At Home In Milan

As we head to September it is hard to believe I have been here two months already. In some
ways it feels longer, it some ways it feels shorter. The Vital Church Initiative groups that our
plan calls for to this point have met, at least once, in August. There is excitement and
commitment from those who are serving on these groups. As these groups continue with their
work they may ask others for help. There are still groups to be named which will happen
according to the plan. (There are extra copies available in the office if you need one.)
I hope you have Saturday, September 15 from 9 a.m. to noon reserved on your calendar for our
Day of Visioning. As noted elsewhere in this newsletter, the Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis will be
leading us in this very important time together. This day will assist us in clarifying and providing
a more focused vision and pinpoint our core values as we move into the future.
Following that day, according to our plan, I will identify 3 persons to review the work on that day.
They will then write a concise, memorable guiding vision and core values which reflect what we,
as a congregation, want to become.
From there, Church Council will be asked to affirm their work and then it will be shared with the
congregation in many ways, including worship.
I hope as many as possible can be in attendance for this important time in our life. I know some
people already had commitments – thank you for letting me know you can’t make it. It is
impossible to find a day everyone can be present. (I am glad that the University of Michigan
football game isn’t until 3:30 and Michigan State doesn’t play!)​
See You Sunday!
… Pastor Jackie Roe