Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Ken’s Pennings
At the annual meeting of ORUCC, which was held in January, we approved the new slate of leaders to serve on our Leadership Team and on the Five Ministries.* In the past, the pastors gathered together all of these leaders early in the year for a day of orientation, training and planning, and that was a valuable experience. But this year, we thought we’d try something new – gather each separate group of leaders in a home over a meal with a goal toward deepening relationships with one another.

Doug & Mary Piper hosted the Leadership Team for supper. Chris Glad and Kathy Borkowski hosted the Ministry of Christian Witness and Service for brunch. Cheryl Diermyer and Jeanette Phill hosted the Ministry of Adult Faith Formation for brunch. Tammy and Rob Martens hosted the Ministry of Youth Faith Formation for supper. John Leonard and I hosted the Ministry of Congregational Life for brunch.** Each group shared a delicious meal, introduced themselves to each other and swapped stories of some of the “God-moments” in their lives. Some were a bit uneasy coming up with a story of a “God-moment,” and were helped by thinking instead of a time in their lives when they felt very much alive or integrated with truth, beauty and love.

I can’t speak for others, but I found this to be a very rich and rewarding experience. The stories were all compelling, expressed both the diversity and commonality of human experience, made me both laugh and cry, and helped me gain a deep appreciation for the keen spirituality of our leaders. In sharing our stories together, I felt as if we were “standing” on holy ground.

Before adjourning, each group took just a few moments to brainstorm ideas for their work together in the coming year. I marveled at the creativity, energy, enthusiasm and productivity of this brief period of brainstorming. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Would this kind of healthy animated discussion have been possible if we hadn’t spent time getting to know one another?” Something tells me this is going to be an extraordinary year of ministry for our Leadership Team and our Five Ministries!

*Ministry of Adult Faith Formation; Ministry of Youth Faith Formation; Ministry of Congregational Life; Ministry of Christian Service & Witness; and Ministry of Resources.
**The Ministry of Resources hopes to meet soon.