The session gathered in August for a half-day retreat where we did some prayer,
discernment and discussion around the theme, “What Next?” We used a
resource published by the denomination which helped us do brainstorming and
discussion looking at where we’ve come as a church during the pandemic
period, as well as looking forward to discern “what’s next?” Where is God calling
us as a congregation in the post-pandemic era? After a time of worship and
prayer, we began our discernment together.
First, we brainstormed words that described HoC at our best. The top words
were Charitable, Caring, and Traditional. We also discussed the top reasons why we
gather together as a congregation. The top five in this category were Worship, Fellowship,
Spiritual Comfort, Mission/Service and Music.
We took some time to review some of the ways we adapted to doing and being
church during the pandemic. Session members identified several successful adaptations
we made during this period, including transitioning to virtual worship and fellowship, online
giving and overall greater generosity, developing technological skills (particularly with video
communication through Zoom), using our outdoor space for worship and fellowship, finding
innovative ways to serve those in need in our community (developing “To-Go” meals for
Hope Dining Room and Elkton Community Kitchen), and experimenting with fun, creative
activities like outdoor community with apple cider and donuts for World Communion
Sunday.
We discussed the needs we have, both within the congregation, as well as out in the
broader community. Of course, the need for more members and volunteers was mentioned
at several points. We also discussed the need for greater intention, visibility, relevance, and
forward thinking. We also acknowledged that our congregation members need care,
nurture, and connection with one another. And we pondered the many needs that those in
our neighborhood have – the need for kindness, respect, inclusion, safety, an inner sense of
security, and reassurance. We also recognized broader social issues needing attention in
our broader community, including food, affordable housing, and reduction in gun violence.
We also agreed that we all need an abundance of grace.
We looked at our current resources – God has abundantly provided us with a
wonderful building and outdoor space for all kinds of creative ministry opportunities. We also
looked realistically at our constraints – having fewer people and resources than we had at
previous times in our history. We discussed the phrase, “We can’t because…” (not enough
people and resources, aging congregation, don’t know where to start, too complicated/overwhelming, fear of change, etc.)
We countered this with a discussion of “We can, if_______”
(we take our time, we break into smaller tasks, find additional resources, partner with others,
etc.) We closed with a discussion of the worship survey conducted earlier this summer, and
we will continue to discern (in conjunction with the worship commission) on what elements
we want to bring back to the worship service.
All in all, it was a productive, generative day. Of course, this discussion is only the
beginning – we will continue prayerfully discussing and discerning where God is calling us to
go in this post-pandemic period, trusting that God will both lead us and equip us for the
journey. We’re so blessed as a congregation, and I’m blessed to be your pastor and work
with such caring, thoughtful, dedicated session members along the journey. Please pray for
us as we continue to lead our congregation into “what’s next” in this post-pandemic period.
In the meantime, ponder some of the questions we discussed at the retreat:
• What three words would you use to describe HoC at our best?
• What needs do you see in our congregation? In our broader community?
• What resources has God given our church? How might these be used to bless others?
• How would you complete the phrase, “We can, if _______”?
Blessings,
Pastor Hilary
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