Rudy Schleussner--Sharing God's Acceptance

TLC/PoG Story Project

We are collecting stories of how members of the TLC/PoG community have recognized what God is doing to meet the deep needs of the world and discovered and assumed their unique roles in partnership with God.

Personal experience of God’s unconditional love and acceptance has inspired Rudy Schleusner’s commitment and courage to offer that same grace to others.

Rudy took to heart the message, learned early in Sunday School, that “Jesus loves me, this I know” and felt a close personal connection to God in childhood and adolescence.  He enjoyed singing to God as he walked through the rural fields or sat on an isolated beach.  The first time he performed a solo, he chose to sing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” an expression of what he deeply felt about his relationship with God.  Tall and skinny in adolescence and into music instead of sports, like most other kids, Rudy felt somewhat outside of the “mainstream” but he found consistent comfort in a deep sense of being accepted by God.

Rudy and his family had firsthand experience of churches where acceptance of people as they are is not the norm.  As a result, Rudy is committed to creating oases of acceptance where all people can experience the grace and love of God. 

Rudy and Judy’s son, Joel, is gay.  He left home as a teenager preparing to come out because he did not want his family to suffer the community rejection that he expected would arise as a consequence of others discovering this aspect of his identity.  His parents accepted Joel as he is and he returned home where the family became involved in sharing their experience with others.  Some folks were supportive.  Others rejected them for their position.  Some even made anonymous, abusive phone calls to their home condemning them in the name of God.  Through this Rudy remained consistently convinced of God’s loving acceptance and committed to share that acceptance.

When Rudy and Judy moved to Lynnwood from Wisconsin, they brought this passion with them.  They were instrumental in helping to form the Harmony Life Group which extends loving Christian welcome and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and their families and friends.  Many such persons have only negative perceptions of churches that have excluded them, mocked them and condemned them to eternal punishment.  This certainly does not help them believe in God’s love for them!  Rudy, Judy and others who are a part of Harmony are acting as a manifestation of God’s love and acceptance, providing a welcoming entry point to the TLC/PoG community. 

In a widely inclusive community, there are people who share differing perspectives on this issue.  One interesting tension that Rudy experiences in this work is the challenge of maintaining his commitment to accepting others as they are, even when their position might exclude him or those for whom he is concerned.

Harmony has successfully embodied God’s love to those who have felt excluded.  Parents whose gay child was rejected by their own church found a listening ear in the Harmony group.  A woman cut off from family relationships found a supportive and caring community.  Several people looking to see if any church might be a spiritual home for them have connected to the website.  Others have shared with Harmony members that simply being able to share about the existence of this group at TLC/PoG, with co-workers or friends has opened them to the possibility of considering a church connection again.

Harmony group are helping us manifest God’s dream for a world where all know themselves loved and accepted by God.

Rudy and others in the Harmony Group are helping us manifest God's dream for a world where all people know themselves as loved and accepted by God.

Harmony group are helping us manifest God’s dream for a world where all know themselves loved and accepted by God. Harmony group are helping us manifest God’s dream for a world where all know themselves loved and accepted by God.

Judy Stone--Caring for humanity by caring for all of creation

TLC/PoG Story Project

We are collecting stories of how members of the TLC/PoG community have recognized what God is doing to meet the deep needs of the world and discovered and assumed their unique roles in partnership with God.

Judy was raised in a Montana family with parents who had experienced the Depression.  As a consequence, she has always been inclined to use and re-use the resources at hand and waste as little as possible.  A somewhat private person, she spent her career looking for ways that she could be of service to humanity, utilizing her expertise as a microbiologist.  Out of college, as a microbiologist, she applied to work at the FDA because she believed that she could help people by keeping their food and drugs safe.

Judy tends to experience God’s presence most deeply in the presence of the natural world because that connects her more directly to its creator.  This connection with creation sparks contrasting emotions for her:  deep gratitude for the gift given to us to enjoy and deep sadness about the damage and destruction that humanity has caused to that gift.

Caring for the earth is an expression of Judy’s faith and of her concern for humanity.  She notes that the growing amount of land mass under water because of climate change will mean that people who live there will lose their homes; pollution of water sources means that people have a harder time getting water to sustain themselves and their crops.  She links loving one’s neighbor inextricably with loving the earth.  If we say we love our neighbors but destroy the earth, loving our neighbor won’t matter because the neighbors won’t even survive without the earth to sustain them.  As the earth’s resources are consumed by humanity, it is the poorest of the world who will suffer first and most.  When asked what breaks her heart the most about the decline of the environment, Judy acknowledged that she is most distressed when people of faith claim to care for people but do not seem to take seriously the charge to be caretakers of the earth that sustains our existence.

Recycling is one tangible way that Judy has chosen to act to make a difference where she can.  Since the early 1970’s when recycling first became a possibility in the Illinois suburb where she lived, she has been a dedicated recycler because she wants to interrupt the cycle of throwing away things that we must then use up limited resources to manufacture again.

