The Vestry decided in their last meeting to hold a Mission Committee Fair at the next Potluck with Speaker Sunday to discuss the 2007 Mission goals and objectives.

So last Sunday, April 15th, Father "set up" the Fair by introducing the 4 Mission goals meant to keep this Easter experience going. Four goals were identified and committees set up to plan and implement  them, each chaired by a member of the vestry.

 Following the 10 AM service, Stacey Lenker, our Senior Warden, introduced each of the Goals, and their chairs:

Growth, chaired by Mark Barker; Education and Fellowship, chaired by Georgia Albrecht; Lay Ministry,  Chaired by Gene and Bonnie Makinson; and Outreach, chaired by Craig Friedel.

Each of the chairs gave a short presentation of what was in mind for each of the goals, and the attendees were provided with a survey form to be filled out indicating what each member might contribute to the success of our 2007 Mission Goals.

Mark spent some time telling us that his presentation on Growth in full would be presented following next Sunday's 10 AM service (March 22). Be sure to attend to get the full story.

Georgia explained during her presentation on Education and Fellowship that the objective of all educational ministries will be to change lives, not just provide information. She sees Education and Fellowship being accomplished 4 ways:

• New Member Ministry (a class for those wishing to join the church);

• New Believers Ministry (which will teach the GOOD NEWS for those who haven't heard it);

• Spiritual Growth Opportunities including:

  Weekly small groups for fellowship and study

• Life Skill Seminars (4 hour):

  • How to study the Bible

  • How to pray more effectively

  • How to handle temptation

  • How to make time for ministry

Gene told us that the purpose of Lay Ministry is to encourage, empower and equip all members to be ministers of Christ. Supporting groups for Lay ministry are ushers, healing teams, Eucharistic Ministers, Visitors, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Choir, Counters, and Prayer Chain.

Gene feels that instead of the word "Usher" we should be calling them "Hosts." Instead of using the word "Visitor" we should call them "Guest".

Craig explained an important Outreach opportunity we might consider. 

Increase Outreach Activities goal 

• Research what needs our community has 

• Decide on one project/program that would make a significant impact in our community

• Reach out beyond our church to other churches, businesses, schools and organizations 

• Organize people and resources to respond to the community need we have selected

Top 5 Unmet HELP!Lline caller’s needs 

• Legal Advice Assistance 

• Car Repair Assistance

• Rental Assistance

• Utility Assistance

• Moving Assistance

Moving Assistance?

• 211 HELP!Line currently receives 2-4 calls a month requesting moving assistance

• Purpose would be to help move individuals or families who can’t afford to move themselves within the city limits

This would be an ambitious undertaking, but one that really would provide needed help. It also provides an opportunity to work with other outreach organizations.