Saturday, May 28, 2011

EMMAUS ROAD'S FUTURE; BEYOND 40 DAYS

Over "40 Days" we asked God to guide us; we took time to listen; we gathered to speak. May 15 Road Crew notes have been posted online already; May 24 Council notes are also online. Council agreed that the Road Crew meeting was positive; the church was affirmed; ministry was celebrated; we seem enthusiastic about continuing; people did not suggest too many specifics. What has emerged, then, in terms of Emmaus Road's future? God does not often hand out specifics, yet he does guide us into the paradox of sacrifice and abundance, feeding, growing, and multiplying us as his people. He also gives us signs, pointing us toward him. He assures us he is building us up, individually, and as a church. As we cooperate, in faith, he leads us forward. Here are nine themes - nine signs - which DID emerge out of this recent period of prayer, learning, and dialogue. Eight of these were brought by the Pastor; one was suggested by Council:

Rooted/Linked (see video)
Visibility
Evangelism Beyond Sunday
Dads/Dudes multiplied
Parenting Beyond Sunday
Church Big vs. Big Church
$ Discipline
Deacons - more
Get To versus Have To

What these mean, in terms of specific actions in time and place, is our next challenge to discern. I hope you share the urgency and excitement I have, about Emmaus Road's next steps. June 12 is our next scheduled opportunity to hear more about these signs, these themes, and figure out summer and fall plans. Consider these signs/themes as pieces of vision God is giving us.

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