Worship Schedule Communication and Talking Points

People of Kearney First UMC,

I would like to invite you to pray, ponder, and share about a really big idea, which we shared first in worship on April 6. You can read that Sunday’s message or see and hear a video version below.

Here’s one part of my heart that’s not in these other messages. I recognize changes to things we like is difficult for some, maybe many of us. I also care deeply about the people of this church. And, I care about how we can organize ourselves to more actively and enthusiastically invite, welcome, and nurture people who are not yet engaged in their faith through Kearney First UMC.

As you read or watch this message, and as you talk about it with friends, peers, partners, and leaders, I ask two things of you: 1) Do seek to let caring for others you know to guide your discernment and conversation, and 2) Do think big, remembering that God’s grace seeks to propel us into the community to help others experience the good news life of Jesus too.

Hear Pastor Matt talk through the informaiton below.

One of our big goals as a church this year is to increase engagement – helping more people actively participate in the life of the church and grow in their faith. We believe that the more we connect with one another in ministry, the more we grow as disciples of Jesus. This vision has guided the conversations of all our leadership groups.

After much prayer and discussion, the Finance Committee, the Administrative Council, and the Worship Team all believe that moving from three worship services to two – with a dedicated “Connect & Grow” hour between them – will strengthen our church. It will enhance the worship experience for existing people and new people and create intentional opportunities for growth and engagement as followers of Jesus.

This idea has come up over the past three years with individuals, in small groups, and leadership teams. Recently, it’s come up more frequently, and unexpectedly. It feels like the Holy Spirit is leading us in this direction.

What’s Next:

These leadership teams are asking the worshipping congregation to think, pray, and talk about this – our mission. We pastors, and church leaders, welcome your conversation.

Additionally, we’ll be doing an input form during worship on Sunday, April 27 (with an option for those who know they’ll be absent that day. More information about this option will be communicated through the church email).

Why Are We Considering this Change?

1. We believe this will ENRICH the worship experience for everyone – existing and new people.

   1. We’ve experienced this richness when we’ve been in fuller worship services and when we’ve combined for special services. People regularly comment about worship in these services being especially meaningful.

2. We believe an Intentional, Dedicated Time to Connect and Grow in our faith will help grow as followers of Jesus.

   1. A “Connect & Grow” hour makes space to interact, build relationships, and gather in learning and caring groups. It will strengthen children’s Sunday School, and create better opportunities for youth and young adult groups.

   2. A young adult shared that they think two worship services with an hour between could help them finally start the group they’ve been wanting to, with people who attend different services.

Goal:

We pastors, and the leaders of the church, genuinely care about each person and their best experience of worship, which is a means of experiencing God’s grace in community.

Several longtime leaders of the church have shared that two worship services with all our current worshipers will enhance each worship service for both existing and new people. We believe that by moving to two services with a time to connect and grow in between, we’ll grow stronger – spiritually, relationally, and missionally.

That’s our goal and our mission: being a community focused on and organized for helping existing and new people love God, love others, and grow as disciples of Jesus.

Please pray about re-organizing our Sunday schedule and how the Spirit may be leading us to help existing and new people experience God through worship, connection, and growth.

Thank you for prayerfully considering this change and talking with the leaders of the church. We look forward to continued conversation. Administrative Council will review the Input Form’s data after Sunday, April 27. And we will continue to share about where we are discerning the Holy Spirit is leading us together, so that we may grow as followers of Jesus helping others grow as followers of Jesus.