Time is flying, and the first of the month marks my first 100 days as Senior Pastor at Highland. When Kathey Sanders and I met yesterday afternoon, I shared what I’ve learned and observed in the first 100 days, as well as how I’m approaching the next 100 days. One thing that keeps coming up is the need for lay leaders who feel called by God to serve. What makes Highland great is not just its building, traditions, or staff, but its laity who say “yes” to God’s nudging to love the world by serving in the church. There are several tangible needs in our community that could use your help. Here are just a few:
- Our Bible Study Classes are the foundation on which our church builds a sense of community and spiritual growth. It’s impossible to get to know everyone in a worship service (trust me, I try each week!), but connection is possible in a smaller group where burdens can be shared and hope can be found. We need new teachers for our classes. The greatest need right now is for the Generations Bible Study Class. You can read more in an article below. They are a great, great group of people who I know will be a blessing to those willing and available for this ministry.
- Faithful Giving Ministry Group is getting started, and we could use a few more people called to help us unite our resources with the church’s needs through inspiring generosity. Specifically, we need people who can help recruit others to share why they give, and people who can help communicate why God is calling us to give to this church at this time.
- I’ve loved getting to worship with Friday Church these past few months. The lay leaders at Friday Church faithfully show up to offer encouragement and hope to all of us who are worn out by Friday night. Their smiles and willing spirits are the best way to end the workweek. We could use some musicians willing to lead our worship, humbly offering their skills as a balm in this informal worship service that values connection and honesty.
- I’ve been spending time with Reece and Sandy Little recently, and I’m reminded of the significant impact their ministry to visitors has had on countless people over the years. We need people who feel the same call to welcome and hospitality to lead our New Members Ministry Group. Highland is extremely blessed to have visitors every Sunday, including some who have been coming for months and others who are showing up for the first time. God calls us to offer a warm welcome, best done by a group of laity dedicated to learning new names and reaching out during the week.
- Our Mission & Justice Ministry Group has recognized our need to pursue more direct community engagement for the church. We’re wondering how we might build deeper partnerships with local groups that meet urgent needs in our city. I know there are many people in our church engaged in tangible service throughout our community. If you feel called to explore how Highland might deepen its direct community engagement opportunities, please reach out.
- As the school year approaches, our Children and Youth Ministries are preparing for a school year in which we can best meet their needs, help them feel a sense of belonging within the Body of Christ, and inspire them to live as Easter People in their schools, neighborhoods, playgrounds, and city. Your gift of showing up, offering grace, and teaching the stories of Jesus is a faithful act of planting sequoias.
- With Wednesday night programming returning soon, we are looking for teachers to facilitate and lead Wednesday Night Adult Classes. I know so many of you have wisdom to share, born of your careers, hobbies, and passion projects. Would you be willing to share these gifts with our adults on a Wednesday night? Your voice is important in our community, and we want to hear from you.
Reach out to me and let’s talk. You might feel called to these ministries, or you might know someone whose skills and heart would match this need. You might also have another way you want to support God’s ministry and mission at Grinstead and Cherokee. I look forward to our conversation.
As I shared on Sunday, we exist not only for ourselves and our spiritual growth. God is generously and extravagantly sowing seeds, and we trust that as they fall into good soil, our city and future generations will be fed in love and called to justice. May it be so!