Pastor's November 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! Now which way do we go? – that was the question on my mind as I came to an intersection on the north side of Chicago. It was dark and I simply could not figure out which way was the right way. Thankfully we had our Garmin plugged in and the voice of this women that we call Myrtle was able to guide us safely on our way. If it had not been for Myrtle I would still be lost on the north side of Chicago. I needed help to know which way to go. Atonement finds itself at the threshold of an exciting adventure. We have seen much growth in this ministry over the last few years: *Worship attendance is ahead of last year by 1865. *First Communion Classes have grown from 4 or 5 to over 20. *Hope For All – our ethnically mixed worship service has grown from an average of 17 to an average of 30 in less than two years. *We ended 2011 with a balance of $81,652 and we meet our budget for the first time in a few years. *United2Serve continues to grow as we focus on three specific areas of mission & ministry. Total gifts through U2S as of September of this year is $15,489. *The small group ministries continue to grow. There are 35 to 40 adults gathering each month around the Word of God to explore what God is up to in their lives. *Vacation Bible School has grown from 65 to over 110 children this summer. *Community Outreach continues to expand as we see the importance of Walking Together with Preble Hive, Freedom House, Martin School, Spanish A.A. Group, NEW Shelter, Just Drive, Annual Festival & Rummage Sale just to mention a few. *Our passion for ministry has also gone beyond our community as we see growth in our support of LWR, Mission Trips, Seminarians, Malaria, Crossways Camping Ministries and many others. *There has also been an increase over the last two years in our membership. Last year we welcomed 14 new families and this year we have welcomed 23 new members. The Atonement Community is growing. *We have been blessed with the financial support of other churches, individuals and the synod as they have gifted us with over $23,000 this year alone for our MultiCultural Ministry. *Our confirmation classes have seen growth as we have a total of 13 young people in grades 7-9. *In 2010 we celebrated 4 baptisms and this year we have celebrated 11 baptisms with the possibility of 3 more. *Facility upgrades with a new roof, carpet and windows over the last few years. Growth in volunteers coming forward to help in the upkeep of our grounds and building. *and… What more have you seen in regards to our growth these last few years? The Walking Together in Mission & Ministry wants to hear what you have to say about what has taken place these last few years and how we can continue this growth. There will be two LISTENING TIMES between services on Sunday November 4th & 11th. This will take place in the parish hall. Please come and participate in this conversation. “Effective mission planning is the work of an entire congregation. There may be a small group of people involved in the hands-on work and planning activities, but the WHOLE CONGREGATION is engaged through prayer, discernment and other forms of participation and support as well as sharing a commitment to the actions that emerge from the planning process.” It has been exciting to see this growth and we Praise God for how the Holy Spirit has helped to move us forward as we discover what it means to WALK TOGETHER in mission & ministry. So what is the next step? Your participation in the conversation about what has been taking place and how we can build on this growth. One thing we will be asking you to consider is the expansion of staff to include a full time Lay Associate in Ministry. Let me leave you with these words from Paul in Ephesians – “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15 Peace through Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth