So much happens at JRUUC! One of the documents available for our annual meeting last month was the report on ministries. It’s a long document but very worth reading!
Here is the full document, compiled by Rev. Karen Armina.
Here is an excerpt highlighting where help is needed at this time.
You all do a fabulous job of stewarding this congregation – taking care of it now, and making sure that it functions well in times to come. You all are amazing. At the same time, there are a few areas that need some additional care. I hope you’ll look this list over and consider stepping in when you find roles you feel like you could do – or grow into:
- Building Stewardship Team:
o People with skills in plumbing, electricity, construction, painting or other trades
o Many people who are willing to work on maintenance tasks with instruction
o All of us to pick up litter when we see it - Caring Tree:
o People to populate the teams that offer care (meals, rides, errands, card-writing, visits,
household helpers)
o Someone to review each week’s Joys and Sorrows and send cards in response as needed - Family Ministry – People to support nursery care and monthly community meals
- Kitchen – 2-3 people to oversee the state of this vital space
- Library – 2-3 people to catalog and maintain our collection of books and other printed and recorded materials
- Membership:
o Help plan and facilitate the New to JRUUC Class
o Participate in planning congregational events, and outreach and tabling
o Talk with new people, get them connected to our members and ministries and tasks
o Coordinate responses to blue cards - Stewardship:
o Talk with other Reebers about how we nurture our congregation with our time, talent, and treasure
o Assist with the annual pledge drive
Here is a summary of our congregation’s growth and accomplishments over the last 12 years with Rev. Karen:
We…
- updated your mission statement for the first time since your founding,
- revised your Covenant of Right Relations,
- created a lay pastoral care ministry,
- developed a deeply collaborative worship planning model,
- created structures and processes to support ongoing participatory multi-platform worship,
- affiliated a Community Minister,
- reconfigured your Justice Ministry Team and have showed up for justice in so many ways, and
- stretched how we understand what it is to welcome everyone who comes through our doors.
Final words about ministry from Rev. Karen
This has been my first ministry, and I began it by sharing an intention that it be a shared ministry. I’ve learned so much about what that means during my time with you. And now, as I move on into a new ministry, I’m sad at everything and everyone I will miss by being here – and I’m grateful that we’re closing out this year and this shared ministry with enthusiasm for what will come next for you. Thank you for all you have done, all you do, and all you will do!
In faith and love, Rev. Karen Armina