First Congregational United Church of Christ - Grand Junction, CO

Assistant Minister's Annual Report for May 2010

             I have always thought annual reports were extremely important for a couple of reasons:  one, they force the writer to reflect on the things which have happened over the past year; reviewing the successes and failures of projects and events; and two, they force the writer to look ahead with open and objective eyes to the things which may be accomplished in the future.

            So, as I sit to write this report, I have been reflecting on the wonderful place this church is, and how much of a blessing each person is who shares in this family of faith.  Looking back we have accomplished so many varying mission projects, not only in this community, but around the world, that it is hard to list them all without fear of missing something.  We have ministered to ourselves as well through great acts of sharing.  You know, sharing things like compassionate phone calls, cards, notes, and even coffee, cookies, and casseroles.  We have nurtured and continue to care for those among us who need rides, or must use some type of support aid to attend worship. We pray for, and with each other, when we or someone we know has a joy or a concern.  We have so many unsung volunteers who work at caring for our buildings and grounds to make sure they are functional and safe.  We have musicians, banner makers, Righteous Readers and all the folks who make worship special.  We have office assistants, custodians, financial assistants and so many others who make all the things we do as members and church leaders possible.

            Yet, as I thought about all these successes, I was also reminded that our work as people of faith is never fully finished, for each day there is some new understanding of what it means to be church as we see the needs and problems of so many here within our own doors, our community and the world.  It is this ever present idea of need for so many that makes it necessary for us to continue discerning who and what we are called to be and do as we continue to be the people God has called us to be. 

            So as we all look back let us celebrate with great joy all of our successes, let us learn from our mistakes, and let us look ahead to the coming year, reminded that all of us are called to ministry and that we all share in the work of the church.  Let us draw on our many strengths and gifts so that we can be the people we are called to be and do the work we are called to do as the people of God.  Let us continue to pray for one another, support one another, love one another and respect one another in all things even when we disagree.  And in all things let us remember that it is God, the source of all we have and all we are; whom we serve, and all that we do, we should do in the name of Christ, seeking the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings,
                     Dan