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congregational renewal

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We're Throwing a Party!

5/26/2017

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One of the fun things about renewal work is finding short term goals to celebrate as a congregation.  Our first goal, Part One of our Discernment Process, is throwing a big party for my installation!  

​We're hoping to fill up our little church for just one day, and to raise $650 toward a new website and/or new lighting for the sanctuary. (The council is in conversation about which we'll prioritize this time.  If we exceed the goal, we can do both!)
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To see the invitation, to leave us a prayer or blessing, to RSVP, and/or to send the invitation to others, click on the invite below. 
To go directly to the donation link, click on the cross below.  How will the money help us reach those around us with the life-saving love of Jesus Christ? Comment on this post to share your ideas!
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Celebration

4/24/2017

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One of my Pastor friends, Rev. Erick Johnson, and I were recently together at the Mission Redevelopers training.  He said something to me that got stuck in my brain: Celebrate all the time.  In redevelopment, people are worn out, and they need celebrations.  

Another thing I learned in training was the importance of having short term goals that the congregation and pastor can work on together, especially at the beginning.  The first five weeks of this call will be spent preparing for Bishop Wayne Miller to come on June 25 and preside at the installation.  We're hoping to have a BIG party, invite everyone we know, raise $650 in donations to kick-start ministry, and fill up our church for a day.  Will you join us?  Leave us a prayer, blessing, or donation?  

Let Calvary know that they are not alone in the Kingdom of God, and that others are praying, caring and rooting for them.   
See the invitation to partipate by coming, donating, praying, or blessing.
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New Call

4/24/2017

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On May 15th, I will begin a new call at Calvary Lutheran Church in Chicago.  It is a part time, one-year term call.  The goal is to figure out the possibilities for Calvary as a Mission Redevelopment.  To do this, we are engaging in a one-year process of discernment together.

At the call meeting, the congregation and I signed a discernment covenant together.  You can download it here if you are interested in setting up a covenant like this for your struggling congregation.     
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    Pastor Jess is all about sharing the life-saving love of Jesus with the world. How she does it is up to the Holy Spirit. 

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About Me

  • Pastor Jess
  • Open Space
    • Open Space Resources
    • Consulting: Open Space Bethlehem, DeKalb, IL
  • Spirited Speakeasy
  • Congregational Renewal Stories and Resources
  • Sermon Podcast On A Journey with Jesus
    • Video Sermons
    • Kid's Time (Audio and Video)
  • When Jesus Wears Makeup
  • About
    • Events >
      • Takiya's Birthday Bash
    • Publications
    • Consulting
    • Contact
  • Consent Culture Pledge
    • Consent Culture Pledge Discussion Blog
  • Store
    • Family Systems Workshops
    • Digital Downloads
    • Consulting Time
    • Support This Blog
  • Support This Blog
  • Open Heart faith gathering
    • Open Heart faith gathering Blog
    • (re) form sign up
  • Faith on Foot Teams
    • Street Team Sign-Up
    • Backpack Team Sign-Up
    • Community Engagement Team Sign-Up