Hello Church,
New life is slowly being breathed into us. As I look around, I see the beginning edge of new engagement and I am excited about the possibilities....
- This past Sunday, Mckenzie and Kelsie Uhl got baptized. What is more, part of Kevin's story got told. The church engaged an entire family.
- Chad Ellis has a friend (who knew?). His name is Frank. Frank is going to revamp our website. The focus? Faith stories. We will engage the on-line community in a new way.
- Part of the worship team met Monday night to plan Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It was a team effort. Not only was new engagement happening amidst a re-established ministry team, but Emmanuel will be engaging Amelia UMC during Holy Week.
- New leadership is being put into place. Engaging those who have the passion and desire and will to lead in different ways is refreshing!
- There is lots more! The new bulletin continues to evolve. Every Sunday there will be information for you to learn about regarding the various plans to engage one another and God.... and how you can be a part of it.
The new ramp-up is for Easter Sunday (Apr. 21). During the 10:30 worship service we will be celebrating resurrection.... not just of the Christ, but of the church... this church... Emmanuel is resurrecting. A new vision. A new focus. A new approach. A new life.
It isn't too late for you to get on-board. Ministry teams are not set yet. The doer list is not complete yet. Come Sunday and continue to hear about it.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Monday, March 18, 2019
From Yuckiness To Hopefulness: Tonight Is The Night!
The time of this writing is Monday morning. I am preparing for the Monday evening meeting that will relaunch the church into a new way of being the church......
Hello Church,
Tonight is the night...
Tonight's relaunch of Emmanuel's ministry approach is a culmination of so many things, personally and professionally.
Professionally, as a Pastor, I like to watch people love and fall in love with the church. I like to see renewed energy and enthusiasm. I like encouraging the birth of new ideas and watch them take shape. I like watching God work in people's lives. I like empowering others and giving them the tools to succeed. I got away from all that I liked about being a Pastor. It became like a job that I grinded out day-to-day, dreading the mundane tasks of this and that. Tonight, though, is a grand return to paying attention to what I like about my work. I can't wait.
Personally, it is refreshing as well. A year ago I was considering quitting the ministry. The discouragement, frustration and all the time I spent doing yucky church stuff was enough to drive me to do anything else. But Emmanuel let me rest and listen and re-hear my Call last Summer. It worked. I pushed the reset button on my heart and soul. God refreshed me. Mentally, I am back where I should be. My priorities are in place and my determination is pointed in the right direction.
Tonight is a culmination of getting through the yucky stuff. We had 6 fantastic years followed by 3 not-so-fantastic years. I invited them to rest, listen and re-hear their Call. The result? A new vision has brought new hope and new hope brings new focus and direction.
It all culminates tonight and then moving forward....
I hope you choose to be a part of it.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Hello Church,
Tonight is the night...
Tonight's relaunch of Emmanuel's ministry approach is a culmination of so many things, personally and professionally.
Professionally, as a Pastor, I like to watch people love and fall in love with the church. I like to see renewed energy and enthusiasm. I like encouraging the birth of new ideas and watch them take shape. I like watching God work in people's lives. I like empowering others and giving them the tools to succeed. I got away from all that I liked about being a Pastor. It became like a job that I grinded out day-to-day, dreading the mundane tasks of this and that. Tonight, though, is a grand return to paying attention to what I like about my work. I can't wait.
Personally, it is refreshing as well. A year ago I was considering quitting the ministry. The discouragement, frustration and all the time I spent doing yucky church stuff was enough to drive me to do anything else. But Emmanuel let me rest and listen and re-hear my Call last Summer. It worked. I pushed the reset button on my heart and soul. God refreshed me. Mentally, I am back where I should be. My priorities are in place and my determination is pointed in the right direction.
Tonight is a culmination of getting through the yucky stuff. We had 6 fantastic years followed by 3 not-so-fantastic years. I invited them to rest, listen and re-hear their Call. The result? A new vision has brought new hope and new hope brings new focus and direction.
It all culminates tonight and then moving forward....
I hope you choose to be a part of it.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, March 11, 2019
The New Emmanuel in a Nutshell.....
Hello Church... March 18th... we are going to eat at 6:30 and then launch into a new thing.... I hope you consider being a part of this new church..... There is a place for you, whether you want to help in the planning of ministry or just make yourself available to serve.... or both.....
... do you perceive it yet?
