“There’s a transitions team?” The brother said. “What do they do? Who’s on the team?”
I was surprised by his questions for it has felt like we’ve been answering them for three months. But in the slides, verbal announcements, bulletin blurbs, email newsletters with team members listed, and published stories about each meeting, although I’ve felt like we have been communicating, others hadn’t heard nor seen a thing.
It was a blatant “case in point” that communication is a challenging dance. The steps are not scripted. Although an announcement is made, that might have been the moment someone said something to you and you didn’t hear it. Or the blurb in the bulletin didn’t catch your eye. And you hadn’t been reading the church email so missed those as well.
And that points to this blog here— it might also not be seen!
And it takes effort to communicate. You’ve noticed that in your life as well. Next time you are in the building look for the transitions team posters and announcements.
Have you noticed the weekly prayer request to be praying for our new pastor? That’s been in the bulletin for months and is from the transitions team. Have you heard the announcements and seen the sign up for “Tables of 8?” Again, transitions team.
At our last meeting, October 13, the energy that filled the room was incredible. Over lunch we broke into smaller discussion groups, each with a different topic. Out of these, a plan for communication, for listening posts, for Christmas events, for skits and community times emerged. This team, made up of the Gabels, Loayzas, Mark Smith, Jane Williams, Paige Flanagan, Gayellyn Jacobson, Kristin Walters, Francie Stacey, Kari Suppes, Wendy Fedderly, Martha Tunall and Susan Brehmer is intent upon making a transition that helps us say goodbye well and also leaves you with the bandwidth to embrace and welcome the new pastor who will begin Júly 1.
One of our whole group conversations dealt with the possible changes coming with the 2020 General Conference. Our Western Jurisdiction (all the states west of Colorado) has said that barring some middle road agreement this might be our (speaking of the Western Jurisdiction) last General Conference with the UMC. What that will look like no one knows. But that it might happen and might impact us is something to discuss, ponder and hold in prayer. This discussion brought tears to a team member desiring with us all that the UMC might remain united.
We have two new monthly “tables of 8” groups beginning soon. One of them is comprised of families with teenagers, which ought to be dynamic. Do you have a desire to join a Table of 8? Contact Cindy Loayza at 206-779-6208 or cknewell@gmail.com and she can help you form a group.
A team of people with you all in heart and mind desiring to see us transition successfully is something to give thanks for. Also, pray for the team and give your input so we can be assured to be hearing your voice too.