September finally brings the beginning of a new ministry opportunity that is being sponsored by our Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grace Church has been specifically selected to begin this new initiative that will help us to evaluate our ministry. Based upon interviews with church leaders and members as well as a “Congregational Self-Study” we have prepared, Conference leaders and those with a track record of church growth and effective ministry will help us focus our congregation for future ministry that will impact both Grace Church and our community in new and powerful ways.
On Sunday, Sept. 19, we participated in a combined worship service with our Matthew 28 leaders where they shared with the congregation their “Matthew 28 Report” which highlighted, from their perspective, Grace Church’s greatest strengths, greatest areas for growth, and 5 “prescriptions” they would like to see Grace Church undertake over the next year to help us capitalize on our strengths and grow in our ministry.
It is, has been, and will be a lot of work, but it is also an exciting opportunity. God has already worked through other congregations in the Matthew 28 Initiative, and we are looking forward to see how God will use Matthew 28 to bless Grace Church and others through us.
