serves our families with younger children as well as our older members who use assisted transportation services.
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We want dedicated time for adults to learn together.
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We grow together as we hold a space for ways of worshiping that might be a little different than our personal preference. Note: We will continue to incorporate both traditional and contemporary elements.
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At this point, one service is a good use of our volunteer and staff resources.
Before we kick off with the new service time on September 18, we have an opportunity to be together as the multi-generational body of Christ. Let’s welcome our friends and extended community to our Party in the Parking Lot on September 11.
We’re so much better with you
This past year we’ve been aligning our ministries with the priorities Session set for us. The shift in priorities and budget means that we need all hands on deck, so to speak. Please pray with us, and then dive in:
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Each one of us has a spiritual gift. You can take a free online assessment to find out what that is.
- We’d love to have you involved in our worship service as musicians and choir members.
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Have you considered joining our Sunday morning Kids teaching team? We currently need more Sunday School teachers for our kids.
- Our college ministry has strong vision and needs lay leaders to disciple and mentor students.
- Our Grace Commons community is full of small groups that would benefit from your presence.
- To expand Sunday morning welcome we need the help of volunteer greeters, ushers and coffee makers.
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We have a thriving group of men that help us take care of this building—they would welcome your presence and help.
There are so many ways to build the kind of community that feels like home. But our staff can’t do it without you and need your partnership.
Mission study report and PNC nominations
The Session-approved Mission Study Report is available on our pastoral search & transition page.
Nominations for the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) are now open. Nominees must be covenant partners.
Session will appoint a team of 5 that will evaluate the PNC nominations and select the slate to be presented at a congregational meeting this fall. Please keep Session, the team of 5 and the future PNC in prayers.
Thank you for your partnership in the gospel! (Philippians 1:5)
In him,
Randy Bare
Transitional Pastor
1 Session has defined three key areas of focus for the next three years:
- Shifting our primary ministry focus to be more local and outward facing.
- Attracting young disciples.
- Equipping the congregation.
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