For those of you still trying to catch up, let me give you a brief description Our new church will be made up of 4 new ministry teams (instead of the previous 9). Each team will have their own focus designed to help us and others be a disciple of Christ. They are:
Holy Worship Team - Focus: to help people prepare, participate and engage God - music, preaching, decorations, hospitality, technology, greeting, ushering, nursery, acolytes, follow-up.... anything that helps a person engage God in a worship setting will be the responsibility of this team.
Community Fellowship - Focus: building relationships between people - finding various ways for people to engage each other both inside the church and outside the church (meals, community events, small groups, networking with neighbors, etc). Anything that establishes, nurtures and strengthens human relationships will be the responsibility of this team.
Personal Discipleship - Focus: helping people with spiritual development - how do you become a better disciple tomorrow than yesterday? This team will provide opportunity to develop into a stronger, committed, passionate follower of Jesus. Bible Study, Sunday School and short-term studies are some examples.
Resource Management - Focus: empowering servant-leaders to be the church - it takes resources to do ministry: people, space, time and money. This team will seek to equip the other 3 teams so they can do their work. This might mean taking care of the building; finding and developing new leaders; managing the church calendar, facebook and the website; and overseeing the church budget.
Some main changes that you may not immediately notice:
- There is no longer an Outreach Team. This is because each team will be responsible for their own outreach. There will be a effort to do internal (inside the church) and external (outside the church) ministries.
- There is no longer a Hospitality Team. This is because each team will be responsible for their own hospitality, depending on their needs.
- Where is Finance? SPRC? Nominations? Trustees? This background work is combined into one team so that we can put more of our people power on the front lines of 'engagement'.
- a subtle shift will be made to better focus on faith stories. How people are impacted by the Faith will be the headlines. This will be reflected by what you see on social media; hear at worship; and how we communicate to our community as a whole.
March 18th.... something new... I hope you come and be a part.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
... do you perceive it yet?
For those of you still trying to catch up, let me give you a brief description Our new church will be made up of 4 new ministry teams (instead of the previous 9). Each team will have their own focus designed to help us and others be a disciple of Christ. They are:
Holy Worship Team - Focus: to help people prepare, participate and engage God - music, preaching, decorations, hospitality, technology, greeting, ushering, nursery, acolytes, follow-up.... anything that helps a person engage God in a worship setting will be the responsibility of this team.
Community Fellowship - Focus: building relationships between people - finding various ways for people to engage each other both inside the church and outside the church (meals, community events, small groups, networking with neighbors, etc). Anything that establishes, nurtures and strengthens human relationships will be the responsibility of this team.
Personal Discipleship - Focus: helping people with spiritual development - how do you become a better disciple tomorrow than yesterday? This team will provide opportunity to develop into a stronger, committed, passionate follower of Jesus. Bible Study, Sunday School and short-term studies are some examples.
Resource Management - Focus: empowering servant-leaders to be the church - it takes resources to do ministry: people, space, time and money. This team will seek to equip the other 3 teams so they can do their work. This might mean taking care of the building; finding and developing new leaders; managing the church calendar, facebook and the website; and overseeing the church budget.
Some main changes that you may not immediately notice:
- There is no longer an Outreach Team. This is because each team will be responsible for their own outreach. There will be a effort to do internal (inside the church) and external (outside the church) ministries.
- There is no longer a Hospitality Team. This is because each team will be responsible for their own hospitality, depending on their needs.
- Where is Finance? SPRC? Nominations? Trustees? This background work is combined into one team so that we can put more of our people power on the front lines of 'engagement'.
- a subtle shift will be made to better focus on faith stories. How people are impacted by the Faith will be the headlines. This will be reflected by what you see on social media; hear at worship; and how we communicate to our community as a whole.
March 18th.... something new... I hope you come and be a part.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, March 4, 2019
We Are All Talk.....
..... so far.....
Hi Church,
I am so happy to be enthused. Even a little enthusiasm at this point is glorious after having a rough 2018. Not only am I happy to be enthused, but it is so refreshing to see renewed enthusiasm in some of you. I feel like we are building a little momentum for Jesus.
A new vision for Emmanuel is being born. Our focus is shifting. Engaging people will be the order of the day.... engage, engage, engage.... A refreshed take on Community Fellowship; a renewed effort on Personal Discipleship; a constant effort at Holy Worship. I am not sure where this will take us. In order to find out, we need to keep the ball rolling.
