BELONGING

We value family, tradition and community.  We will encourage programs and social interaction that enables people to live in the power of the resurrection by the Grace of God.

Belonging Ministry Team

This team will focus on those tasks that develop community at St. Paul’s.  The goal is to provide a sense of belonging, of being a part of something, of church being where we trust our spiritual life with people who share Christ’s vision of love. 

We will develop better communication practices.

We conscientiously celebrate individual and family accomplishments and milestones, and encourage all members to keep the community informed of illnesses, comings and goings; of loss as well as of celebrations.

We will support our pastoral care, including hospital, nursing home, crisis supports, and shut-in care.  We can look at instituting informal newcomer visits because our newcomers are an important and continuing part of this church family.

We will work to build a stronger parish family community through fun events.  Age and interest appropriate as well as intergenerational events will develop friendships, linkages, mentoring opportunities and serve to impart wisdom and assistance through sharing stories and witness.  Community ministry works when there is something for members and different groups to do outside services and to feel they are contributing.

We want to reach youth and adults, without “dumbing-down” as we consider how we can best put “sizzle” into church.

While the desire is to develop healthy relationships, conflict does occur and a part of our Belonging Ministry is to understand the sources of conflict and deal with them in a timely and healthy way.

Stewardship and recognizing that all gifts come from God is an outgrowth of belonging and the cultivation of a greater awareness of the Church's mission and ministry. 

We will work with the Education Ministry Team to maintain ongoing awareness of stewardship.  Through these efforts, the parish will be empowered to exercise the stewardship of all their gifts within the parish and beyond.