ChurchStrategicPlan

Timetable

comments for the congregation, 13 Jan

• "If it is your job to eat a frog, it's best done first thing in the morning. And if it is your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.". (Mark Twain)

• These comments are by way of reassurance. There are many feelings that people will be experiencing, and we want you to know that they are all OK. If it helps to talk about your feelings and concerns, members of the ministry team, Council Chair (myself) and Secretary (DavidMorgan), are happy to meet with you.

• Council has yet to meet to discuss the new circumstances. A joint meeting of Council and Elders is being called for 23 Jan (see this week's Bulletin) at which plans will be developed and approved, but for now I want to reassure you that Council Executive has been very active in the interim. My comments here should be taken as representative of those executive discussions.
• Our vision is business as usual, as far as is possible. We will proceed with the planned worship service times, using the resources we already have.
• David and I, both together and independently of the ministry team, have been meeting with various Presbytery people, in particular, (Rev.) Greg Crowe (who is chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee), and (Rev.) Ron Townsend (who is the supply Presbytery Minister for Pastoral Care). They are providing a very supportive relationship.
• Our first priority over the coming months is to address the spiritual and missional needs of our church, as well as the financial ones.
• Having said that, it is fair to say that the deficit planning asked of council at the November Congregational meeting will take second priority. But note that the 5 year plan asked for by that same meeting will have much higher priority. Rather than addressing the deficit first, then the 5 year plan, I would reverse that order and say that we will look more closely in the first instance at where we want to be in 5 years, then see what financial implications that may have for us.

• It is important to note that the financial issues have not played any part in these developments. There has been no pressure by Council or Presbytery on Rosemary to take this course.

• We see this as a unique opportunity to reassess our mission and ministry strategies. We would encourage you to have "Holy Conversations" with each other about the way forward. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the future of their dreams."
• We also feel that this is a process that will need careful thought, and is one that should not be rushed. We will keep you informed. See also the wiki!
• Please note that the 17 Feb service at 10am will be Rosemary's last service, at which there will be a "cutting of the ties" ceremony, with Presbytery involvement.