Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Leadership Council Minutes- August 2011

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
AUGUST 16, 2001

Attending:  Art Anderson, Laurens Wiseman, Eric Folkerth, Rebecca Bergstresser, Robin Lovin, Karen Matson and Betty Boyer

The committee discussed the design of the pledge card and using the 2011 card, decided to move the pray and time statements to the bottom, but above the signature line.  On the back print the Stewardship Campaign theme and/or mission statement.  Pledge card to be printed on a brighter color stock.  Laurens will work on a design.  Pledge card and letter will be sent out the week of November1st.  Rebecca recalled that we did different letters last time – never pledged, joined recently but not pledged and pledged before but not last year.  We should consider doing that again.  We also want to see the pledge cards displayed in various part of the church, such as the literature rack, etc.

The congregation will receive a letter the week of October 10th explaining what to expect and look for each week during the Stewardship Campaign.  *We still need to determine who will write this letter.

The theme of the campaign will be “On a Pilgrim Journey”.  In the event we are not able to use parts of the history video, the committee thought it might be more practicable to use a power point presentation such as what Eric has been doing the past several weeks.  We would combine this with a speaker during the three weeks of the campaign.  The speakers and presentations would emphasis the rich history of Northaven and the need to grow programs, add additional staff, most effective use of the latest technology, more volunteer opportunities, etc. 

After a review of the video script Karen suggest several categories – education programs (children, youth and adult), mission trips and new building.  (Betty’s thought that she forgot to mention during the meeting – how we became a reconciling ministry)

The pledge goal will be determined by the Finance Committee.  We should begin talking with them about this in late September.

The committee recommended the use of the Art Anderson Thermometer again this year.  For a new twist, we may consider the use of flashing lights.

Marlene will speak with the Arts Committee about reserving the Vision Wall October 16th thru November 6th.

Next meeting – Thursday, September 1st at 7 pm.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

A Sermon Series: The Glory of God's Creation

This blog entry consolidates all of the sermons from Northaven's summer "Creation" series one place. If you've got some time to spend, click on the links below, and enjoy what we've been enjoying here at Northaven this summer.

The first two are audio-only. Many of the last ones are video.*
As the series concludes over the next few weeks, I'll add the final installments here.


WEEK ONE The First Genesis Creation Story: "It Is Good"
We begin at the "beginning," unpacking the first of the two creation stories in Genesis. (Genesis 1:1- 2:4). The main point of this story was never to posit a literal six-day creation of the world, but to celebrate the glory of creation itself, and how God calls it all "good."










WEEK TWO The Second Genesis Creation Story: "There's Always A Talking Snake"
The most interesting character in the story of "The Man" and "The Woman" in the Garden of Eden is the "Talking Snake." Never intended to be read as "The Devil" or "Evil Incarnate," the existence of "The Talking Snake" still teaches us a lot about God's good creation.










WEEK THREE "Wonder in Creation, Nature, and Worship"
In week three, we take time to consider the idea of "wonder" and how it is both a powerful part of our appreciate creation/nature, and also a key component of worship. The "wonder" we have about creation is connected to the "wonder" we experience in worshiping God.











WEEK FOUR "Creativity and Process: An Introduction to Process Theology"
A powerful theology that has been helpful to many in the modern period is "Process Theology," which gives us an incredible conceptual frame for understanding HOW God is creative in the world...and what the implications of that are for us. Far from being incompatible with Christian faith, Process Theology can help us to understand the fullness of "The Great Commandment," or "The Golden Rule."











WEEK FIVE "Creativity and Art: A Conversation About the Connection"
Instead of a "normal" sermon, we have a conversation between four artists, about the connection between art, God, and creativity. All four posit that spirituality and artistic creativity are vitally connected. A very interesting morning of conversation about spirituality and art.
NOTE: The audio file for this sermon is current corrupted and unavailable. We are working to see if we can recover it. In the meantime, please enjoy this video of quotes, from artists, about the spiritual life.





WEEK SIX "Faith and Science: Compatible and Complimentary"
This sermon celebrates the connection between science and faith. The thesis is that the same God-given creativity present in art is also what drives scientific discovery. However, before making this point, this sermon debunks the idea that one must choose either science or faith. This sermon suggests that this is a false forced-choice, put forth by fundamentalists in each side of the faith/science divide.










* Because of length, the video sermons were posted in two parts. Be patient at the end of each "Part 1," and Part 2 should auto-load. If not, you can click on a link at the of part one to go to part two on each.