This fall (2018) we begin living into the Seasonal Structure model for being church, which the Session adoped this spring. This model came out of Geneva Presbytery, where seven churches gathered to imagine a different, less committee-dependent way of being church. They experienced such success in their congregations that Seasonal Structure has now been adopted by many PCUSA churches across the country with great results. Congregations have found a broader spectrum of membership offering their gifts and passions in leadership due to the much shorter time commitment, and they are experiencing far less burn-out of leaders. More people have the chance to offer their ideas and lead the congregation in new ways. It is exciting!
Introduction to the Seasonal Structure
For a number of months, the staff and Session have been discussing new ways we might do ministry here at Valley. At its meeting on June 19, the Session approved shifting to the Seasonal Structure approach as a creative and faith-growing way to do the work and worship of the church.
*What is the Seasonal Structure?
Built around the liturgical calendar, there will be 8 Seasons (Advent/Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost 1, Pentecost 2, Harvest 1, Harvest 2). Teams will be formed for each Season, allowing 7 weeks for planning and approximately 5-8 weeks of implementation. Each team will begin with Bible Study to read and understand the scripture passages for the Season and from there, a theme will emerge. The theme will be the guide for all of the work of the team in all facets of the life of the Church (Worship, Education, Fellowship, Community Engagement) for the entire 6-8 weeks of the Season.
*What will the teams look like?
Teams will be comprised of 5-10 team members. At first, the teams will be a mix of present ministry team leaders and volunteers from the congregation. Teams can be intergenerational and can include entire families.
*What are the benefits of such a plan?
Short-term teams mean more people can be involved without making year-long commitments. The work of each Season will begin with Bible study, and scripture will be the focal point for all that we do. Session and Deacons can concentrate on the work they were meant to do-administration of the church resources and pastoral care of its members. The entire congregation will have a hands-on opportunity to plan and implement the program offerings of the church with less risk of burnout. Our staff will help the teams bring meaningful and awesome faith experiences to the congregation. It's hard to imagine all the benefits-we have to wait and see how God blesses this faithful step!
The most important benefit of the Seasonal Structure is that we will see God do amazing things!!
If you have questions, an informational meeting will be held after church on Sunday, September 16th. If you think you would be interested in being on one of the first Seasonal teams for 2018-19, please talk with one of the members of the roll-out team as soon as possible. Opportunities to sign up for 2018-19 teams will begin later this fall.
The Roll-out team is: Lynn Ecsedy, Cheryl Freeston, Meg Gill, Lori Peck, and Sandy Zuvanich.
Introduction to the Seasonal Structure
For a number of months, the staff and Session have been discussing new ways we might do ministry here at Valley. At its meeting on June 19, the Session approved shifting to the Seasonal Structure approach as a creative and faith-growing way to do the work and worship of the church.
*What is the Seasonal Structure?
Built around the liturgical calendar, there will be 8 Seasons (Advent/Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost 1, Pentecost 2, Harvest 1, Harvest 2). Teams will be formed for each Season, allowing 7 weeks for planning and approximately 5-8 weeks of implementation. Each team will begin with Bible Study to read and understand the scripture passages for the Season and from there, a theme will emerge. The theme will be the guide for all of the work of the team in all facets of the life of the Church (Worship, Education, Fellowship, Community Engagement) for the entire 6-8 weeks of the Season.
*What will the teams look like?
Teams will be comprised of 5-10 team members. At first, the teams will be a mix of present ministry team leaders and volunteers from the congregation. Teams can be intergenerational and can include entire families.
*What are the benefits of such a plan?
Short-term teams mean more people can be involved without making year-long commitments. The work of each Season will begin with Bible study, and scripture will be the focal point for all that we do. Session and Deacons can concentrate on the work they were meant to do-administration of the church resources and pastoral care of its members. The entire congregation will have a hands-on opportunity to plan and implement the program offerings of the church with less risk of burnout. Our staff will help the teams bring meaningful and awesome faith experiences to the congregation. It's hard to imagine all the benefits-we have to wait and see how God blesses this faithful step!
The most important benefit of the Seasonal Structure is that we will see God do amazing things!!
If you have questions, an informational meeting will be held after church on Sunday, September 16th. If you think you would be interested in being on one of the first Seasonal teams for 2018-19, please talk with one of the members of the roll-out team as soon as possible. Opportunities to sign up for 2018-19 teams will begin later this fall.
The Roll-out team is: Lynn Ecsedy, Cheryl Freeston, Meg Gill, Lori Peck, and Sandy Zuvanich.