February 9, 2011

2-9-11 6:59 am Wednesday, Springfield, snowing, 9 degrees, -5 wind chill

The Springfield public schools have cancelled, and Pastor Jerry and I have decided to announce the cancelation of WOW and Lick n Stick today, and that the church office will be open today. I look forward to our 10:00 staff meeting.

Isaiah 23

This is an oracle concerning Tyre and Sidon, who were “playing the harlot with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth” (verse 17). Their gain “will become sufficient food and choice attire for those who dwell in the presence of the Lord” (verse 18). This is my earnest desire – to dwell in the presence of the Lord constantly, trusting Him for sufficient food and attire. Thank you Lord for this chapter.

Following is the “pastor’s pen” in this week’s church newsletter:

Update – The Healthy Church Initiative at Wesley:

I would like to share a progress report on our work with the prescriptions from the Healthy Church Initiative. On February 21 and 22 our coach, Doug Anderson will be in Springfield and meeting with several groups, including pastors and directors, Staff Parish Committee, Church Council, and two task forces – the “Sunday Morning Enhancement Task Force” and the “Communication Evaluation Team”.

I will chair the “Sunday Morning Enhancement Task Force” as we “take the Mystery Worshipper report and improve the Sunday morning experience in very specific ways.” The members include: Marty Anderson, Matt Fields, Ann Moore, Beverly Boehmer, Paul White, Rochelle Collette, Marcia Himes.

Ann Gilmore will chair the “Communication Evaluation Team” which “will evaluate the effectiveness of current communication within the congregation, as well as the community, and will research and explore healthy communication practices of very large churches.” Team members include: Josey McPhail, Brian Mattson, Ann Owsley, Iva Schmidt, Ryan McDonald, Jonathan Gilmore, and Pastor Jerry Boehmer.

May our Lord guide us as we journey forward together with our life group series “Life Hurts, God Heals” and our pursuit to develop more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.