The second 'Getting to Know You Dinner' happened earlier this evening. In these dinners, small numbers of Saint Matthew households are invited for dinner in the Saint Matthew Fellowship Hall for a time of informal conversation. It's mostly designed to help the Daniels family get to know the Saint Matthew family and vice versa.
People were asked to share some of their dreams for Saint Matthew's future. As always, the answers were illuminating.
Five people said that they'd like to see a series of discrete retractable screens installed in the sanctuary. On them, the worship service could be projected each week, reducing the paper-shuffling. This seemed especially desirable because of the new music that's being introduced, which received several positive comments.
Several people indicated that their dream for Saint Matthew included having active youth programs, one of my own personal priorities.
Improvements in the sound system was mentioned as a dream. The property trustees are already working on this issue. Watch for reports on this in the coming months.
Several folks said they'd like to see sports teams and maybe a basketball hoop in the church parking lot.
Some also mentioned the hope that the congregation will become more active in reaching out to others, inviting people to worship and to follow Christ with us.
A strong desire was expressed by several folks to use the Educational Unit more often for ministry and outreach. This is something I've been praying about and I ask you to do it as well.
Pleasure was expressed that emails to the congregation help keep people informed. that more contemporary music is augmenting the wonderful traditional hymns, and that there seems to be a positive, hopeful atmosphere at Saint Matthew.
The dinner, prepared by Fran Funk and Becky Webb was dee-lish and nu-trish. Yummy!
The next Getting to Know You Dinner happens on June 24. Letters of invitation will go out to about fifteen households this week and invitees will be asked to RSVP with the church office. The goal is for every Saint Matthew member to be invited to participate within twelve months.
[Click on the images above to enlarge. Thanks to Philip for these telephone pictures.]
Beginning Sunday, June 8, we'll be showing DVDs or videos during the 9:15 Sunday School hour. The idea is to give our teachers a summer break while maintaining some continuity for our children AND allowing their parents the opportunity to attend adult Sunday School class, which meets from 9am to 10am every Sunday morning. Coloring sheets will also be available for the kids.
