Pastor's Message

September 2004

Extended Church Family

I recently attended a conference that introduced a new concept to me, the “Extended Church Family.” It seems to fit St. Paul’s UCC because we include people in our prayers that are not members of the congregation and in our Totenfest Service in November we include relatives of members or others in town for whom the pastor has conducted the funeral service. It is understood that the pastor is available to conduct weddings, funerals or hospital visits for persons who are not members, and of course we always invite those who are not members, but who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion.

But there is still more we could be doing for our Extended Church Family. We have a precious jewel in our faith, a treasure that is of greater value than anything the world can offer – the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. But that gift only comes to full value when it is shared with others. We need to find ways to share this gift with our “Extended Church Family.”

So who is included in our Extended Church Family? It might be members of our church who have become inactive, who might even be relatives and family members. Perhaps it includes relatives who are not members of a church. It includes neighbors and co-workers who have no church affiliation. It includes social friends, people who are members of clubs and organizations we attend, or simply friends that we might want to have with us when we do things, like golfing, playing baseball, going to exercise classes or simply meet regularly at the pool. Think about your circle of friends, family and neighbors. Are there any people to whom you feel close, but who are not part of a church family? These people can be your Extended Church Family.

What can you do for them? The simple answer might be to say we need to invite them to come to church. But there is much more that you can do. In fact, I could suggest a 5 step process:
1. Write down their names (on the box below, or on a similar card available at the church) and pray for them each day. Prayer is really the best starting point in a spiritual relationship with others, and the only way to draw others to Christ.
2. Be sensitive to their needs. This means you do not start by asking if they are saved, or even just inviting them to church, but listen to them with your ears and your heart. If they are struggling with some problem, listen to them, and if you have found strength and wisdom in a similar problem through your faith, share that – but first, listen.
3. Be a friend to them. Do things together. Be interested in their activities, and even if they are interested in something that doesn’t appeal to you, maybe you know a person at church who is interested, and you might make a connection for them.
4. Include them in church services, events and activities when appropriate. Our youth are very good about inviting their friends to youth events – can we follow their example and bring friends along to Stiegel Roses, the Church Picnic, special musical programs and worship services?
5. Be aware of how the Holy Spirit can work through you to bring God’s love to individuals you have included in your Extended Church Family list.

Clip this card out, list your friends, and try this for a few weeks. Especially practice steps 1, 2 and 3 for the next 5 weeks, and maybe, for some, it will then be appropriate to invite them to our Andrew Sunday worship service on October 10th.