Looking Ahead at 2006

As I begin the year of 2006, there are some goals in my ministry that I hope to achieve. The following, in no order of importance, are some of the things I hope to achieve this year:

Bible Studies—I want to offer a study of the United Methodist view of Holy Communion and Baptism. I also want to offer a study on Healing and Wholeness.

Prayer Studies/Practices –I want to teach a series of sessions on various forms of prayer so that you might be exposed to different ways of praying. I then want to begin a Sunday night Vesper service where we will use the various forms of prayer that we have learned. Once a month, I want the Vesper service to have a time for laying on of hands in prayer and anointing with oil for healing.

Worship—Following the communion study, I want to celebrate weekly communion during the season of Lent. Yes, I said weekly. I know this is unusual, but I think it could be beneficial. I also want to form teams that will take communion to our homebound members on a regular basis.

Evangelism – I want to offer a class on evangelism. I want to continue to pursue servant evangelism projects.

Visitation – I hope to visit each homebound member on an every other month basis.

Fellowship – I hope that we can find some way to make regular Wednesday night meals happen at the church.

Communication – I want to continue the monthly newsletter. I want to establish and internet presence with a church web site. I want to continue to send out the Pastor’s Connexion to everyone that has an email that will receive it. I want to continue the Pastor’s Ponderings blog and hope that many of you will become regular readers of it. I also hope to produce a series of DVD’s that will explain some of the ministry opportunities available at the church and one that can be given to visitors to introduce them to the church.

Finances – I want to begin to help us see a more realistic view about our church finances and help you see where it is that the money you give goes and what good it does in Jesus’ name. There is also some talk of a financial stewardship campaign for the fall months.

Personal Devotions – I have begun a regular devotional time using www.sacredspace.com I intend to keep this practice up. I also desire to set some time away 2-3 times this year for personal prayer retreats.

Well, these are some of the things I have been thinking about as 2006 begins. Give me your feedback on some of them or let me know what you are planning for 2006.