Feeling renewed

On Sunday, I listened to Lani present our long-range plan for the second time. Who are we? We are a church that renews – within, among and beyond. Simple – and memorable. And that is our focus now and for the next 3 to 5 years. It’s a great message. We come to our church for personal renewal – spiritually and ethically – so that we are whole and ready to support each other and do good work in the world. Our leaders – ministers and volunteers – are aligning around renewal this year. Are you experiencing this on Sunday mornings? Do you come away from your committee experiences feeling renewed? Have you joined an Open Circle or another form of small group? How are you connecting with others and renewing yourself?

The Board of Trustees is “small group” where we can also focus on renewal – in fact, we must. We have significant accountabilities for the welfare of the church AND we grow together in community. To lead, we must first have the strength to lead. We take care of each other. Such has been my experience this year. It is easy for the President to be swallowed up by the job. I am fortunate to have fellow Board members who care – and remind me to take care of myself. After all, there are nine of us doing this great work.

I have just returned for the 7th or 8th time this year from South Carolina, where Paul and I have been helping to look after aging parents. There have been three deaths in Paul’s family this year – and this was one of those trips. This is also a busy time for the Board – coming up on mid-year: planning for sessions to connect with the congregation, communicating the results of the long range planning effort, addressing our financial health at mid-year, reviewing audit results, beginning the process to bring on new Board members for next year, planning for next year’s budget, planning for the Annual meeting – and still managing the regular monitoring of our church operations and progress. With all that is going on, Board members readily step in to backfill for each other – and for me this time – so we have the time we need for personal care. It is a gift – and it is what our church is all about.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board members for this gift of renewal – and for our time together.

In faith,

Nancy