Invitation to Celebration

Dear church family and friends of the church,

I hope you will come to worship this Sunday if you are able. I would like for us to celebrate the completion of our 8 years of ministry together. Our time together has been rich and fruitful. The church has literally been transformed during this time.

The majority of the membership is now under 50 years of age. We have strong programs for children and youth. Many young adults have joined the church, and the nurseries are full. For the past couple of years the membership has increased by 5% each year.

The congregation has acquired two properties adjacent to the main church building, so that we are no longer land locked. The Endowment and Trusts Committee has expanded our college scholarship program.

I contributed to the Presbytery by creating Tapestry, an annual training event that organizes 30 classes and has trained several hundred leaders in the presbytery.

I enjoyed working with the Black Jack and Independence Churches. We used a grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance as leverage to secure funds from the state which led to the installation of several storm shelters around the county.

I have enjoyed working with the church staff. Susanne Spencer VanDyke is the only church staff member who was serving when I came here and who will still be serving when I leave. Especially, I applaud her. The choir has been outstanding throughout my tenure.

One of the first things I did when I began here was to start a weekly church newsletter. In the past few years I expanded on the church newsletter by starting a blog and an email newsletter. Communication has significantly increased and giving is up as well.

One of the things I am most excited about is the new centering prayer group. I hope it will continue and grow. This spiritual practice has transformed my life. I challenge you to explore the power of an intimate relationship with God through centering prayer.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your pastor. It has been a richly rewarding experience for me. I am truly grateful to you for letting me into your lives.

Peace,

Jon Burnham