Sunday, September 20, 2009
Mission Statement
The Young Adult Group is with out a mission statement and while "Service, Study, and Social" is a great slogan to describe us, I think it would be great to define our group a little more clearly. If you have time please pray over what you would like our purpose to be. Here are some ideas that Sarah and I have to offer. Ask yourself "What do you want out of this group? Please feel free to expand on these or to add your own.
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A group that loves each other for who and what we are
ReplyDeleteA place to seek refuge and support
A group that provides a spiritual resource
A group to have fun with
a group at church were we can encourage one anotherother in our faith and life. A place were we can be open and honest about what we are going through. A place to be comforted and offer comfort. And a place to recharge for the coming week. A place that is intellectually stimulating and were one is able to, respectfully voice their opinions even if they differ from others. A place were we are challenged in our spiritual walk. (sorry I am verbose may post my thoughts in a mission statement... but can't apply that much effort right now :) )
ReplyDeleteTo promote Christians values in our everday lives as we grow physically and spiritually. To unite in an effort to spread our love and faith with those who will listen. To form lasting friendships to lean on in good times and bad. To be little Christs. To do good. To encourage others to walk in the path that leads to light.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, Jenna. And, these comments are already great expressions! Here are my thoughts: When I've been praying about the purpose and mission of this ministry to those of us at this life-stage (which I narrow down to those years after Undergrad and before "family" gets really big), one thing seems to come to mind - "meaning". Another way to say it might be "depth". So, a mission statement - utilizing our 3 legs of study, social & service - might read:
ReplyDeleteTo discover the deeper meaning of our lives by drawing closer to the loving God of all Creation. To experience meaningful relationships where we are accepted for who we are, yet encouraged to live and grow as God's people. To share God's love by serving in ways that truly mean something to the world around us.
Some of my thoughts behind this, that I've expressed in various ways come from the fact that at this time of life, we are really livng our life on our own. Even in college, we were being heavily directed by what they were teaching us. Now, we have the opportunity to make our lives what we want them to be - even if we choose Grad. school, it is something WE want. It is really a time of discovery, which is very fluid in itself; while we certainly learn about ourselves as single people, just dating - we are learning a great deal about ourselves (and our spouse!) in our first years of marriage, as well. And, as our careers are just beginning, we are discovering what they may (or may not) be for our future.
In all these areas, there are many things out there that can influence "who we are becoming." Many different people to meet who can have important influence, as well. And, though our jobs take up a good amount of our schedule, we have a lot of time, energy and passion - and so many opportunities that are combatting for us (even just sitting on the couch!)
In many ways, we're kind of just swimming around in this great sea of the world into which we've just been thrust from college. What are we going to do about this? What type of people do we want to become (or, ALLOW ourselves to become? as the case may be).
For me (and Debbie, I'm sure) I know the one place to find meaning in all this is the Lord. God wants us to be all that we are meant to be. Though I love and enjoy friendships with many people inside and outside the church, I've found a much deeper level with those who've also been touched by the Spirit of God to live as God has created them to live. And, I've found that in all the different ways we can serve (and all can be very good), there is just so much more to offering a touch of heaven that is only when I'm serving through the love of Jesus within me overflowing out to them.
Well, those are just some of my thoughts. I love these comment threads, though. If you've read this far - I'm done preaching for today;-)