Over the last four years, one of the most persistent questions I have heard from St. Mark folks is, “What can we do to reconnect with each other?” There has been talk of post-pandemic surveys, phone call initiatives, and even the return of the dreaded suggestion box. While those Perhaps the best way to find out how to reconnect is to simply get together and listen to each other.
This year, the people of St. Mark will be taking part in a Listening Campaign. In fact, we have already begun. You may have seen a handful of focused conversations in the cafe on Sunday morning. Or maybe you know someone who has been asked to sit down with one of the 11 St. Mark members on the listening team. We are still in the planning phase, of this intentional, organized effort.
Our listening campaign will officially begin during worship on September 1st. In the weeks that follow, trained leaders will listen to as many people in the congregation as possible in one-to-one conversations. You may be called to have a conversation. Nobody will ask you to do anything but talk, perhaps over a coffee and donut on Sunday morning. And, no one will ask you to give anything but your time.
We are hopeful that this initiative can help us discover who St. Mark is right now, what our needs are, and what we can do to enter a future with hope. It is amazing what can happen when we simply gather to listen to one another. This sort of campaign has been shown to transform congregations, infusing them with joy and gratitude. Relationships can grow and new possibilities for ministry can surface when we get to know each other just a little better than we already do.
Peace,
Pastor Chad McKenna
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