As I reflect on this year at Battle Ground
Community UMC I find myself marveling at the changes. though subtle, I
can see a difference.
This year many people were involved with the
study The Five Practices of a Fruitful congregation. This five week
study brought out many ideas of ways we can practice radical hospitality,
passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk taking missing and
service and extravagant generosity. As a result of the study, three
rocking chairs were donated to the church. This small expression of
radical hospitality has been used many times since their appearance.
Christian Education offered Vacation Bible
School during the day this year and this change brought in children from the
community. A lot of discernment went into this decision. And the
fruit of that decision was reaching children in the community, as well as
our own, with the message of God's love.
Outreach and Mission have been busy as they
have continued to support the local food bank, Christmas baskets to eleven
families, selling Fair Trade Coffee and supporting Paul Jeffrey, UM
missionary. The effort of this ministry has touched many people.
Worship Ministry continues to find ways to
make worship meaningful. It is not an easy task to facilitate worship
that is
trying to meet many needs. This year we have been trying to make the
service more blended with music that is contemporary as well as traditional.
It is a worship experience simply planning worship each week.
The Trustees have done a marvelous job at
maintaining the outside and inside of the building. This is a major
concern. The mortgage feels overwhelming at times. With a
"freeze" on the budget for program, staff and maintenance for the coming
ear, the concern for meeting our obligations hovers over us lie a black
cloud. It will tae all of us coming together to meet these
obligations.
United Methodist Women are reorganizing.
The Circles will continue to met and a meeting will be called as needed to
plan other events.
United Methodist Men have been working on a
Conference level with the Vancouver District Chair and Vancouver Scouting
Representative being a part of our congregation.
Three members of the congregation and I began
a two year journey with the General Board of Discipleship as we attend our
first Burning Bush: Discipleship University. In the next year, a
group of congregants will meet to define discipleship for BGCUMC. As a
result of the definition, a plan for training disciples at BGCUMC will be
implemented. We don't know what this looks like, but we feel God-led
to pursue this direction.
Our major hurdle for the coming year is
financial. Not only for us as a church, but on a personal level for
many in our congregation. The year has been a difficult one for many
in our nation and it will take time for the economy to become healthy again.
In the meantime, we pray for guidance and the ability to meet our
obligations. I believe if we are faithful to the gospel, the good news
of Jesus Christ, God will honor our needs.
So it is with prayerful hope and confidence
that I look to the new year.
Blessings,
Denise Neuschwander, Pastor
