MISSION STUDY Update

By Tammy Sawyer

Chairperson

5/26/08

 

After 17 months of study, the Mission Study Team has completed the Mission Study Report, submitted it to the Healthy Congregation Committee at our Presbytery, and received word that with some recommendations and requests, our report has been approved!

This is an exciting time for our church!  This process has led us to face some difficult realities that are resulting in some exciting opportunities for our church.  The Holy Spirit has brought together a new Mission Statement with values that well represent where we are heading as a church. 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a community of believers in Jesus Christ, called by God into a new and forgiven life together. In response to God’s Word, we will…

            Worship God together (Worship)

            Care for one another (Deacons & Fellowship)

            Grow as followers of Jesus Christ (Adult, Children & Youth)

            Proclaim the good news and make disciples (Evangelism)

            Reach out to the world in love and service (Mission)

 

VALUES:

            Outreach – Intentionally reaching out into our community to invite and welcome people into our church, with a special focus on young adults and families with young children.

            Connection – Creating strong relationships among individuals within our church so that every newcomer feels welcome and every member has a sense of belonging to the body.

Your elders are working immediate plans for each committee that will direct our church NOW towards the spirit led goals outlined in the Mission Study Report.  What you may not be aware of is that most of these elders are working alone or with one other person on these committees. 

 

Together as a body of Christ, we MUST unite in this Mission by stepping out in FAITH.  Christ has called us to follow Him.  Prayerfully consider what that means for you and what part you will take in His journey.  

 

NEXT STEPS IN OUR TRANSITION:

 

1.         Add the addendum to our Mission Study Report. (June)

 

2.         SELECT PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee)

This will be done through the Nominating Committee with Kathy Ghimenti as the Chairperson.  The nominations for the PNC will be brought for vote to the congregation.

 

3.         PNC BEGINS SEARCH for our next pastor.  (This will take several months.) 

 

4.         First Presbyterian Church of Newark begins its mission NOW, not waiting for the next pastor to arrive.

 

 

WHAT CAN WE DO?

 

PRAY….PRAY….PRAY

 

-         PRAY for the Nominating Committee to select the people God calls for the PNC and that those people would be willing to serve.

 

-         PRAY for God to give you the desire to get involved in an area of ministry that fits your gifts and you have a passion to serve.

 

-         PRAY that our church unites and lives out the Mission we have been led to lead by serving Christ in our community and the world.

 

-         PRAY that GOD lead the PNC to the Pastor GOD has called for our church.