President Arlene Gashlin's Remarks at the special Congregational Meeting to vote upon our ten-year goals.

A year ago, as planning was underway to celebrate this congregation's 40th anniversary, thoughts naturally turned toward our future: Where is God leading us, where will our faith take us next, and what imprint we will leave by our 50th year? 

In responding to those questions, you proposed nearly 40 ways we could strengthen our relationship with God, each other and our world. Ideas were big and small and in between, some ideas were similar, some ideas were different, all of the ideas had merit. 

(May I add here that your suggestions turned out to be consistent with those of the ELCA today. While we were busy focusing on plans for Incarnate Word's spiritual growth and Christian mission, Bishop Hanson was crafting 10-year goals for the entire ELCA, and the ideas you brought forth are reflected there. Whether we are in tune with them, or they are in tune with us doesn't really matter - it shows that growing in our own Christian faith, reaching out to grow the church, partnering with others for the greater good, and serving in mission - is what members of the Lutheran church are being called to do everywhere.)

The Council collated, reviewed, discussed, and prayed about all of the information. In so doing each idea was referred to the appropriate core group for consideration, and seven goals were carefully developed and proposed in October for your review, discussion, prayer and comment. 

You have provided feedback via a November forum, individual conversations, phone calls and notes, and these have all been shared with Council, staff and core groups.


Some of the feedback was specific to the proposed goals: 
-Christ Care - Many came forward with new ideas for small groups and a few have started. 
-Several members stepped up to strengthen our existing caregiving program as an initial step toward a Stephen Ministry.
-Regarding outreach, there has been much activity in our existing programs, and excitement has built about an opportunity to participate in the Hospitality Network for the homeless. Healthcare and unemployment concerns continue to surface, bridging both outreach and congregational care.
-As well, several members stepped up to offer their time and expertise with regard to exploring building renovation or expansion as our needs determine.

Some feedback suggested that we add to our goals:
-An example is strengthening our ecumenical relationships. Council discussed this and agreed that working with other Christians and reaching out to non-Christians is critical in our world today. We began to catalog the many partnerships IW currently has, and instead of adding this as another goal, Council resolved to add this to our Continuing Resolutions as well as make it part of every Core Group's job description so it is always before us.

Some feedback was about referred items that remain under consideration by the Core Groups:
An example is weekly communion at the 9:15 service. This generated several comments - some members indicating that their weekly worship is not complete without communion, and some members indicating that such frequency diminishes its meaning for them. Recognizing that the sacrament of Communion is extremely important to each of us in a very personal way, The Word Proclaimed Core Group is continuing to explore this with great sensitivity. 

I'm happy to report that there was no negative feedback with regard to any of the seven specific goals. This most likely reflects the time and thought Council invested in analyzing and considering all of your suggestions. On behalf of the congregation, I once again thank the Council. And, while no goal was thought to be unworthy, there was some concern voiced in general terms.

"That seven goals may be too many, or not be enough. That a 10-year time frame may be too long, or not be long enough. And, given the financial reality of today, can the church afford to pursue such goals?"

As we see God in all of this and are mindful of his presence as well as his challenge, we can move ahead confidently in whatever we decide today. These goals reflect the wishes of this congregation:
-Its sense of mission in caring for others.
-Its sense of integrity to the Word in strengthening training for all who teach and minister here.
-The very essence of the laity in purposeful action as the Priesthood of All Believers.
-And, a reflection of our practicality, that facilities and finances do play a significant supportive role. 

Ten years is a long time - that will pass before we know it. Some items may get checked off early on, while others may be a work in progress for many years to come. While there are steps within most of the goals that require financing, there are also steps that require creative energy and passion. We are blessed by the Christian stewardship of this congregation, especially this year - when despite difficult times and energetic ministry programs, we balanced the budget and many more of you became involved, hands-on. 

We will do what we have always done, build on and with what we have, proceeding as we are able in developing our goals.

Also, the following resolution was approved:   "The adoption of the Fifth Decade Goals recognizes that they have proceeded, and will proceed, from a background of skilled, vigorous leadership and participation in the worship life and liturgy of Word and Sacraments."  

President Arlene Gashlin
January 19, 2003

The 10-Year Goals were approved.

Also, the following resolution was approved at the meeting:   "The adoption of the Fifth Decade Goals recognizes that they have proceeded, and will proceed, from a background of skilled, vigorous leadership and participation in the worship life and liturgy of Word and Sacraments." 

To read the Goals, click the 10-Year Goals icon on the navigation bar.