Although I’ve been working (like crazy!) in the office for many weeks now, there is something special about tomorrow’s Water Communion service. It’s my first Sunday with all of you in the pulpit, and I feel a special honor and a special responsibility.
Many of you will notice differences in the order of service, beginning tomorrow. Part of that is that each minister brings his or her own style and understanding of what makes “good” worship. Part of that is that I understand part of my responsibility to the church to be crafting meaningful worship for members and visitors alike. And part of those changes come from my understanding of where Northwoods is in the transition from smaller church to mid-sized church…and what will be most welcoming to those who are seeking out a liberal religious message.
I hope that you will all feel comfortable sharing your thoughts about these changes with me. I intend to be receptive to *any* feedback I receive from you, whether it’s praise for a particularly insightful message, or whether you thought I wore a particularly awful suit one Sunday. For me, the trust between a minister and the congregation includes the willingness to hear when I’ve disappointed you, or stepped on your toes, or made you feel less-than-spiritually-uplifted.
In the meantime…for all of you…Welcome Home. Whether you’ve been with Northwoods all summer, or you’re just returning…I hope that your journey has been fruitful and full of unexpected blessings…as mine has in these recent months.
In Faith,
Ellen
