Pastor's Report
October 12, 2003
Church Conference
18th Sunday after Pentecost
Galena-Warwick United Methodist Charge
Warwick & Galena, Maryland
Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson
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The context of the following report is Church
Conference, which is our annual meeting where my boss, the District
Superintendent, attends and the congregation elects officers, set goals, and
accept reports.
This church is about to go on a field trip. We
are about to leave the familiar, and venture out into exciting new territory.
Years of experience working with young people has taught me the basics for a
successful field trip. This is what I tell the kids before we go: 1) Remember
who you are, 2) Always two or more, 3) talk to the leaders.
1) Remember who you are.
"If you remember who you are, then you will know in any given circumstance how to conduct yourself." When I say those words, the kids always look at me funny. But this is the number one most important rule I have for youth work.
This is a transferable concept that works in
every situation. Just to make sure that people know what I’m saying, I spell it
out. I say,
“It's easy to review who you are. Just consider your relationships. You are
God’s child, so act like that. When you go anywhere, you represent your family,
your church, your community. So make them proud.”
What I say to kids before we go on a field trip is the message I have for the
congregations of Mt. Olivet in Warwick, and Olivet in Galena. Remember who you
are. That’s what a mission statement is all about. We don’t have mission
statements yet, but we have been working on it.
For 2004, I propose that our number one goal for the year be:
write a Mission Statement for both churches.
2) Always two or more.
“Don't go anywhere alone. Always bring a friend”
This is a safety rule. It works great. We don’t want anyone to get hurt or in
trouble so we tell them, “Always two or more.”
The same concept applies to our ministry together as a Church. God designed the
church to succeed with teams. Every leader we elect here today is supposed to
form a team to accomplish their task.
You don’t need permission from the Administrative Board or the Charge Conference
to do this. It is expected. Leaders, we expect you to recruit, train, and
supervise volunteers. That’s what leaders do.
For 2004, I propose that our number two goal for the year be:
focus on building teams that transform the way we do ministry together.
3) Talk to the leaders before you go anywhere.
“Talk to the leaders so they will know where you
are.”
This is the third rule for youth field trips. You can see why this is important.
It’s pretty obvious.
Communication is key. If our church is going to do well, we need to stick to
this simple rule. “Talk to the leaders so they will know where you are.” As your
pastor, I share my oversight responsibilities with the Administrative Board.
Together we form the leadership of the church.
Talk to us! Come to the regular meetings and let us know what you think is
important.
For 2004, I propose that our number three goal for the year be:
offer training opportunities for every leader to improve communication skills.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson
PRAYER
Thank you, dear Jesus, for the Church. We are a living miracle, and a testimony
to your grace. Like a father, who loans his car keys to his teen-age daughter,
you have trusted us. We are inexperienced, short-sighted, and sometimes
clueless. But you love us, and have designed us to grow. You put the keys of
your kingdom in our hands!
You gave us the Great Commission. We don’t deserve your kindness or trust. All
praise to you! All praise, glory, and honor to you, Lord Jesus. Amen.