LUCC Sabbatical Update4-27-14

In the beginning:How we arrived at this

momentSeptember Council retreatTransformation: self, others, and wider community

God’s hands, feet, and heart in the world

Governing and Discerning role Wise stewardship of LUCC resources Listening to the will of God for LUCC

God’s spirit is on the move in LUCC… Increased: attendance, youth, pledges, and spirit

2014 LUCC Sabbatical Discernment; where is God leading LUCC?

Discernment Through Sabbatical

Biblically grounded God’s day of rest and Jesus praying alone

Sabbatical is a time of rest, renewal, study and reengage

Transformation; clearing the mind and soul to better hear the call of God

An invitation to stretch: emotionally and spiritually

Reconnecting to core values and identity

LUCC: Stepping Into the Call…

Matthew 14: 22-33

Matthew 14: 22-33

Setting out on the pilgrim’s journey; seeking a live encounter with God

Building community; we are all in this together

Venturing out in a well-built and trustworthy boat

Taking a spiritual risk; stepping out and following the call

Trusting the spirit wherever it comes from or takes you

LUCC on SabbaticalMay 2014-Oct 2014

Worship

Sermons

Music

Fellowship

Church Council, Boards, and Committees; spiritual formation at every meeting

Congregational education-learning-study

Congregational discernment May-Oct, 2014

Pastor Curt sabbatical; June-Aug, 2014

Sabbatical Minister Search Intentional discernment, seeking to hear

what God is calling LUCC to do

Search committee: Pat Hayes, Ken Bernhardt, and Ruth Rueter Contract: compensation and responsibilities

Focus: pastoral care, worship, and discernment

Up to $15,000 for compensation and special programing

LUCC Sabbatical Leadership

Rev. Jerry Eslinger Pastoral care June-August, 2014

Rev. Joanne Buchanan-Brown Discernment facilitator; May-Oct, 2014

Worship leadership; June-August, 2014

Church Staff

Church Council

Sabbatical Coordinating Committee

Sabbatical Minister and Discernment Facilitator

Rev. Joanne Buchanan-Brown

Covenant Agreement, April 2014 God

Rocky Mountain Conference of UCC

LUCC

Congregation Agrees to: Faithfully support

Faithfully attend worship

Faithfully pray for God’s guidance

Sabbatical MinisterJune 9th-August 17th ,2014

Worship preparation and leadership

Celebrating Holy Communion

Collaborate with Board of Congregational Care

Office presence 5-10 hours/week

Staff leadership and support

Collaborate with Office Manager on Bulletin and general communication

Discernment FacilitatorMay-Oct, 2014

Discernment leadership; listening for the voice of God calling LUCC

15/20 hours a month

Coordinate with Sabbatical Support Committee; 4 members

Attend Board and Committee meetings

Collaborate with pastor and Church Council

Monthly reports to Church Council

Facilitate a series of listening forums

Sharing insights on God’s call for LUCC

Help lead Church Council retreat in October

Discernment Questions

Hearing God’s call for LUCC in 2015 and beyond

What do we do well as a congregation?

What might we do better?

What do we believe God is calling us to be?

What are our hidden gifts that we are less aware of?

What is the Gospel of LUCC?

Amen

God’s spirit is on the move in LUCC

Thanks for your part in helping LUCC to be God’s hands, feet, and heart in the world

Please keep sharing your gifts and talents to advance God’s call for LUCC

Questions and wonderings

Meeting adjourned; may the spirit grow in our midst…