As important as the quiet time was (October-November) and as important as the church retreat was on Feb. 9th (phase 1) and as important as the introduction of the vision was on Feb. 18th (phase 2), the March 18th meeting (phase 3) is just as important. We will have dinner at 6:30 (my lovely wife is fixing pulled pork!) and then building more enthusiasm after. We will launch the newness with energy.
However, we will need to eventually get out of the meetings and into action. So far it has been almost all talk. The cynic would be quick to point this out. The cynic wouldn't be wrong. We still have a lot to prove to ourselves and to God (not sure if I care about the cynic.... unless it's you... in which case I offer you a continuous open invitation to get on board).
A new approach to ministry; new, enthusiastic leadership; new ideas; a different kind of action..... all inspired by the same old Holy Spirit who wants His church to thrive and be alive. We are about to pivot. I hope you will be ready. If not, there are many of us who can help.
I am so happy to be enthused.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Hi Church,
I am so happy to be enthused. Even a little enthusiasm at this point is glorious after having a rough 2018. Not only am I happy to be enthused, but it is so refreshing to see renewed enthusiasm in some of you. I feel like we are building a little momentum for Jesus.
A new vision for Emmanuel is being born. Our focus is shifting. Engaging people will be the order of the day.... engage, engage, engage.... A refreshed take on Community Fellowship; a renewed effort on Personal Discipleship; a constant effort at Holy Worship. I am not sure where this will take us. In order to find out, we need to keep the ball rolling.
As important as the quiet time was (October-November) and as important as the church retreat was on Feb. 9th (phase 1) and as important as the introduction of the vision was on Feb. 18th (phase 2), the March 18th meeting (phase 3) is just as important. We will have dinner at 6:30 (my lovely wife is fixing pulled pork!) and then building more enthusiasm after. We will launch the newness with energy.
However, we will need to eventually get out of the meetings and into action. So far it has been almost all talk. The cynic would be quick to point this out. The cynic wouldn't be wrong. We still have a lot to prove to ourselves and to God (not sure if I care about the cynic.... unless it's you... in which case I offer you a continuous open invitation to get on board).
A new approach to ministry; new, enthusiastic leadership; new ideas; a different kind of action..... all inspired by the same old Holy Spirit who wants His church to thrive and be alive. We are about to pivot. I hope you will be ready. If not, there are many of us who can help.
I am so happy to be enthused.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, February 25, 2019
When Methodism Breaks....
Hello Church,
I am super-excited about our readiness to launch a new vision on March 18th (6:30). Whether you are a doer or a planner, you are invited to attend as we set the stage for a new approach to being church...
However, as we get ready to pivot and charge in a slightly different direction, I am forced to pause, if even for a few days....
The special session of General Conference in St. Louis is happening as I type this. I have been watching and listening at how delegates in the United Methodists from around the world are engaging each other on the issue of human sexuality, specifically how to treat homosexuality among our clergy and churches.
While the final vote isn't in as of this writing, it is clear that we are a very divided church. Irregardless of the outcome of General Conference, people will be hurt; churches will be dissatisfied; and individuals and local congregations will leave the denomination. As someone who has been spiritually raised by the United Methodist Church, this breaks my heart.
My liberal friends and my conservative friends will be happy or sad depending on the outcome. Those who are conservative will expect me to feel with them and those who are liberal will expect me to feel with them. The truth is, I have my own category of feelings and it is unlikely that either of them will be able to empathize, especially those who are too lost in their own passionate opinions.
My passionate opinion is that other passionate opinions have lost perspective. Jesus spent a lot of time NOT talking about a LOT of stuff. I am a follower of Jesus. Therefore, I will try to preoccupy my energy with the same things Jesus preoccupied His energy. That doesn't include a lot of things, but it is enough to keep my day full.
So when you see me minimize issues that you are passionate about, I don't intend to offend you. I will try to be pastoral and walk with you where you are. But there is a chance that I will simply be preoccupied by something else. True, it may be about what the starting pitching rotation might look like for the Reds or if a bicycle trip across the Alleghenies would be smart.... but it might also have to do with thinking about how Jesus might approach your passionate topic.
So I hope you come on March 18th at 6:30. We are going to eat (Jesus did a lot of that) and we are going to talk about worship and fellowship and discipleship (Jesus did a lot of that too). We are going to make 'a way forward' and when General Conference gets done with their stuff, they can tell us what we need to know.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
I am super-excited about our readiness to launch a new vision on March 18th (6:30). Whether you are a doer or a planner, you are invited to attend as we set the stage for a new approach to being church...
