Ken’s Pennings
To strengthen our congregational life, we are constantly looking for ways to build positive healthy relationships with God, one another and with Mother Earth.
One way we cultivate stronger relationships with one another is through “special interest groups.” When our quilters meet on Wednesdays, not only do they create beautiful quilts, but they eat lunch and study the Bible together. They prepare the church newsletter for mailing also. During their five hours together, they learn each other’s names, swap stories, share joys and concerns, and become close friends. This is genuine community!
“Special interest groups” begin in a variety of ways….some spontaneously. If you meet people at church who love scuba-diving or bird-watching, feel free to invite them to go scuba-diving or bird-watching with you. Simply let us know if others are welcome to participate in the outing so that we can help you get out the invitation.
Other groups may begin more formally with coordination through the church office. When Elizabeth Strasma shared her vision for a liturgical movement group with the church staff, they brought the idea before The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation. Elizabeth then coordinated rehearsal times and space with our office and publicized through E-Post, Communion and announcements in Sunday worship. What a thrill this past Sunday to have the liturgical movement group participate in worship along with Tru Function!
The church staff can help you launch a “special interest group” by pulling up data from the “Time, Talent & Interest Survey.” Please make use of this wonderful tool. Simply call a member of the church staff and express your desire for gathering a group of people around a particular interest or activity. We will provide you with a list of people who may share your interest. You might then invite these folks to meet with you briefly after worship during the coffee hour in Friendship Hall to discuss your common interest and to decide whether to meet again in the future.
If you have not filled out a “Time, Talent & Interest Survey,” I hope you will. You can find a hard copy of the survey in the information racks at the entrances of the church. Or Office Manager Debbie Bauerkemper can email you the survey (office@orucc.org). When you return the completed survey to the church office, Debbie will enter your responses into our data base. All of the information collected will be used internally within our church and will not be shared with outsiders in any way.
May some of your closest companions on life’s journey be your friends at Orchard Ridge Church!
Peace,
Ken
