During our annual voters’ meeting in May we voted to adopt a strategic plan for ministry in the next one to three years. During the next few months I would like to take some time in this newsletter article to “unpack” each component of our strategic plan. This month we will consider our vision statement. A vision statement answers the question, “Based on why we exist (mission statement) and who we are (core values), where do we see ourselves in the next one to three years?” Our adopted vision statement is this: “To be a strong leader of our community in caring for its needs with the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Let’s break down our vision statement and reflect on each part.
· To be a strong leader--Together as a congregation we envision ourselves being a strong leader. What does it mean for a local parish to be a strong leader? In short, being a strong leader means being an influence in people’s lives. As a local parish that is a part of our Lord’s Church, together we use our many resources of time, talents, and treasures to influence people with the good news of Jesus Christ.
· Of our Community – Together as a parish we lead strongly and influence people with the good news of Jesus Christ within our community. The Lord has called us and gathered us in this place and this is where he desires to use our Parish as a base of operations for carrying out his Great Commission. We are not on the outside of our community looking in. We are on the inside looking out to ask how we can care for the people in our midst with the good news of Jesus Christ.
· In caring for its needs--In the next one to three years we see ourselves actively caring for the spiritual and physical needs of those within our parish and those in the immediate community surrounding our parish. We are a people who know that everything we need, in Christ we already have. Trusting firmly in this truth with bold and courageous faith we then are free to ask what others need from us. We are free to be used by God individually and together as a parish to see needs and meet them with all that God has given to us.
· With—We have an instrument, a tool, that we use to meet needs. We lead with the Good news of Jesus Christ. It is the power for salvation (Rom 1:16)! And it is the instrument and gift that God has given to us as a parish to give to others.
The Good News of Jesus Christ—The Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. In a world filled with bad news, our God gives good news of forgiveness
· life, and salvation through the person and work of his Son that is for all people. It is the gift of grace that brings a right relationship and reconciliation between God and all people, his entire creation.
May our Lord continue to bless his Word where it is proclaimed through our efforts together as a parish. For, this is a sure promise that we have from our God, “The Word of the Lord continues to increase and prevail mightily” (Acts 19:20).
In Christ,
Pastor Josh
· Of our Community – Together as a parish we lead strongly and influence people with the good news of Jesus Christ within our community. The Lord has called us and gathered us in this place and this is where he desires to use our Parish as a base of operations for carrying out his Great Commission. We are not on the outside of our community looking in. We are on the inside looking out to ask how we can care for the people in our midst with the good news of Jesus Christ.
· In caring for its needs--In the next one to three years we see ourselves actively caring for the spiritual and physical needs of those within our parish and those in the immediate community surrounding our parish. We are a people who know that everything we need, in Christ we already have. Trusting firmly in this truth with bold and courageous faith we then are free to ask what others need from us. We are free to be used by God individually and together as a parish to see needs and meet them with all that God has given to us.
· With—We have an instrument, a tool, that we use to meet needs. We lead with the Good news of Jesus Christ. It is the power for salvation (Rom 1:16)! And it is the instrument and gift that God has given to us as a parish to give to others.
The Good News of Jesus Christ—The Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. In a world filled with bad news, our God gives good news of forgiveness
· life, and salvation through the person and work of his Son that is for all people. It is the gift of grace that brings a right relationship and reconciliation between God and all people, his entire creation.
May our Lord continue to bless his Word where it is proclaimed through our efforts together as a parish. For, this is a sure promise that we have from our God, “The Word of the Lord continues to increase and prevail mightily” (Acts 19:20).
In Christ,
Pastor Josh
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