In his book, Vital Signs; A Pathway to Congregational Wholeness, Dan Dick lays out a vision of a vital congregation.  He says vitality is measured by two criteria: Growth and Sustainability.  These days we often admire fast growing congregations, but he cautions that growth in mission and ministry must also be sustainable over the long term.
 
Here are samples of some of the characteristics of vitality:
· Vital churches have a compelling vision and a clear identity.
· Success is equated with spiritual transformation—not numbers.
· Programs and activities are aligned with the mission and values of the church.
· Vital churches have high expectations but are always going on to perfection.
 
In 2009, I will be inviting our church leaders to study Dick’s book, to analyze our congregation’s vitality and to outline steps toward both growth and sustainability.  We will begin with questions of vision and identity.
 

May God bless you and our congregation’s ministry in the new year.

Note from Pastor Lynn and Staff Parish Relations Committee

By action of Church Council, all of our staff, including Pastor Lynn, will experience reductions in 2009 compensation and some hours have been cut.  Some staff members have experienced a reduction of benefits in health insurance and/or pension.  In the church office one and one-half positions was reduced to one position which will be shared by Dar and Sib.  This difficult move has been taken with as much care for these faithful workers as possible.
We will need your help—volunteering and picking up some tasks that our paid staff have previously carried.  Please keep us in prayer during this time of transition.