At our August Church Council meeting, Chairperson Kenny Keith gave a report from her connection with the Jefferson County Health Department.  They are projecting that COVID cases with the delta variant will rise in September, especially after Labor Day.  The advice we’ve been given is that we can safely stay in-person for worship, but to not have congregational singing, even with masks.  So, hopefully, just for a few weeks, we won’t sing hymns.  However, our small but mighty choir will lead us with music so that we can still make a joyful noise to the Lord.  We will also continue to wear our masks throughout the building and during worship.  Thank you for your cooperation on this.

As far as our visioning process is concerned, we also hoping our efforts make a joyful noise to the Lord.  The Church Council heard notes from each small group meeting.  A small task force is now carefully going through the notes to find themes and strengths that we can build a vision from. We do many things well and the idea is to up our game in the areas that we are gifted in and go deeper where we have only scratched the surface in our ministry and work for the Kingdom of God.  One particular word that has stuck out to me is “beacon.”  How are/can we be a beacon for God?  The task-force will have a draft to bring the Church Council in October. We will work to shape our leadership and ministries for 2022 around the vision is emerging. Thank you for your participation in this important process.

Peace,

Emily