However, as we get ready to pivot and charge in a slightly different direction, I am forced to pause, if even for a few days....
The special session of General Conference in St. Louis is happening as I type this. I have been watching and listening at how delegates in the United Methodists from around the world are engaging each other on the issue of human sexuality, specifically how to treat homosexuality among our clergy and churches.
While the final vote isn't in as of this writing, it is clear that we are a very divided church. Irregardless of the outcome of General Conference, people will be hurt; churches will be dissatisfied; and individuals and local congregations will leave the denomination. As someone who has been spiritually raised by the United Methodist Church, this breaks my heart.
My liberal friends and my conservative friends will be happy or sad depending on the outcome. Those who are conservative will expect me to feel with them and those who are liberal will expect me to feel with them. The truth is, I have my own category of feelings and it is unlikely that either of them will be able to empathize, especially those who are too lost in their own passionate opinions.
My passionate opinion is that other passionate opinions have lost perspective. Jesus spent a lot of time NOT talking about a LOT of stuff. I am a follower of Jesus. Therefore, I will try to preoccupy my energy with the same things Jesus preoccupied His energy. That doesn't include a lot of things, but it is enough to keep my day full.
So when you see me minimize issues that you are passionate about, I don't intend to offend you. I will try to be pastoral and walk with you where you are. But there is a chance that I will simply be preoccupied by something else. True, it may be about what the starting pitching rotation might look like for the Reds or if a bicycle trip across the Alleghenies would be smart.... but it might also have to do with thinking about how Jesus might approach your passionate topic.
So I hope you come on March 18th at 6:30. We are going to eat (Jesus did a lot of that) and we are going to talk about worship and fellowship and discipleship (Jesus did a lot of that too). We are going to make 'a way forward' and when General Conference gets done with their stuff, they can tell us what we need to know.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, February 18, 2019
Graphic Design, Cynical Church Members And A Fun Ride
It's time for a new thing. It's almost here.
Hello Church,
Graphic design is not in my wheelhouse. However, as a pastor, one will find themselves doing all sorts of odd things that don't always align with given gifts and talents. It's been 18 years, but I once again find myself tinkering with programs like Microsoft's 3d paint. I am sure many of you have advice on which program would be easier. I typically choose what is already on my computer... and free.
The launch of a new vision at Emmanuel is right ahead. I am reinventing myself. Emmanuel is reinventing itself. The result? A Vision that is informed by the church and organized by church leadership. This time around, instead of me doing the visioning, the church is listening and speaking into it. I like it.
In this blog over the next few weeks I will be explaining this new church in more detail. I hope you will read up and explore your potential role.
So I am excited. The first draft of the new Vision is being presented Monday, Feb. 18th. I suspect there will be a shift in perspective in how we plan, implement and evaluate ministry. I also suspect it will narrow our focus as a church. A narrower focus will cause us to do less ministry that has more impact instead of more ministry that has less or no impact. Stay tuned.
And if you are still on the sidelines wondering if all of this is real, know that there will be plenty of opportunity for you to jump in with both feet. No matter how cynical you might be, you will always be welcomed at Emmanuel. When you buy in, we will be ready for you.
However, with every reinvention of an organization, there is a catch.... there is always a catch. You, the church, will have to participate. It will be your obedience to the preferred future that will make this go or not. Visions don't work on dry erase boards or on 3d paint. Visions work because the minds and hearts and hands and feet of God's people go to work and do things and say things that bring about God's Kingdom.
This gives me relief. What it means is that my 3d paint skills don't really matter at the end of the day. What matters is the active faith that is in the heart of the church. I trust you are ready to do what you say is important. It will be a fun ride if you are.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Hello Church,
Graphic design is not in my wheelhouse. However, as a pastor, one will find themselves doing all sorts of odd things that don't always align with given gifts and talents. It's been 18 years, but I once again find myself tinkering with programs like Microsoft's 3d paint. I am sure many of you have advice on which program would be easier. I typically choose what is already on my computer... and free.
The launch of a new vision at Emmanuel is right ahead. I am reinventing myself. Emmanuel is reinventing itself. The result? A Vision that is informed by the church and organized by church leadership. This time around, instead of me doing the visioning, the church is listening and speaking into it. I like it.
In this blog over the next few weeks I will be explaining this new church in more detail. I hope you will read up and explore your potential role.
