Spring Valley UMC family,
Back in January, nearly forty members of Spring Valley participated in a leadership retreat. We thought creatively about a metaphor for our congregation (a powerful recharging station), what we needed to do to become that metaphor, and how we would go about that work. This week all of these items, found below, were officially adopted by Spring Valley’s Church Council. This work involved hours of deliberation, conversation, and negotiation. To become the church we envision will require intentional changes to how decisions are made, what questions we ask, and how we engage with those we seek to partner with in ministry. Stay tuned for new updates as our Church Council implements the plan.
I’m excited to see where God will lead us over the next couple of years!
-Pastor Frank
2024 and 2025 Ministry Plan
To become a powerful recharging station, we must …
Invite the Spirit to fill us
Create a culture of invitation and hospitality
Demonstrate acceptance, care, and nurture
Equip & inspire people to go out to meet the needs in our world
Embrace the changes that will be necessary for this to happen
Spring Valley United Methodist Rule of Life
(This rule of life provides a framework for spiritual formation, community engagement, and living out the congregation's mission and values in daily life.)
Rest and Sabbath, Prayer and Worship: Set aside time for Sabbath rest and recreation to replenish mind, body, and spirit. Dedicate time daily for personal and communal prayer and worship, fostering a deeper connection with Christ and nurturing spiritual growth.
Community and Fellowship: Create an environment of love, support, and accountability within the congregation, seeking to resolve conflicts with grace and humility, and fostering healing and restoration.
Service and Outreach: Commit to actively serving others, both within the congregation and in the wider community, embodying the principles of compassion and social justice.
Study and Reflection: Commit to lifelong learning and growth as disciples of Christ, engaging in regular Bible study, and actively participating in opportunities for spiritual formation and discipleship.
Stewardship and Sustainability: Care for the resources entrusted to us by practicing responsible stewardship of our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Hospitality and Inclusivity: Welcome all who seek to join our community with open hearts and minds, embracing diversity and celebrating the unique gifts each individual brings.
Discernment and Leadership: Seek God's guidance and discernment in all decision-making processes, empowering servant leadership that reflects Christ's example of humility, compassion, and justice.
Enhance the Church's Impact and Integrity
Inventory our resources, programs and ministries to focus our efforts
Improve our internal communication, including Intentional and transparency about finances and fundraising
Better visibility / marketing / less church-y / invite community to all that we do
Offer Need-Driven Programs to our Mission Field
a) listen first to determine which needs to address
b) have an external orientation in this work
c) start small with experiments rather than large programs
d) learn and grow based on those experiences