Still IMAGINING how this will work!

I appreciate Julie's comment. Sorry Afton's comment didn't quite make it -- and sorry to everyone who is trying to comment. I assumed this would be an easy process. AARGH -- technology! We can't live without it, but it sure is frustrating when it doesn't work.

I wanted to post more thoughts after several conversations I've heard this week, and in response to Julie's comment.

First, I am still IMAGINING how this will work. I haven't decided that we will or won't adopt the small group format for all of our ministries -- and already formed groups. The truth is, I can't decide that anyway. The fear I've felt this past week in the conversations I've had is that I will impose this on already formed groups with schedules and routines that fit them. I say that to say -- I haven't perceived fear about the concept itself. I find that quite amazing! There is an excitement and buzz for those who've commented and talked to me about what might be possible with a new way of organizing our small groups and inviting new people to join us.

Second, I really honestly don't know if this is the right decision. A long time ago, a friend of mine from college heard me trying to persuade everyone that my idea was best and she asked me, "Charla, are you sure that's the Spirit, or is it just gas?" I've never forgotten the humbling lesson she taught me -- sometimes I think an idea is SO GREAT, only to find out later that it had nothing to do with God. It was just a wild hair I couldn't get rid of.

Those two things being said, I really do think there is a lot of potential to streamlining and organizing how we invite people -- especially our new friends and guests -- into the life of our congregation. If we truly do adopt a "semester system" for our small groups -- and include the groups that are already formed (choir, handbells, Tuesday Morning, Sunday School classes), it will force us to adopt a "church calendar" -- it will be easier for us to all be on the same schedule. It will help us build momentum toward two of the biggest holidays we celebrate in the church --> Christmas and Easter. It will give natural openings to invite, invite, invite people to participate in the deeper life of our congregation. It will encourage us to get to know new people every four months -- kind of like expanding some of the advantages that we discuss after Lenten Studies.

So, give me your thoughts and feedback about what kind of group you might like to participate in -- a special interest group. Jen Watson has suggested: cooking, young families & faith, foreign language, fishing, carpentry, gardening, educators, and even a motorcycle riding group. If it works, we could offer all kinds of groups that might draw our new friends closer into our fellowship and encourage them to grow deeper in their faith with us. Wouldn't that be great!?