A
Message from Pastor Larry – October 2007
Dear Saints:
As I write this article I'm mindful of the fact that last November at our Annual Congregational meeting we voted overwhelmingly to pursue a strategy of "reinvestment" in our community and property. This was the result of much discussion arising out of our Church and Community study of several months led by Council President, Jimmy Johnson.
One particular aspect of our vote was to actively work towards increasing our staff through the ELCA internship program, or calling a rostered leader to focus specifically on community outreach and family ministry. Since the community we serve has drastically changed over the time that our church has been here our staff needs are now also different. It was determined that a person of color would best suit our needs.
Jimmy and I, with the help of the Rev. Gary Christensen from the Southeastern Synod office in Atlanta, set ourselves to the task of developing a Grant Proposal that would involve financial contributions for new staff over a 3-year period from our congregation, the synod, and the churchwide office in Chicago. Unfortunately, as that proposal was worded and submitted, it was rejected. This was a great disappointment, as you might imagine, since so much work went into the project—but not all is lost. And I write you this month to let you know that my commitment, and that of our Congregation Council, to our vote for reinvestment and the acquisition of needed staff is still very much in the foreground.
I've been in touch with Rev. Christensen who is pursuing new avenues for funding. He's asked us to revise the Grant Proposal, this time requesting "additional 'permanent' multi-cultural staffing". By doing this he feels we can "expand the sources that are available for funding."
I say all of this to keep you informed of our work and progress as we, your elected leaders, strive to be faithful to your vote last November, and to encourage you to be bold in your approach to St. Matthew's reinvestment strategy this November when we gather for our 2007 Annual Congregational meeting. God has been faithful to us in the past as we've sought to be faithful to him. I have no doubts that he'll continue to honor our efforts as we strive to faithfully serve him now and in the future.
And now, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Faithfully,
Pastor Larry
Do you have comments about this message? Please click here to e-mail me.
