I want to invite and encourage you all to join us for an important gathering in the life of our church. Sunday, Oct. 6th from 11:15-12:30 we are holding an event called a “Discovery Meeting” after church in the fellowship hall.
What is a “Discovery Meeting?” I’m glad you asked. This “Discovery Meeting” is step one in a two step discernment process in which we are seeking to learn more about God’s calling on this congregation as we look towards the future. Even though we will be gathering as a large group at this meeting, the information we are hoping to gather is really focused on learning more about each individual church member. In these discussions, we will be asking each of you to share why it is that you continue to be engaged or involved in the life of Starmount Presbyterian Church, at whatever level that may be.
I want to make it clear that we hope everyone in the church will attend this “Discovery Meeting.” Whether you have been a member of our church for 50 years, 5 years, or 5 weeks, we hope you will join us. Whether you attend worship every week, every other month, or just on Christmas and Easter, we hope you will join us. Even if you are connected to the life of our congregation through activities that don’t occur on Sunday mornings, we hope you will join us. We want to be clear that your voice is valued and your perspective is critical if we are to learn as much as we can about how God is at work in this place.
In preparation for the “Discovery Meeting,” it would be helpful if you can take 20 minutes and watch a TED Talk video by clicking here. This video will provide some background on the concept we are following and the language we will be using throughout our discussion. In the video, you will hear a TED Talk from an author named Simon Sinek, in which he describes his understanding of a concept called the “Golden Circle.”
At a basic level, the concept of the Golden Circle argues that often organizations know what they do, or even how they do it, but most never have a clear understanding of why they do what they do. He argues that successful organizations have a clear understanding of their “why”, and they allow that to shape their culture and drive their actions. While this video and this concept is focused on secular/business organizations, I believe you will see many connections to our life as a congregation as we seek God’s will together.
One final word on the logistics for this “Discovery Meeting.” Lunch will be served and there is no cost for this meal. Childcare will be provided, and children will also be served lunch in their classrooms. Therefore, parents may participate fully in our discussion. We encourage youth to attend this meeting, as we value their perspective and passion. You can sign-up to attend the “Discovery Meeting” by clicking here, by calling the church office or by turning in Sunday’s bulletin insert.
In Christ,
Charlie Lee
