A Letter from Pastor Ken - Together Again
Dear Monte Vista Family,
I have some exciting news to share with you!
WHAT: We will be moving to one Sunday morning service!
WHEN: Beginning June 26 at 10am!
WHY: We believe it’s time to be together again as one community!
As the elders and staff have been intentionally listening to God about his desires for us in the coming season, we continually hear the same Christ-centered, unified theme expressing itself in different words. Belonging. Hospitality. Loving. Community. Welcoming. Enfolding. Celebrating. We have heard similar words expressed by many of you as well. One thing seems clear: We are being drawn together as a church family.
While this reality will express itself in many different ways in the coming years, we believe one practical and concrete step we can take to facilitate this movement right now is to gather as one body on Sunday mornings. Consider these benefits: We have the space. It allows us to see one another more consistently. It’s encouraging for all involved to see everyone under one roof. It reduces the strain on volunteers, especially in children’s ministry. It allows us to gather after service for lunches and celebrations in the courtyard and the fields. There are so many opportunities.
At the same time, we know it will require everyone to make adjustments to Sunday morning schedules. No one is exempt. As we have spoken to dozens and dozens of people, we have discovered there is no ‘perfect’ time for everyone. However, 10:00am seems to be a time that most people can work with, and we believe any inconveniences will be offset by the benefits of gathering at one service. Over the summer, our children and student ministry leaders will be working on how to best serve both our youth and their families given this new adjustment. Please know, we are not taking this change lightly. At the same time, we are excited about the opportunities that will emerge when we make the shift.
Finally, we thought it would be fun to kick off this change with a big after service celebration! So mark your calendars for June 26! After our 10:00am service, everyone is invited to the fields and picnic grounds for food and fun for the whole family. (think slip-n-slides, bounce houses, games and more!!) It’s going to be a great time!
If you have questions, concerns or encouragements, please reach out to the staff or elders who would be happy to have a conversation with you. Monte Vista Family, we are excited about what God has in store for us. I can’t wait to be together again!
Blessings
Pastor Ken