Pastor's Page

March 2010

People of GOD,

I write this after our Voter’s Meeting where we discussed two ministry projects – the Youth Center and the Deaconess Intern.

First

The Voter’s Assembly voted to accept the Deaconess Intern Committee’s recommendation to call 23-year-old Elizabeth Watson to be our Intern for the coming year. To recap a bit … six of us went to our Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to meet and interview two potential candidates. Those six were: myself, Jim Eastman, Greg Neubauer, Melinda O’Connell, Marci Bentz, and high school student, Nick DuBois. This group represented a good cross-section of our congregation. Afterwards, we six met and discussed our thoughts and feelings over dinner before heading home and by a 5-to-1 vote decided to request Elizabeth as our Deaconess Intern.

We all have expectations of this new Intern coming into our midst … and that was reflected somewhat in the Voter’s Meeting. I had to smile as it reminded me of this:

The results of a computerized survey indicate the perfect minister preaches exactly fifteen minutes. He condemns sins but never upsets anyone. He works from 8:00 AM until midnight and is also a janitor. He makes $50 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a good car, and gives about $50 weekly to the poor. He is 28 years old and has preached 30 years. He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all of his time with senior citizens. The perfect minister smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 15 calls daily on congregation families, shut-ins and the hospitalized, and is always in his office when needed.

As stated previously, the Deaconess Intern, is a student. Her starting date with us is July 1st. I am confident she will do well among us because we have a lot to offer as far as ministry experience and being a very loving and caring congregational family! Elizabeth will learn and grow as she progresses throughout the year and we will learn and grow along with her. She will be working in four areas of ministry among us: Youth, Education, Visitation, and Women’s Ministry. We will also see what Elizabeth’s particular gifts are and where she can share them.

So, please don’t form any preconceived impressions or opinions of Elizabeth until you actually meet her and get to know her. I am counting on each of you to be a positive, loving, and helpful mentor to her throughout her experience with us. Let’s be thankful the Lord is bringing her to us and be optimistic on her evolving and maturing ministry among us throughout the year.

Second

We were brought up-to-date on our proposed Youth Center. After being denied a variance by the City of Montague to build the Youth Center on the 2.5 lots we own across the alley we will now be building it in our Garden area. Thoughts at this time are to move the Garden across the alley to the lots and perhaps develop an outdoor worship area. Projected start time on construction is late May, early June.

The Building Committee restated that the cost of the finished Youth Center will be in the $105,000 granted. This is the parameter for the project. However, we have a campaign asking individual members and families, and Boards, Committees, and groups within the congregation, to make donations and purchase roofing materials, windows and doors, and siding that will greatly enhance the Youth Center in quality and appearance. Look at the colored sketch of the proposed Center in the Narthex. There is also a large diagram there of these items we can purchase on a tripod to view at and make our pledge on. I encourage you to be part of this. A bundle of shingles only costs $35 … a square of bricks is $25 … better windows and doors are of course more. It is great to see a number of people already signing up to purchase items!

Coming soon….

Don’t miss out on the Volunteer Mission Ministry Pancake Breakfast. Please join me in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 21st between services! This event is a freewill offering.

We thank the Lord that we have exciting things going on in our congregation! And in the meantime, I invite you to continue our Lenten journey together through March in our Sunday worship and our Wednesday services.

Pastor Brooks