This past week has been full of all kinds of big news, both in the world around us and right here within the community of Peace. We stand on the cusp of a moment many never thought they’d live to see – the possibility of not just a person of color in the Oval Office but a WOMAN. And finally, after almost 14 months of waiting, Peace stands on the cusp of welcoming its next pastor to the community, with a congregational call vote scheduled in just about 10 days’ time. These are certainly exciting times.
And there are many more exciting times to come for you, People of Peace. You recently voted to expand Liz Mun’s position to 30 hours a week. She will now be the “Minister of Music and Arts.” Now responsible for collaborating with both the musicians and the visual artists of the congregation, Liz will have the opportunity to broaden the reach of the Gospel in ways most churches only dream about, and she has the heart for Jesus and for people to make it happen. With the Spirit’s leading and Liz’ passion, the possibilities are endless – more community concerts, summer camps for kids, art classes and workshops, traveling music to nursing homes and other community venues…maybe even a multicultural music festival right here at Peace!
But it doesn’t end there. Your leadership has not forgotten the congregation’s commitment to be a loving and safe space for families of all shapes and sizes to explore their faith in Jesus here at Peace. The last seven months we have been laying the groundwork to build upon the children, youth and family ministry with its own dedicated staff member. Early in the year, we held listening sessions with parents to hear their concerns, ideas, hopes and questions. Then we began the process of redeveloping a staff position description. A Search Committee was formed. Comparative position descriptions and compensation numbers were researched. A draft position description for a Minister of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) was created and submitted to Council for approval. Next steps are to advertise, interview and welcome someone to the team! In addition to supporting CYF ministries for families already within the congregation, this new team member would be responsible for reaching out and building relationships with community CYF partners to foster stronger ties of support between Peace and our neighbors.
I’m so excited for you all. There are so many possibilities that lie before you in serving this community and loving its people with the love of God. And each of you will play a vital role in this work. Whether you serve as a prayer warrior or offer your financial support…whether you work hands on with the people who will come or work behind the scenes doing all the logistical planning work…whether you cheerlead or whether you play the game – no matter what, you will be an important part of how God’s love continues to overflow through this community into the lives of people in the chairs right next to you, down the street and into the world. YOU will matter.
And you already do. Because before you can believe you will matter in accomplishing the work of God’s Kingdom, you must hear and believe that you matter already simply because you are God’s Kingdom. As you are now, for who you are now, God knows you. God sees you. God loves you.