So I am excited. The first draft of the new Vision is being presented Monday, Feb. 18th. I suspect there will be a shift in perspective in how we plan, implement and evaluate ministry. I also suspect it will narrow our focus as a church. A narrower focus will cause us to do less ministry that has more impact instead of more ministry that has less or no impact. Stay tuned.
And if you are still on the sidelines wondering if all of this is real, know that there will be plenty of opportunity for you to jump in with both feet. No matter how cynical you might be, you will always be welcomed at Emmanuel. When you buy in, we will be ready for you.
However, with every reinvention of an organization, there is a catch.... there is always a catch. You, the church, will have to participate. It will be your obedience to the preferred future that will make this go or not. Visions don't work on dry erase boards or on 3d paint. Visions work because the minds and hearts and hands and feet of God's people go to work and do things and say things that bring about God's Kingdom.
This gives me relief. What it means is that my 3d paint skills don't really matter at the end of the day. What matters is the active faith that is in the heart of the church. I trust you are ready to do what you say is important. It will be a fun ride if you are.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, February 11, 2019
Pastor Joe Is Full of It
It is time for a new thing! Do you perceive it yet? - Isaiah 43:19
Hello Church,
What a Saturday! The Relive Retreat went very well (I got 8,000 steps in with all my nervous energy). We have the beginnings of a fresh start. I want you to be a part of it (yes, you). The ball is now rolling and it will be gaining momentum. You don't want to miss out on this.
But some will.
While enthusiasm was created on Saturday, not everyone was there to capture it for various reasons. That's okay. There will be plenty of opportunity to get on board. Monday, Feb. 18th is the next opportunity. 7:30. A new vision and direction is in the makings. You are invited. Many will be there.
But some won't.
I want to be clear and concise with the church. I am not the same pastor. I am more determined. I am more stubborn. I am better focused. I am more spiritually alive. I am less concerned about appeasing you. I am more concerned about appeasing Jesus. The ministries I lead will reflect this. Some of you will get with the new program and be on a new, more exciting journey than before. There will still be bumps... but there will also be victories.
But some will remain skeptical.
I get it. It makes sense. Most of you have known me for as long as 9.5 years. Some of you have known Emmanuel since its birth. You have become accustomed to what has been (especially the last 3 years). The status quo has woven around your expectations. However, don't expect me to spend time winning over the skeptics. I used to spend a lot of energy doing that. I am done with that. I will take those who want to move into something bigger and better and we will move forward. I am focusing on the path ahead. Those who walk with me will walk with me. Those who don't will miss out.
If I sound smug, I don't intend to. I intend to sound determined. I don't like losing. We have been losing. Jesus isn't a loser. We shouldn't be losing. We should be winning. We proclaim Good News, not bad news. We should walk forward expecting to win... to be a magnet for people who want things like faith and hope and especially love. I am going to do so.
So get on board. It's time for a new thing.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Hello Church,
What a Saturday! The Relive Retreat went very well (I got 8,000 steps in with all my nervous energy). We have the beginnings of a fresh start. I want you to be a part of it (yes, you). The ball is now rolling and it will be gaining momentum. You don't want to miss out on this.
But some will.
While enthusiasm was created on Saturday, not everyone was there to capture it for various reasons. That's okay. There will be plenty of opportunity to get on board. Monday, Feb. 18th is the next opportunity. 7:30. A new vision and direction is in the makings. You are invited. Many will be there.
But some won't.
I want to be clear and concise with the church. I am not the same pastor. I am more determined. I am more stubborn. I am better focused. I am more spiritually alive. I am less concerned about appeasing you. I am more concerned about appeasing Jesus. The ministries I lead will reflect this. Some of you will get with the new program and be on a new, more exciting journey than before. There will still be bumps... but there will also be victories.
But some will remain skeptical.
I get it. It makes sense. Most of you have known me for as long as 9.5 years. Some of you have known Emmanuel since its birth. You have become accustomed to what has been (especially the last 3 years). The status quo has woven around your expectations. However, don't expect me to spend time winning over the skeptics. I used to spend a lot of energy doing that. I am done with that. I will take those who want to move into something bigger and better and we will move forward. I am focusing on the path ahead. Those who walk with me will walk with me. Those who don't will miss out.
If I sound smug, I don't intend to. I intend to sound determined. I don't like losing. We have been losing. Jesus isn't a loser. We shouldn't be losing. We should be winning. We proclaim Good News, not bad news. We should walk forward expecting to win... to be a magnet for people who want things like faith and hope and especially love. I am going to do so.
So get on board. It's time for a new thing.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
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