We Grow, the Vision Grows the Future
by Rev. Alan Rudnick
I used to play ice hockey as a kid. I know what you are thinking, “Where is there ice in Maryland?” Thank God for indoor rinks! I grew up idolizing players like Mark Messier and Mario Lemieux. Often, we kids would debate: Who is the best hockey player? It always came down to one person, Wayne Gretzy – “The Great One”. Not only was he a class act, but he is the only player to have over 200 points in NHL history.
Wayne Gretzy once said something that always made hockey sense, but I’ve realized that it also makes church sense:
“I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”
So true. Our vision process is about positioning ourselves into the future. Not that the past is unimportant, but that the future is where we need to look, planning and motivating our resources for the future.
We are growing. Not only numerically, but spiritually. Our vision is starting to grow. We are talking about expanding our food pantry, asking how we can better help our community, considering team structured ministry, after school programs, new youth ministry, and more. As we begin to move towards the future, we are growing into our vision. We are considering many ideas.
One of the ways in which you can help us grow into our vision and vision statement is by attending one of our Home Vision Gatherings occurring in February. During these gatherings we will:
Ask what you have learned, experienced, or heard during our 30 Days of Prayer
Consider team organized ministry
Discuss vision statement phases
Anyone can sign up to attend a Home Vision Gathering. We will have these discussions around dessert. Please sign up in the church Gathering Area or contact one of the hosts on the next page.
In addition, we are continuing to grow in our spirituality, in which we focus on the future by a process of prayer, fasting, and discernment. February 10-12 will engage us in “Spark: A Weekend of Spiritual Discernment”. This weekend will include a prayer vigil, fasting, and a church lunch. Please read more about the details on the next page.
Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute toward the future of this church. The congregation continues to amaze me with how faithful you are to our vision process. Our vision gatherings and prayer journey will help grow our vision. Vision is more than buildings, parking lots, or churches. Vision is about what God is calling us to do and minister to.
So, let us keep our eyes on where the puck… er, the vision is moving. Let us be a people who skate toward the goal and to the victory of connecting people to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With all Love and Grace,
Rev. Alan Rudnick
Wayne Gretzy once said something that always made hockey sense, but I’ve realized that it also makes church sense:
“I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”
So true. Our vision process is about positioning ourselves into the future. Not that the past is unimportant, but that the future is where we need to look, planning and motivating our resources for the future.
We are growing. Not only numerically, but spiritually. Our vision is starting to grow. We are talking about expanding our food pantry, asking how we can better help our community, considering team structured ministry, after school programs, new youth ministry, and more. As we begin to move towards the future, we are growing into our vision. We are considering many ideas.
One of the ways in which you can help us grow into our vision and vision statement is by attending one of our Home Vision Gatherings occurring in February. During these gatherings we will:
Ask what you have learned, experienced, or heard during our 30 Days of Prayer
Consider team organized ministry
Discuss vision statement phases
Anyone can sign up to attend a Home Vision Gathering. We will have these discussions around dessert. Please sign up in the church Gathering Area or contact one of the hosts on the next page.
In addition, we are continuing to grow in our spirituality, in which we focus on the future by a process of prayer, fasting, and discernment. February 10-12 will engage us in “Spark: A Weekend of Spiritual Discernment”. This weekend will include a prayer vigil, fasting, and a church lunch. Please read more about the details on the next page.
Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute toward the future of this church. The congregation continues to amaze me with how faithful you are to our vision process. Our vision gatherings and prayer journey will help grow our vision. Vision is more than buildings, parking lots, or churches. Vision is about what God is calling us to do and minister to.
So, let us keep our eyes on where the puck… er, the vision is moving. Let us be a people who skate toward the goal and to the victory of connecting people to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With all Love and Grace,
Rev. Alan Rudnick
To read the January Messenger, click here.
Church Mouse Nursery School is now enrolling for Fall 2012. Come to our Open House and see what Church Mouse is all about! Go to Church Mouse's website for more information.
http://churchmousepreschool.com/
Check us out on Facebook!
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The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-885-8361 office@fbcballstonspa.org
Sunday Mornings
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Childcare available
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Childcare available
Christ's Cupboard Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Updated: January 2012
Updated: January 2012
