1 Year Anniversary

June 1, 2006!

Today marks one year of service as pastor at Dodge Park Church of God. Amazing! It has been a wonderful year of getting to know this group of people.

I think I am most proud of the attitude the church seems to have these days. We are positive about our future. People are really starting to believe that we can experience an ongoing renewal that impacts our community.

I am thankful for:

• A faithful community of people who have such a wonderful, positive spirit.
• New people like Romero (Romy), Nelia (Nene), Paul, Joanne, Dottie, Jerry, Tammy, Amber, Casey, Charise, and D'Andre who were willing to take a journey with us.
• A community willing to learn how to be vulnerable toward one another - sharing their griefs so that healing can take place.
• 40 Days of Purpose that taught us so much, but especially the value of community and small groups.
• 6 people who stepped forward to be baptized at our Celebration service.

We haven't accomplished as much as I had hoped in the first year. That's normal. Strategic planners tell us we can never do as much as we think in a year. But, we can accomplish more than we think in 5 years.

In the year ahead we will:

• Enjoy a Breakthrough Summer. (That will be my next blog.)
• Clearly define our purpose, values, and strategy.
• Develop small groups as a thriving ministry in our church.
• Develop a clear pathway to include new people in our church.
• Network with area Church of God congregations (depending on their willingness to do so.)
• Reach 100 in attendance. Heidi Lynn says, "by Christmas!" That's a goal I would like you to pray with me about.
• Discover new and creative ways to impact our community for Jesus Christ.

It's a joy to serve as pastor at Dodge Park Church of God!

Jerry