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I
am convinced that a significant part of GPMC's ministry in this time
and place is to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of change. "A
non-anxious prsence in the midst of change." That is how I often
answer people when they ask about the mission and vision of GPMC in
2011.
From changing neighborhoods to a country uneasy with
itself, there is much that worries Americans. Yet it is the
case that as Christians who trust in God's mercy, we need not be
anxious about our futures- as individuals or as a community of faith.
I am convinced that a significant part of GPMC's ministry in this
time and place is to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of change.
We
have seen lots of change at GPMC over our near-150 years.
Throughtout, we have been a light by the lakeshore and a witness
to God's steadfast love.
There is no
doubt that those of us who worship at GPMC are surrounded by a great
cloud of witnesses, as the writer of the letter to the Hebrews
declares. The thousands of saints who went before us at GPMC left us
with a rich heritage of service and a beautiful space in which to
worship.
Yet our forebearers did not leave us this legacy as a
keepsake to treasure for our own benefit. The faith of past and present
GPMC members has always been an active and living one, calling us to
engage with the world around us. It is with this in mind that I
have crafted an informal mission and vision statement for GPMC based on
the commitment that I see in our current members.
As a Christian community of faith and a non-anxious presence in the midst of a changing
world, we have been created by
God to call, equip, and send disciples of Jesus Christ into the East Side of Detroit,
Southeastern Michigan, and all the world.
Disciples are equipped by God and enabled to grow in their faith when they
Go deeper in faih, knowledge, and practice.
Reach out to serve others
Open themselves to connections in Christ
Worship together regularly
We will know we are GROWing in faith when, as a community of faith,
Every member feels called to be a minister of God's love
Our community knows us to be a place of welcome and love
And our long-distressed region knows itself
blessed by a life-sharing witnss to
Resurrection-life in Jesus Christ.
We
know that we have been growing in worship attendance, membership,
Christian Education programs and outreach opportunities. I am
trusting that this means we are growing in faith, as well.
I give thanks for the band of believers at GPMC who make this mission and vision a reality at GPMC and at home.
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