Isaiah provided the day’s dominant theme as 16 members of the NSUMC family gathered on January 24 “to focus forward for the future of our church.”

From Isaiah 43: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is!” [Verses 18 & 19, Message].

After opening prayer and praise, our responses to the question, “What brings me joy at NSUMC?” gave us a solid foundation for looking forward. The people. Our music. Laughter. Sense of family. Teamwork. Maureen’s Haven. Crafty Ladies and the fun we have. Thrift Shop joy. Compassion for others. Serving others. And more.

Pastor Ando led a conversation exploring why we worship. What are people looking for when they come to church? The church is not a building, the church is people. What can we provide for people who are searching for meaning in their lives? How can we be like Christ “a fragrant offering to God” (Ephesians 5: 1 & 2). The more we are like Christ, the more we live in love, and the more we are like a fragrant offering, attractive to those who hunger and thirst for spirituality.

Pastor challenged the group to do three things this year in order “to be a fragrant offering”:

1. Have daily devotional time;
2. have meditation or centering prayer, 5–15 minutes per day, 3–5 days per week;
3. memorize at least one verse of Scripture every week and join Methodist Memorizers to support one another.

By the end of the day, 10 of the 16 had pledged to do these three things.

When we arrived, we were shown a basket of rocks of different sizes, shapes, and colors, and instructed to choose one to keep with us throughout the day. Later we examined our rocks closely, and considered thoughtfully. How am I like my rock? How is my rock like God?

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” [Psalm 18:2 (NIV)].

After lunch, we placed our rocks in a pan of water. The water represented God’s loving spirit surrounding us. We observed that each rock seemed more brilliant in the water. As we dropped our rocks in one by one, we observed the ripples as they spread and interacted. When two ripples came together they caused a new pattern. Each of us affects one another.

In small groups we brainstretched: What is my vision/dream for our church? Out-of-the-box thinking was encouraged. No limits from the past. Remember Isaiah 43:18 & 19.

We shared the possibilities we see: a thriving youth group; the Good Samaritan House built and busy. Pews bursting with young families. More pastoral staff: a youth pastor; a social worker; a counselor. Diverse worship services; drama; dance; many people participating in worship; Sunday School completely separate from the worship service; themed services honoring veterans, mothers, fathers, left-handed people! Many more.

Looking at the list of possibilities, we spoke about the ones that could be in action very soon. Planning for variety in worships services, for example. Also, recruiting a group of individuals who will prepare and deliver the children’s message.

To close we recited together a reading, It Is I Who Make This Church What It Is.

This is the Lord’s Church…
It is composed of people just like me.
It will be friendly if I am.
It will do great work if I work.
It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous.
It will bring others into its fellowship if I bring them.
Its seats will be filled if I fill them.
It will be a church of loyalty and love, of faith and service.
If I who make it what it is, am filled with these.
Therefore, with God’s help, I dedicate myself to the task of being.
All these things the church should be.