(103rd and Nall)
Overland Park, KS 66207
(913) 649-9040 (office)
(913) 648-5343 (PDO)
ihumc@juno.com
Ministry Organization
The year 2002 proved to be an amazing year of dreaming, stepping out in faith, and celebrating at Indian Heights United Methodist Church. The Building and Capital Campaign committees kicked into high gear in January, beginning with a feasibility study in February, the selection of an architect in March, and the launch of a Capital Campaign in April. What I thought might be an “excruciating experience” (a capital campaign) turned out to be a joy as we met, talked, ate, prayed, and dreamed together in large and small informational groups. This joy then became a celebration in June as we surprised ourselves by exceeding our “stepping out in faith” goal by more than $100,000. All in all, it was a fitting way to honor the past, enhance the present, and live into the future of this the 35th year of Indian Heights UMC.
In addition
to the exciting progress of the building campaign, the “Hallelujah
Service” has completed its first year and has become a viable part
of the church ministry. It provides church members with another option
for worship in terms of time and style, and it is a potential avenue for
outreach to the unchurched and marginally churched. The committee reports
outline the ongoing mission and ministry of the church. Some I would highlight
include:
• The excellent participation of the congregation in the Lenten
Study, terrorism seminar, Fall Bible Study, auction, VBS, and All-Church
Picnic.
• The support of the Guatemala Mission trips.
• The continual growth of children and youth in the music program
and youth activities.
• Church support for Cross-Lines, the garden, Harvesters, and Habitat.
I find the
ongoing challenges for 2003 essentially the same as those listed in 2002:
• Meeting the financial challenges of increased staffing and programming
at the same time that we are in the midst of a building/ remodeling program.
• Providing more Adult Education and Spiritual Formation opportunities.
• Becoming more effective in reaching out to the unchurched and
marginally churched.
As I have said elsewhere, I have often heard church members say that Indian Heights is one of the “best-kept secrets” around. While we will always be “a not so big” church, by calling and choice, we yet have much to share. How can we do that? How can we increase our visibility in the community through “outside the box” ways (and not necessarily marketing)? How can we inspire each other to invite friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to church? How can we embody the hospitality of Christ in every aspect of our community life?
2002 has taught me that there is a time to put our money, our commitment, and our dreams on the table and see where the Spirit will lead. It has also reminded me that this church can do anything it wants to when it puts its heart and mind and soul to the task. May God continue to bless the ministry of this church.
Continuing
Education in 2002: Clergywoman’s Convocation in January 2002, Weekly
Spanish lessons, Monthly Spiritual Retreats, Enrollment and completion
of one of eight weeks of “The Academy of Spiritual Formation,”
Classes at UBL in Costa Rica.
Conference Activities in 2002: Baker University Trustee, Conference Council
of Finance & Administration, VIM Advisory Task Force, and Candidacy
Ministerial Mentor.
Cheryl Somers-Ingersol
Pastor
