Church Vitality: Where do you see it?

Hello Friends!

As I write this, I am just returning from a "Congregational Vitality Trek" that was part of my on-going professional development program. The purpose of this “trek” was to spend time among colleagues considering what it means and looks like to have vitality as a congregation. 

The role of the church in our society and in our lives is changing. That has led to a decline in church membership and giving, which in turn has led many of us to a narrative of church death. I spent the weekend with peers pondering this reality and wondering how we might shift that narrative so that we remain open to the new thing God is doing with the church. Because God is doing a new thing! We may not see it yet. The congregations that raised us may not enter into it as they were or are now. But the global church is God's, and God will not let it fail. 

I have much to continue pondering and synthesizing as I come back to our unique ministry. For now, I encourage YOU to ponder and pray over these questions: 

• What do you think is the role of the church in our society and in our lives today?
  
• Where do you see life within the congregation and ministries of Solomon's?
  
• What in the life of Solomon's UCC today is most meaningful to you?
  
• How might you share that beyond the walls, grounds, and social circles of our church?
  
• What do you need to do to grieve what was, so that you might love what is? 
  
• How can we create and maintain a church culture that is invitational, compelling, and welcoming?
  

Finally - and this question can be challenging to hear/read - if Solomon's were to close, what would the community miss? 

If you would like to have a conversation on any of the above questions, please reach out!

See you in church,
Pastor Julia

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