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Dear Friends,
About a week and a half ago, I attended a one-day seminar along with one of the leaders of our church called, "Natural Church Development (NCD)." We represented one of the 60 select churches from our Annual Conference. The presenter challenged the church leaders in the area of Church Health and Growth. Statistics show that 80-85% of American churches are on the declining side.
Two principles jumped out at us: 1) The "All-by-itself Growth Factor" taken from Scripture, how a church naturally grows when all the necessary ingredients are present, as God gives the increase; and 2) "the Minimum Factor", when after identifying the weakest area in our Church ministry, how addressing and improving this minimum factor/weak area will facilitate qualitative and quantitative growth.
The NCD has more to do with a process than a program. It is designed for churches to evaluate their current effectiveness in ministry and identify ways to facilitate growth and to greater effectiveness. Over 45,000 churches in 70 countries from over 40 denominations were examined. The study revealed Eight Quality Characteristics that were present among all healthy and growing churches all over the world, no matter what the culture, size or denomination:
- Empowering leadership;
- Gift-based ministry;
- Passionate spirituality;
- Effective structures;
- Inspiring worship;
- Need-oriented evangelism;
- Holistic small groups;
- Loving relationships
In the days ahead, you will hear more about Natural Church Development and Growth and how you and I can be a part of the process to help us grow together in Christ and to greater effectiveness for the Kingdom of God.
With hope,
Pastor Julia Y.H. Yim
BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES: short-term Bible Studies, led by the Pastor, will be offered on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am in the Library and Wednesday evenings at 7:45pm in the So. Transept. For further information, please call the Office. All are welcome!
MYF UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Fri. 9/22 5:30pm - Hope for the Future - we will meet at church and return to church for a game night.
- Fri. 9/29 7:00pm - Impact '06 Youth Rally - Arumdaun Presbyterian Church in Bethpage.
- Sun. 10/1 5:00pm - First Youth Group Gathering - dinner will be served.
CONFIRMATION TRAINING: 8th graders or those who desire to be confirmed and haven't received confirmation training, please contact the Church Office.
CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION meeting will take place on Sunday, October 1st in the Library following the 9:30am service. Both parents and the students should attend.
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CHURCH PICTURE DIRECTORY NEWS: : The two sets of dates for the photographs to be taken for our new pictorial directory are as follows: Tues., Oct. 17th, 3:00-9:30pm; Wed., Oct. 18th, 3:00-9:30pm; Fri., Jan. 12th, 3:00-9:30pm and Sat., Jan. 13th, 10:00am-5:00pm. You do not have to be a member of the church in order to have your picture taken (just indicate that you should not be included in the directory when you come for your sitting). Anyone - singles, couples, families - can have their picture taken and will receive a free 8 x 10 photo. You will be given an opportunity after the sitting to buy additional copies. A sign-up sheet is in the So. Transept or you may call the Church Office to make an appointment for your sitting.
UMW YARD SALE: The UMW is having a giant yard sale Sat., Sept. 30th, 9:00am-2:00pm, rain or shine! For further info., contact Joyce Aponte.
HOLY LAND TOUR 2007 2007 to be led by Bishop Park in February has been cancelled due to the current Middle East situation.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH GROUP? We will be meeting the first and third Sundays of each month. We are looking for volunteers to provide dinner for the youth group on these evenings. There are many ways in which you can do this. Please contact Garry or Shanna Wurth for more information.
ADVENT BOOKLET: : The Membership & Evangelism Committee is asking for your help in assembling an Advent booklet written by the congregation for the congregation. Jesus is the greatest gift, so we'd like to compile a series of witness stories (any format you want - poetry, etc.) about how you came to receive this gift. If a scripture applies, please include. Please give you contribution to Pat DiMassi. Deadline to submit is 10/l.
PLEASE NOTE -
CHARGE CONFERENCE: November 19th, 12:30pm.
IN NEED OF PRAYERS THIS WEEK: Kyli Abbinanti, Emily Brown, Anna Eustace, Mabel Greenidge, Bob Greening, Peggy Lopez, Ruth Mace, Cliff Mackin, Tom Maldonado, Evelyn Occena, Barbara Simpson, George Weathers, and our troops in harm's way.
*If you know of someone in the hospital, or someone who wishes a pastoral visit, please call the Church Office.
OUR STEWARDSHIP UPDATE:
Based on 2006 Pledges
- Where We Are Are (as of Sept. 17th): $120,923.00
- Where We Should Be: $134,829.32
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