For the better part of a year, "The Vision Group" has been meeting and talking about the path forward for our congregation, talking about ways to get more folks involved and keep the congregation and worship vibrant.

In the most recent newsletter, Board Chair Don Driver offered a glimpse into what the Vision Group's work has looked like so far.

A message from the Vision Group

Our church family is made up of many wonderful caring individuals and families. We are younger and older, taller and shorter, and very different in many ways. But we come together in God’s house to share, care, learn, and worship as His children. In the early fall of 2025, the Vision Group came together to begin discussing our church and our church family (congregation). The group’s focus has been on how we can improve and enhance our church. What makes it a place that supports our members? What brings people to our church? What makes them come back? How do we support them in becoming part of our church family? What can we do to ensure that we continue to nurture and support each other and build our church family. In short, how can we continue to improve and grow as a church and church family?

So far, the Vision Group discussions and actions have resulted in a faith-based book club that meets monthly. Church dinners are held one evening a month in many of the months when other meals are not planned. And a young adult Bible study group is now bringing folks together to study and learn.

In new activities, plans are in the development for a homecoming for October 11th of this year. This will be the first reunion in over thirty years. A special morning service will be followed by a meal. More information will be made available as plans develop.

Plans are underway to enhance our worship services and other activities through the use of televisions mounted in the sanctuary. A few examples of their uses would be the display of special announcements, or information before the service; new music and scripture can be displayed during church service; and special activities or presentations, such as children’s programs or family movies can be scheduled in the evenings.

Lastly, we have been invited by the Linville Creek Church to follow their efforts by hosting an evening meal that will bring together members of our church family with individuals in our community who have food shortages and will appreciate a healthy meal. This is designed to be the sharing of a meal and friendship among community neighbors, rather than a soup kitchen. Our first meal is planned for the evening of Thursday, June fourth. More information will be available as plans develop.

All the efforts of the Vision Group are focused on improving and enhancing our church for every person who worships here or may worship with us in the future. There have been many lively discussions about how to accomplish those goals. Many of the discussions have turned into actions. If you have ideas, suggestions, questions, or are interested in helping, please reach out to one of the Vision Group members listed below. Thank you for your part as an important member of our church family.