Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

As I write this blog of sorts, we have just completed the final Listening Session. This always is an important part of the Intentional Interim process—a very important step in the process. We have reached almost 90 folks in this way, and have spent time listening to one another—gaining understanding, insights, and opinions as to our past, our present, and our future at TNC. It has been a delightful series of get-togethers, and the joy, energy, and passion for this place has been readily apparent. You really showed up for these, and so many of you have told me just how good it felt, and how much it meant, to be able to get together with others who care about this place and our life together and talk…but most especially, be listened to.

So, now what?  There is more listening and sharing to be had via an online and hard-copy survey that will be available later in November—hopefully we will reach even greater numbers and ask you to reflect on even more detailed possibilities, vision, and ideas for our future path. There is more to be learned, concluded, and acted upon in order that the search process will be a good one, and just the right candidate for your next Senior Minister can be discovered.

My grandma used to remind me that we have two ears and only one mouth for a reason—that we should be doing about twice as much listening as talking. I’ve grown up to appreciate that truth of nature, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. Lots of listening goes a long way! 

But eventually, action must flow from what has been learned, shared, and discovered. And through it all, we must spend time listening ALSO to God through prayer, the study of scripture, worship, and service to our communityand neighbors. The writer of the NT Book of James seems to agree:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a person who looks at their face in a mirror, and after looking at themselves, goes away and immediately forgets what they look like. But the person who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this not forgetting what they have seen and heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

Wow—doesn’t get much plainer than that! There are decisions to be made…suggestions to consider…further consideration of the way things are and could be need be had.

Of this I am sure: If we will continue to listen and learn from one another and God, we will move ever more faithfully into the marvelous future that God is setting out before us! Will you join in making this journey one for the ages?

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister