JUNE 2008
From the Pastor
The Alban Institute offers very helpful workshops and publications for churches and pastors who want to be their best—and understand some of the changes and challenges before them so they may respond in healthy and helpful ways. One Alban book I have found very helpful is The In-Between Church: Navigating Size-Transitions in Congregations by Alice Mann (An Alban Institute Publication, 1998). At the last church I served, we had a good time with one section of this book in particular. At that church, we had a parking problem—not enough. Mind you, we had almost three acres of beautiful green lawn, but no one wanted to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot!” When we studied this book together, we came to page 6 which talked about “holy hospitality.” How do congregations offer (or not offer) holy hospitality to the people around them “who are longing for connection with God and for the experience of faith community?” Alice Mann says that most of us wouldn’t dream of putting up active barriers to potential members. She then asks: “Can you imagine a church with a sign out front that says, ‘Not accepting new members at this time?’
We all got a good laugh out of that line! What church in its right mind would say such a thing?! But we stopped laughing when we read her next few sentences: “But what about ‘passive barriers,’ the subtler signs that hinder hospitality just as powerfully? Suppose there are no parking spaces visible at the worship hour? Suppose the nursery is cramped and chaotic when the newcomer walks in with her child? Suppose the visitor card she drops in the plate is not acknowledged because the pastor is too busy to follow up?” Mann goes on to ask what “invisible hindrances” our church may have that cause others to drive past or feel less than welcomed?
Now, the nursery at Oak Mountain is wonderful—not cramped or chaotic. And her other examples may or may not be helpful…but she poses a good question for any church, I think. What are our active or passive barriers to offering holy hospitality at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church? If you have observations or thoughts about this, I’d love to hear them. Are there things we can be doing from the exterior of the building to the interior of our life together that would help us offer an extended welcome to people in the neighborhoods around us?
On page 43 of this same book, Mann lists eight “quality characteristics” for healthy congregations (developed by an Institute for Church Development in Germany). These eight “quality characteristics” are: an empowering style of pastoral leadership; gift-oriented lay ministry; passionate spirituality; functional structures; inspiring worship; small groups which relate faith to life; need-oriented evangelism; and loving relationships. The Institute uses the analogy of a farmer who does regular soil testing to determine what missing nutrients may curb the potential crop. “A congregation is likely to grow ‘naturally’ if it regularly identifies and takes steps to bolster the weakest factor on the list.” I’m wondering what you think Oak Mountain Church does particularly well? Which ones would identify as needing some work? If any of you have opinions you’d like to share, write them down and hand them to me. I think we could learn a lot by sharing our ideas with each other.
See you Sunday! Kim
Session
The Volunteer Nominating Committee, consisting of Linda Linton, Terry Schrews, and Barbara Robinson, are actively seeking members willing to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). The PNC will be elected by the congregation and be responsible for nominating a potential candidate to the congregation for consideration as a full time pastor.
A Congregational Meeting has been called for July 13 following worship for the purpose of electing a Pastoral nominating Committee to search for our new pastor.
Workday is being planned for July 12th at 9:00am-if you have suggestions for jobs please add them to the list in the narthex.
Worship Ministry Team
Our last Wonderful Wednesday before the summer break was a treat! Children gathered around Candy King for a story time, picnic food, homemade ice cream with toppings, story telling and inspirational music and message from the talented Jerry Rogers all combined for an uplifting evening. Thanks to all who made the event possible.
Discipleship Ministry Team
Attention youth-June 20th-Atlanta Fest@ Stone Mt Park, bring a friend cook out June 29th, community service July 9th, bowling July 19th-call Mandy Cooper if you are interested. (cell 770-853-9938,
home 770-214-9469)
Please join us July 14th-18th for our 3rd annual VBS
You and your child will be truly blessed!
The following supplies are needed-blue tarp, plastic palm trees or branches, bowling balls-8lb or less and 13 lb or more, 20 gallon aquarium, two large shallow plastic containers, several beach towels, several buckets, large flashlight, volunteer who speaks a foreign language, large fan.
Please contact Mandy Cooper
cell 770-853-9938
home 770-214-9469
If you could provide any of the above or would be willing to help.
Safe Havens
We have one Safe Havens case and are working with several kids with Room for a Child.
Volunteer Schedule:
Jun/22 Janet
Jun/29 Jane & Jerry
Jul/6 Linda
Jul/13 Amy
Jul/20 Christi
Jul/27 Mary Ann
Nursery Schedule
Nursery Children’s Church
6/22 Mary Ann Jill
6/29 Christi Mary Ann
7/6 Kim Christi
7/13 Sidra Kim
7/20 Janice Sidra
7/27 Amy Linda
Financial Report
May contributions-$7980.72
Average weekly Attendance-38
Building Fund total to date-$7,472.50
Men’s Breakfast
The first and third Tuesday of each month a men’s breakfast is held at the church at 8:00am. We have a light breakfast, fellowship and bible study.
Prayer List
Henry King, Janice Driver, Dorothy Gordon, Maria Smith, Lillian Thompson, Mallory Blackwelder, Robin Fiddler, Mack Skinner, Don Gwinn, Stephanie Driscoll, Asa Rhodes, Scott Smith, Marcie Ford, Cindy Palmer, Amy & Matt Clockfelter, Erin Barrett, Jan Robinson, Gerri Kielborn, Sharon Eggleston, Patti Williamson, Pat Panfil, Lee Westbrook, Gini Braden, Bob McJury
