FROM THE DESK OF THE PRIEST-IN-CHARGE
Dear Friends in Christ,
At the vestry planning retreat at the end of June, the vestry discussed several items of significance for the coming program year. We are planning great things in an effort to meet the spiritual needs of the Good Shepherd congregation and the greater Glasgow community.
First and foremost, members of the vestry and diocese are busy with the task of finding a permanent full-time priest. While I have enjoyed my temporary interruption in my retirement, it is time for Good Shepherd to have a full-time priest to help you achieve your goals. Second, it was also decided that we will add a "said" 8 a.m. worship service on Sundays, beginning in September. There are no plans for music or power point at this service. We will use the Book of Common Prayer. Our attendance has been growing steadily. We are averaging almost 10% more than last year at this time. Moreover, on many Sundays the pews are quite full. While this may seem good in reality all studies for church growth indicate that when more than 75% of available seats are filled a church will cease to grow. When I was at St. Barnabas Church before my retirement we grew 300% and added two services. It seems wise for us to try an additional service at 8 a.m. If it proves to be impractical we can adjust, nothing we do is set in stone. The point is we must try and do new things in order to satisfy everyone’s spiritual needs. The vestry also agreed to attempt to develop a service for "special needs" families. We are in contact with congregations which have been successful in establishing this ministry. Jesus taught us to spread the good news and St. Paul has advised us to be all things to all people. These ministries are in response to their challenges.
Peace,
GJK
P.S. Please, remember that I or someone covering for me will visit people in the hospital. It does require a phone call to 302-584-6783.