To me, it feels like 2009 has been a year of looking inward. And that was intentional. We have explored the bible and our Lutheran theological tradition together, and we will continue to do so. We've tried to make our physical space more workable and attractive, which will be an on-going project. But these were all about US.

So, I'm going to give you folks a heads-up of what I'm thinking about for 2010. I'd like to make 2010 a year of mission, of looking beyond our doors, of touching people in the community with good news. I don't know exactly what this looks like yet, so I'd like to hear your ideas. And so would our executive. How can we impact people in our community with the gospel?

With this in mind, my pastoral priorities for 2010 are:

✔ Determining our mission focus and developing a congregational mission project

✔ Reinvigorating our ChristCare Small Group Ministry

✔ Leading a Spiritual Gifts discernment class for people to grow in their knowledge of themselves and how they can minister to others

✔ Recruiting and training people to minister to our inactive members

✔ Developing our seniors’ ministry with Pastor Jim, who, with your approval, will come on board as our new Director of Senior's Ministry.

These priorities will be fleshed out in my annual pastor's report to give you a better sense of what's in store for 2010.

Please pray for our church and our on-going mission as messenger of God's grace. Pray that God will give us the wisdom and strength to be the agents of resurrection that we are called to be in Jesus' name.

Your Partner in Christ's Mission,

Pastor Kevin