FROM THE
PASTOR’S DESK

Philippians 3:12 and 14: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected: but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of- I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

In reading revitalization material, I’ve come across some interesting things that I’d like to share with you. The UCC has produced a double-sided pamphlet written by Anthony B. Robinson, which gives a humorous but truthful view on “The 7 Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches”. These are his seven:

1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline.

Figure out where average falls and aim below there. Doing things with excellence, joy and flair may make someone uncomfortable. God doesn’t really expect much, anyhow.

2. Take no risks.

A successful practice of risk avoidance is often best achieved by sending any and all new ideas to a minimum of four Boards or Committees who understand that it is their role to say “No” to new ideas. This process may need to be reinforced by remarks noting how a particular idea might make the church liable, cost money, or ruffle feathers.

3. Practice the following evangelism strategy: “If they want us, they know where to find us.”

Assume that everyone does know where you are and what you are. It can also be helpful if your building looks like a medieval fortress. If you don’t have that going for you, encourage your ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they perform their role.

4. Blame early and often.

Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation is made easier if scapegoats are regularly identified. In some congregations, ministers make wonderful scapegoats. You may also bleame “newcomers,” or “people who don’t understand how we do things in this church.” If all else fails, blame the Conference, denomination, or Satan.

5. Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are wihtin you.

Have an all-purpose excuse like, “I’ve just been so busy” (elaborate at great length just how busy you are, implying that no one else is busy). Occasionally try out a creative new excuse, like, “Our dog ate the printer-ink cartridge and required an emergency appendectomy. He is now very busy, too.”

6. Make it clear to all that the job of the Pastor(s) and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy.

Think of your church as “The Love Boat,” and the Pastor as cruise director and wctivity planner. The job of clergy and staff members is to keep everyone on board happy. If someone is unhappy, it’s a sure sign your Pastor is not doing the job.

7. Spend as little money as possible.

Even though you may enjoy spending money on personal things like a car or a cruise, you can deomonstrate your commitment to modesty and a simple life-style at church. The very best programs cost nothing. And why would your church building need any renovations? If it was good enough for your grandparents then it’ll be good enough for our grandchildren.

These may have made us laugh, but are there any ways that we are like those examples? Lent is a good time to take inventory of ourselves and our church. Be honest about your own attitudes and actions and take them to God in prayer.

In the next newsletter, I’ll print the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Churches.” As we move forward beyond the new Constitution and legal process, we will be considering our vision and mission and ways to revitalize ZRC. All of these “Habits” can serve to remind us of our growth areas. I hope you will also read my report in the Annual Congregational Meeting packet which highlights our accomplishments from last year and the direction in which we might consider going. (If you have not received your packet, please call or email the office and we will see that you receive one.) So, let us “press on” together towards the rewards that Christ has set before us.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Wanda

RELATIONSHIP COVENANT
“HOLY MANNERS”

PURPOSE “The Zion’s Red Church Relationship Covenant” establishes “holy manners” to be used in our life together as God’s people. Let us remind ourselves that Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22: 37-40 (NIV)
 
OUR PROMISES TO GOD
1.  We promise to put God first in our lives. (Philippians 1:9-11)

2.  We promise to listen to God’s direction for us, through prayer, worship, scripture reading, and experience and to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in discerning what’s best for our church. (Hebrews 10:16, 1 Cor. 14:26, Proverbs 1:7)

3. We promise to thank God for all our blessings and the growth that can come from the opportunities in our lives. (Romans 12:15, Philippians 4:4)

OUR PROMISE TO EACH OTHER
 1. We promise to recognize each person as a child of God, and as such we will raise each person up rather than put them down.  Because God loves us unconditionally, we will treat all members and guests with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion. (James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29)

2.  We promise to share our gifts and talents to serve the church when opportunity and need arises. (Ephesians 4:11-13, Revelation 2:19)

3.  We promise to include our joys as well as our challenges in our prayers, not praying for the triumph of our viewpoint, but seeking God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly, and to remain open to the vision God holds for all of us. (Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9-10)

 4.  We promise to support our church pastor, staff, and leaders so that their efforts can be most productive for the church. (1Timothy 2:1, 2 Cor. 1:11, Romans 15:30)

 5.  We promise to try to discover what is best for our church as a whole, not what may be best for the individual or for some small group within the church. (Romans 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:26)

6.  We promise to acknowledge the existence of our differing opinions. When majority decisions are made, not everyone will agree with the outcome. When that occurs, we promise to refrain from stirring up oppositional support if our views were not chosen. (Philippians 3:15-16)

7.  We promise to honor and respect, but not idolize our history, buildings, or property, and be open to doing new things, or old things in new ways. (Exodus 20:3, Luke 4:8)

8.  We promise to always remember the “Golden Rule”: Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31)