From the Pastor's Desk
February 2012
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
A few months ago I placed three signs in different locations around the church which stated “Radical
Hospitality is practiced here!” The phrase is from the book “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by
Robert Shnase. Practicing Radical Hospitality is one of the five checkpoints Schnase suggests
demonstrate congregational vitality and health. By repeating and improving these practices, Schnase
says “churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”.
Quite a goal for our little, mid size church isn’t it? When faced with such a grand goal, how we get there
is important, what objectives we use to allow us to be successful are important to develop. And the more
these words are contagious and the more we use them, we find ourselves behaving differently. One
person approached me and asked “What does Radical Hospitality mean?”. I answered “What does it
mean to you?” The answer I got was wonderful. He said, “To me it means that no matter who you are,
you are welcome here and will find like-minded souls of love to welcome you”
WOW!
That is how we change people one person at a time!
Schnase has other Practices as well. The practice of Passionate Worship, of Intentional Faith
Development, of Risk Taking Mission and Service and Extravagant Generosity are all signs of a healthy
congregation. As we approach the season of Lent, I suggest you spend some time in thought and
prayer thinking about these practices and putting them to use. One way to begin is to complete the
Membership Survey that was distributed last month as we attempt to set up goals and objectives for the
years to come, guided by these practices. Some we do well, others we can do better! It is an exciting
time for us to dream and act so others know what we have found: That God works through each one of
us in unexpected ways as we practice RADICAL LOVE for all who come through into our presence! Be a
part of the dreaming and join us!
Peace and Blessings.
RB
Complete Crosswords
2012
2011
2010
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
A few months ago I placed three signs in different locations around the church which stated “Radical
Hospitality is practiced here!” The phrase is from the book “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by
Robert Shnase. Practicing Radical Hospitality is one of the five checkpoints Schnase suggests
demonstrate congregational vitality and health. By repeating and improving these practices, Schnase
says “churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”.
Quite a goal for our little, mid size church isn’t it? When faced with such a grand goal, how we get there
is important, what objectives we use to allow us to be successful are important to develop. And the more
these words are contagious and the more we use them, we find ourselves behaving differently. One
person approached me and asked “What does Radical Hospitality mean?”. I answered “What does it
mean to you?” The answer I got was wonderful. He said, “To me it means that no matter who you are,
you are welcome here and will find like-minded souls of love to welcome you”
WOW!
That is how we change people one person at a time!
Schnase has other Practices as well. The practice of Passionate Worship, of Intentional Faith
Development, of Risk Taking Mission and Service and Extravagant Generosity are all signs of a healthy
congregation. As we approach the season of Lent, I suggest you spend some time in thought and
prayer thinking about these practices and putting them to use. One way to begin is to complete the
Membership Survey that was distributed last month as we attempt to set up goals and objectives for the
years to come, guided by these practices. Some we do well, others we can do better! It is an exciting
time for us to dream and act so others know what we have found: That God works through each one of
us in unexpected ways as we practice RADICAL LOVE for all who come through into our presence! Be a
part of the dreaming and join us!
Peace and Blessings.
RB
Complete Crosswords
2012
2011
- December
- November
- October
- September
- July .
- May Crosswords, Page1, Page 2
- April Crosswords
- March Crosswords Page 1, Page 2
- February
- January 2011 Crosswords
2010
Good News!
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