Pastor’s Report for October 2023
MINISTRY UPDATES AND INFORMATION
Pastor’s Report for October 2023
NURUTURE, OUTREACH AND WITNESS
- At our last NOW (Nurture, Outreach, Witness) team meeting, I asked everyone to learn more about Christian hospitality. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th at 6pm via Zoom. We will begin a plan to emphasize hospitality within our congregation.
- I began a weekly drawing (Saturdays, 9:45am) to select which t-shirt I’d wear on Sundays. It’s a small way to encourage our church to pray for our students and schools.
- Johnny Solis said our monthly food pantry served over 110 families on October 21st. We are grateful to have the resources to continue providing this help to our community. It’s also a reminder we need more Kelsey members to help serve.
- Pam Martinez had asked us to pray for 300 people to attend Trunk or Treat. We met that goal and were able to meet and welcome many families to Kelsey for a fun, safe time.
- We are pausing our current sermon series to observe All Saints Sunday (November 5th). We will encourage members to write the names of their loved ones who have passed away on the cloth we use for Communion.
- The United Methodist Men are preparing to host a Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, November 4th, 9am-12. The event will take place in the Education Building.
- St. Paul UMC is hosting its 139th anniversary on Sunday, November 12th. In previous years, several members of Kelsey attended their worship service to celebrate with them. We’d love for another group to do the same this year.
- The Kelsey Classics have planned a Friendsgiving. It’s scheduled for Saturday, November 18th from noon to 2pm. Contact Pam Martinez for more information.
- October’s in-person attendance jumped. For the first four weeks of the month, we averaged approximately 110 people.
MINISTRY INFORMATION
I have been planning and preparing for the Advent and Christmas seasons. I’m finalizing sermons and other acts of worship. We ordered Advent banners we’ll display beginning December 3rd. We’ll also look to purchase others designs for different liturgical seasons soon.
Our church council met to prepare for our annual Charge Conference. The meeting is on Saturday, November 4th. The group approved an operating budget, pastor’s compensation and leadership nominations. On January 7th, we will recognize next year’s church council. We’ll offer a prayer over them and commission them to the work ahead.
I am a part of the Coastal Bend District Strategy Team. The team has funds available for local churches to use for outreach events. A congregation can apply for a mini grant for up to $500 to use to host an event outside of its building. The goal is to encourage churches to attempt new forms of ministry. In a changing world and culture, to look for fresh ideas to reach its community. The group also has plans to pinpoint where within the district it can help congregations to “think big” about innovative ministry. Potential Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) grants are available. MHM grants focus on “supporting organizations that address the community conditions in which we are born, grow, live and work, otherwise known as the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH).”
I’ve appreciated the conversations I’ve had with people about our current sermon series. Reading the book (Lasting Impact) has afforded us a chance to share our feelings about things we have experienced and see in our congregation. I hope you have been able to have these kinds of conversations, too. With God’s help, Kelsey will grow!
Blessed Beyond Belief,
John Fletcher