Beloved in Christ,
One of the core values named in our Strategic Planning process is Outreach--the way we extend our arms with compassion, generosity, and the love of Christ. This past year, our congregation supported individuals and families walking
through difficult seasons and partnered with the Adeline Rose Foundation, Friend Inc., Opportunity House, Hope Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and others. Every box packed, coat donated, and meal provided becomes a sign of Christ’s hope shared with our neighbors.
“Every act of outreach--large or small--becomes a seed of hope planted in Christ’s name.”
In a recent article from Nickerson Coaching, “Where Are the Young People?”, Paul Nickerson reminds churches that vitality is not defined by age--faithful congregations come in many shapes and generations. At the same time, research shows that younger adults are drawn to communities that offer personal growth, opportunities to use their gifts, authentic relationships, social justice engagement, and support in connecting faith to everyday life. Many of these connections begin in informal spaces--often outside traditional church activities.
Reaching younger generations often starts with listening well, meeting people where they are, and being open to new ways of being church together. I am excited for us to reflect on our survey results and see how these questions will help us engage in meaningful conversations across all ages beginning in January. Until that time, it’s worth wondering: How might we meet people where they are--beyond the remarkable giving we already do so well?
Sometimes outreach begins with simple, everyday gestures: sharing a cup of coffee with a neighbor, attending a community event, supporting a school activity, offering a listening ear, or inviting someone to join you in a mission project. Meeting people where they are can also mean showing interest in their passions, learning their stories, and being present in the places where life naturally unfolds. These small but intentional steps create pathways of trust, connection, and hope--seeds of ministry that grow in God’s time.
As we move into the Advent and Christmas seasons of gatherings and parties, may we continue to strengthen our outreach--both within our congregation and throughout our community—in Christ’s name.
In Christian love,
Pastor Melissa
One of the core values named in our Strategic Planning process is Outreach--the way we extend our arms with compassion, generosity, and the love of Christ. This past year, our congregation supported individuals and families walking
through difficult seasons and partnered with the Adeline Rose Foundation, Friend Inc., Opportunity House, Hope Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and others. Every box packed, coat donated, and meal provided becomes a sign of Christ’s hope shared with our neighbors.
“Every act of outreach--large or small--becomes a seed of hope planted in Christ’s name.”
In a recent article from Nickerson Coaching, “Where Are the Young People?”, Paul Nickerson reminds churches that vitality is not defined by age--faithful congregations come in many shapes and generations. At the same time, research shows that younger adults are drawn to communities that offer personal growth, opportunities to use their gifts, authentic relationships, social justice engagement, and support in connecting faith to everyday life. Many of these connections begin in informal spaces--often outside traditional church activities.
Reaching younger generations often starts with listening well, meeting people where they are, and being open to new ways of being church together. I am excited for us to reflect on our survey results and see how these questions will help us engage in meaningful conversations across all ages beginning in January. Until that time, it’s worth wondering: How might we meet people where they are--beyond the remarkable giving we already do so well?
Sometimes outreach begins with simple, everyday gestures: sharing a cup of coffee with a neighbor, attending a community event, supporting a school activity, offering a listening ear, or inviting someone to join you in a mission project. Meeting people where they are can also mean showing interest in their passions, learning their stories, and being present in the places where life naturally unfolds. These small but intentional steps create pathways of trust, connection, and hope--seeds of ministry that grow in God’s time.
As we move into the Advent and Christmas seasons of gatherings and parties, may we continue to strengthen our outreach--both within our congregation and throughout our community—in Christ’s name.
In Christian love,
Pastor Melissa