(103rd and Nall)
Overland Park, KS 66207
(913) 649-9040 (office)
(913) 648-5343 (PDO)
ihumc@juno.com
Ministry Organization
2004 was a year of celebration here at Indian Heights as our remodeling and building project was completed, the results exceeding our hopes and expectations. The building was joyously consecrated on June 13th as we remembered the past, celebrated the present, and started living into the future. Previous pastors, staff, and church members joined us in the celebration, adding to the sense that we are all coworkers, building on a foundation that others have laid. That foundation, of course, is first and ultimately Jesus Christ (I Cor. 3:9-11). As Bob Douglass reminded us that morning: now the “Building” part of “Building to Touch Lives” is completed; the “touching” part remains. How will we use our new space to “touch lives,” which was the true purpose of our expansion? That will be a central question for 2005.
It should
be noted that we are already living into that question as evidenced by
the launch of the Rotational Sunday School, Holy Land Express, a program
made possible by our additional space.
We will be further exploring how we use our new space to “touch
lives” at a “Renewing Our Vision” retreat scheduled
for January 29th, 2005. Rev. Ron Holland will lead us in an evaluative
and brainstorming process as we assess where we are and where God is calling
us as we seek to be faithful to our mission to spread the Good News.
The committee reports summarize the ongoing mission and ministry of the church. Some I would highlight for 2004 include: Lenten Study, Fall Bible Study , Guatemala Habitat trip in March 2004, Mentor Based Confirmation, Labyrinth Construction, Dedication, and Workshops, Trustee projects, Fall Auction, Ongoing Nurturing Committee support of church members through the prayer chain, Shepherd’s fund and Dial-a-Meal, and continued congregational support of Cross-Lines, KC Soup Kitchen, and Manor Care.
As in past years, the major challenge in 2005 will be financial (with the increase in the mortgage and expenses for our addition). The return to a pledging budget campaign in 2004 has helped in addressing the challenge, and the congregation has been remarkably generous and faithful in meeting budget and building pledges. With the completion of the capital campaign pledges in August 2005, members will hopefully be able to increase their giving to the budget.
With the completion of our building project and the addition of the Labyrinth and prayer gardens, I look toward 2005 with hope and expectation. Indian Heights is a unique congregation with a unique ministry of hospitality, mission, spiritual formation/education, and caring. I am in awe of the giftedness and faithfulness of the members and frequently wonder, “What new thing will God call them to do next?” Truly nothing is impossible with God – and with you!
Continuing
Education in 2003: Weekly Spanish lessons, Completion of the The Academy
of Spiritual Formation (9 CEU’s), “Beyond the Barrier: Ministry
for Becoming a Large Church” Workshop, Brazil Clergywomen’s
Trip
Conference Activities in 2004: Baker University Trustee, Conference Council
of Finance & Administration, District Board of Professional Ministry,
Candidacy Ministerial Mentor, CFA liaison to Personnel Committee, VIM
Team leader
Cheryl Somers-Ingersol
Pastor
