We share in a legacy of service
Strengthening an “attitude of appreciation” of our shared gifts
By Diane Nimmer
“Shared Ministry lives out the affirmation that God calls all people to ministry. As members of faith communities, we are invited to serve together in a spirit of mutuality as partners. Working cooperatively, we strive to discover, develop, and support the gifts of each person and, as responsible stewards, to participate in God’s ongoing creative and restoring activity in our communities and the world”.
—Jean Trumbauer
Sharing the Ministry (Augsburg Fortress, 1995)
These words give us a sense of who and what we are as a healthy community that is engaged through the recognition of each of our unique gifts and considers opportunities to share these gifts—being the hands and feet of Christ to each other and a world in need.
As we recognize and share our gifts, we are deepening them for ourselves, so that they may continue to be used where needed throughout our lives and the life of our communities. We can begin to not only imagine but realize…
…people of Central in their communities as they:
•live out their faith on a daily basis
•develop and express their gifts in all stages of life
•generate dynamic communities through service.
…a Central Lutheran Church where:
•leaders are trained and excited to serve
•leaders are mentored and nurtured
•people create new ministries based on their passions
•people live and work in a setting of abundance
•appreciation is felt with every expression of service.
Over 93 years ago, the founders of Central said they were starting this church not so much for the benefit of its members, but so they could be of service to each other and the community. In carrying out our shared ministry in this place, we are also carrying on a long-standing legacy of service that that has been a powerful force for good here in the heart of the city.
Plans expand into a weekend affair
Worship services on Saturday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. have been planned to help visualize this attitude of appreciation of our shared gifts. Through music, liturgy and preaching, these services are intended to generate and further our intention about this vision. The services will include global music from Tanzania, Moravia, Korea and Palestine. The hymn of the day will be a concertato written by our cantor, Mark Sedio.
For the past two months, stories about some of our members have been published in The Spirit. Many people have commented on how inspiring the stories have been. These glimpses into the lives of our members are really a sample of what all of us do in our own lives daily. It is inspiring and touching to share our gifts. We all do things every day but do not always realize what a difference we make in the lives of others.
Appreciation Weekend gives us an opportunity to thank others, but to also keep in mind that each of our gifts needs to be recognized and appreciated. Please participate in a worship service on January 28th or 29th for that recognition and appreciation. Both services will start with a liturgy of joy and dedication and conclude with a meal together—served by Ministry Team leaders and staff. Saturday’s meal will be served in South Commons. Sunday’s brunch will be served in various locations around the campus—allowing ample seating for everyone.
Strengthening an “attitude of appreciation” of our shared gifts
By Diane Nimmer
“Shared Ministry lives out the affirmation that God calls all people to ministry. As members of faith communities, we are invited to serve together in a spirit of mutuality as partners. Working cooperatively, we strive to discover, develop, and support the gifts of each person and, as responsible stewards, to participate in God’s ongoing creative and restoring activity in our communities and the world”.
—Jean Trumbauer
Sharing the Ministry (Augsburg Fortress, 1995)
These words give us a sense of who and what we are as a healthy community that is engaged through the recognition of each of our unique gifts and considers opportunities to share these gifts—being the hands and feet of Christ to each other and a world in need.
As we recognize and share our gifts, we are deepening them for ourselves, so that they may continue to be used where needed throughout our lives and the life of our communities. We can begin to not only imagine but realize…
…people of Central in their communities as they:
•live out their faith on a daily basis
•develop and express their gifts in all stages of life
•generate dynamic communities through service.
…a Central Lutheran Church where:
•leaders are trained and excited to serve
•leaders are mentored and nurtured
•people create new ministries based on their passions
•people live and work in a setting of abundance
•appreciation is felt with every expression of service.
Over 93 years ago, the founders of Central said they were starting this church not so much for the benefit of its members, but so they could be of service to each other and the community. In carrying out our shared ministry in this place, we are also carrying on a long-standing legacy of service that that has been a powerful force for good here in the heart of the city.
Plans expand into a weekend affair
Worship services on Saturday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. have been planned to help visualize this attitude of appreciation of our shared gifts. Through music, liturgy and preaching, these services are intended to generate and further our intention about this vision. The services will include global music from Tanzania, Moravia, Korea and Palestine. The hymn of the day will be a concertato written by our cantor, Mark Sedio.
For the past two months, stories about some of our members have been published in The Spirit. Many people have commented on how inspiring the stories have been. These glimpses into the lives of our members are really a sample of what all of us do in our own lives daily. It is inspiring and touching to share our gifts. We all do things every day but do not always realize what a difference we make in the lives of others.
Appreciation Weekend gives us an opportunity to thank others, but to also keep in mind that each of our gifts needs to be recognized and appreciated. Please participate in a worship service on January 28th or 29th for that recognition and appreciation. Both services will start with a liturgy of joy and dedication and conclude with a meal together—served by Ministry Team leaders and staff. Saturday’s meal will be served in South Commons. Sunday’s brunch will be served in various locations around the campus—allowing ample seating for everyone.
Diane Nimmer is chair of the Shared Ministry Team.
Barbara Brown contributed to this story.
Barbara Brown contributed to this story.
333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416