The Year of Welcome
As I consider the upcoming program year being a “Year of Welcome,” I have been tasked with considering how this theme (and core value) can be carried out in worship and in our Caring Ministries.
Some different ways you can help with Caring Ministries…
Confirmation mentor
New Member friend
Caring Phone Calls
Companion Minister (communion)
Caring Visits
Caring Card Connections
Prayer Team
Neighbor to Neighbor connector
Attendance Tracking/Admin Work
Signup at 1stlu.org/caring.
Part of being a place where We Welcome All, is making sure we care for those who are here, all the time, engaging in the ministry of this place. Welcome doesn’t end with the first visit but seeks to create space where all feel seen and cared for. Welcome is a well thought out, detail oriented understanding of community. I am excited to implement a revised plan for our Caring Ministry this fall that will help us live into this core value of welcoming all.
I am also a little nervous. In a congregation like First Lutheran, this requires more than the pastors and staff working on it. As we launch a new Caring Ministry we will build on our current ongoing ministries, and we will seek to incorporate new ways of connecting, welcoming and caring for each other. We will need your help! This plan will require at least 100 of our members dedicating themselves to caring for our members. I have briefly outlined to the right the different ways you can help. If something sparks in you and you want to know more information, come to an information/orientation meeting on September 25 at 11:30am. Lunch will be provided. You can RSVP here: 1stlu.org/caring.
I look forward to doing caring ministry with you this coming year and creating a place that Welcomes All with the love of Jesus.