Pastor's Corner April 2009

Vision Redefined

We are still working on naming the Vision for Ojai UMC. The words are critical, as they will help us maintain focus. In the end, the reality is that each of us will have to find a way to invite, celebrate and share of our gifts, talents and treasures as individuals coming together as the whole church. Vision has a large goal, but there are also little goals that need to be accomplished along the way. It is these little goals I want to present to you this month. They all fit in with the larger goals of a Vision, and they will still need to be done when we establish a clear statement of who we want to be.

There are myriad ways you can give of your time and energy to the church, and I wanted to share a few of those opportunities with you.

Christian Education:
Lead Children's Time during worship
Offer to share a story or Bible Lesson during Noah's Ark Preschool Chapel
Worship:
Be a reader in worship
Help keep the colors seasonally correct for worship
Usher
Greet
Music:
Sing in the choir
Play with the handbells
Offer your musical talent during Special Music
Drums
Guitar
Soloist
Oboe
Trumpet
Flute
Clarinet
Digeridoo, Kazoo, or more
Membership Cultivation:
Help with follow-up to new visitors
Postcards
Phone calls
Visits
Membership Care:
Provide Transportation to worship
Participate actively in the "Christian Care" Groups as they are developed
Hospital and Homebound Visitation
Office Support:
Phone Angel (covers the phones when Kathy is unavailable)
Filing
Mail Preparation
Folding of Newsletter or Bulletin
Facilities Management:
Check the kitchen for "random" dishes to be washed
Help out with set-up for events
Help with Work Days
Sound system operation
Opening and closing for special groups

If these seem like they might be down your alley. Be sure to let Kathy or David know so that we can begin to plug people into the areas where we can serve and help do ministry as our bulletin says "Ministers: All the members of the Church"

Blessings,
David