Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith

Seed Planting Time

This is the month when I begin to morph into a gardener for another season.  I’ve got the vegetable and flower beds cleaned out, the first perennials of the year are making their appearance, and I’m thinking about where to plant which seeds.  I’ll also get several plants to transplant from a couple nearby farmer’s markets.

In like manner, ministry is a form of gardening:  clearing ground of underbrush and waste, thoughtfully seeds that will bear fruit, and tenderly helping transplants get started.  In this springtime we will be together, here are some of my “gardening” plans for the church:

• In the area of finance:  getting complete treasurer reports to the whole congregation, adjusting the budget to invest more in programs and ministries, and initiating a pledge campaign—as our congregation is losing about $40,000 a year without one.
• In the area of the trustees:  preparing the parsonage for the new pastor, setting up a “wheel of responsibility” so that the dozen or so areas of trustee responsibility are spread out among people who can assist.  Such areas include:  insurance, legal matters, parsonage upkeep, snow removal, yard care, property inventory, memorial fund oversight, long range maintenance planning, short-range maintenance planning, building policies, etc.
• In the area of staff and communication:  hiring one more staff person, upgrading the website, starting a new weekly newsletter (to replace my daily posts)
• In the area of worship:  slightly adjust worship times to maximize participation, revitalize the sanctuary worship service
• In the area of the Bridging Table:  have a full table of “hosts” ready to assist people who wish to be involved in various programs and ministries, from children to youth to young adults to family to member care to community missions to fellowship, etc.
• In the area of classes and teaching:  teach an 8 week Bible Study (after Easter) on the book of Revelation for anyone in the congregation who wants to attend, conduct workshops on dealing with difficult people, and conduct workshops on how the church can transition from being a “friendly church” to being a church where people actually make new friends.

It’s springtime.  My garden planning is in full swing.  And in the case of our church—we need all hands pitching in.