In 2004, when Judy came to Trinity Lutheran Church, she noticed that, in spite of the vast amount of paper and other recyclable materials that Trinity consumed, there was no organized effort to recycle.  Seeing this need, she initiated an effort here that now recycles six to eight cartons of paper per week, plus cardboard, food containers and other materials.  She has created a collection system and spends 1 ½-2 hours weekly at the church hauling the materials out.  She had been advocating for a long time for the church to add a recycling bin to our waste service and, with that recent addition, it is easier for our community to join in this way of preserving the earth.  Judy’s commitment to join with God in meeting the deep needs of the world has increased the integrity of our community, calling us all to faithfulness in caring for the earth.

Editors Note:

Judy will be moving to Illinois in 2013 and wonders if there will be anyone with a similar passion who will spearhead the TLC recycling effort in the future or if it will fall by the wayside when she goes.  Now is a great time for anyone who might want to test out this ministry area for themselves to talk with Judy and shadow her for a week or two to explore if it might be part of your vocation to join with God in meeting the deep needs of the world.

Developing Group Leadership Structures

“After Action Reviews” are a group learning tool which originated in the US military.  After an exercise, participants gather to reflect on what happened and why, in order to improve their practice.  Organizational expert, Peter Senge, described this as “arguably one of the most successful organizational learning methods yet devised.”

Neighbors in Need leaders met recently to conduct an “After Action Review,” reflecting on how teams are working together to achieve their goals. One conclusion of the meeting was a desire to develop a clear leadership structure, including agreements about things like decision-making procedures, conflict resolution, communication, and other basic operating principles.  We hope that new leadership structures will help these ministries become less reliant on one or a few individuals for inspiration and direction.

Recognizing that each entity has unique needs, a strategy emerged where key leaders of each interested group will work through a process of clarifying and reaching agreements on their own leadership structures.  Leader groups will work simultaneously, in the same room, receiving guidance and discussing key considerations but each entity will reach its own conclusions about how to operate.

NiN leaders observed that this step might also benefit the whole TLC/PoG community.  As multiple lay-initiated, lay-led ministries continue to emerge, it may be timely for others to articulate agreements about effective working relationships as well.  So, they elected to extend an invitation to leader-teams of other interested groups to participate in this development process with them.

One of the priorities identified through our recent Re-Visioning process is to provide leadership development opportunities.  This group’s learning and creative exploration has generated one opportunity to address that need.

Participants in this process can expect:

• Involvement of several people from each participating entity who are authorized by their groups to act as representatives.
•  Multiple working sessions discussing and working through an organizational “template” to help them formulate their own group agreements.
•  “Homework” between sessions which may involve things such as brainstorming ideas, gathering input from your group members, and drafting or documenting your work.
•  Development of clear agreements about how you will work together effectively as you manifest God’s dream by joining with God to meet the deep needs of the world.

A first working session will be held in November or early December, with ensuing sessions to be scheduled by those participating.  Group size will be limited in order to maximize opportunity for discussion and coaching for each entity involved.  If your group is interested in participating in this development process, along with NiN leaders, or if you have questions, contact Larry Pennings at larry@towardintegrity.com.

Re-Visioning Ministries Summary Report

Much of the Re-visioning Ministry process is wrapping up.

Ministry groups have gathered community input.  Some have engaged in planning sessions and others will yet do so.  A summary of information and insights that have emerged from the has been produced.  Click here to access the full document, including results of input and planning sessions, or click here to access a brief executive summary.

September 25 Congregational Input Session Results

Approximately 110 members of our community gathered for a potluck meal on Sunday, September 25, to hear a summary of themes emerging from the series of ministry input sessions and offer their response and input.

First we reviewed the Re-visioning Ministry journey.  In 2010, we began what was called a "transition process", including ministry assessments.  We also got input on understanding the changing world around us through the Shift Conference.  In March, we began the ministry conversations with a Plenary Session where each group identified their purpose.  Ten ministry areas conducted constituency input sessions, with open invitations to all community members to attend or to provide input via online survey regarding strengths, potential improvements and new opportunities to seize.  Some groups have conducted follow-up planning sessions to begin to act on the input received.

Facilitators from input sessions reviewed the key themes that emerged from input sessions and the staffing gaps that have been identified in the light of this input and examination.  Click here to access this information.

Table groups discussed this information identifying what possibilities excited them and what made them curious.  Key themes most often identified included (1) the idea of a "Third Place" community ministry center, in addition to the existing church buildings, where comprehensive pastoral care, youth, senior, homeless, and other ministries could be housed; (2)  broader opportunities for Faith Formation for all ages; (3) coordination of ministries; (4) training and equipping for increased lay involvement in initiating and leading ministries; (5) expanding ministries further into our community, beyond our traditional boundaries; (6) improving communication; and adding a reception/welcoming function to staff.  Click here for the full list reported to the whole group.  Click here for all the thoughts recorded at each table.

We talked briefly about a concept called bricolage which means "the creation of a work from a diverse range of things that happen to be available, making creative and resourceful use of whatever materials are at hand."  Recognizing that, even though we do have limits, we also have resources available, participants discussed the existing constraints that we face and listed resources that we have at hand to apply toward moving into the future.  Then, groups generated creative ideas for things we could do now to enhance our ministries.  Click here for the list of constraints, resources and ideas shared with the whole group.  Click here for all of the ideas generated in table groups.

Pastor Paul presented a chart indicating some preliminary thinking about staffing functions that need to be addressed either by re-configuring current responsibilities or adding additional personnel.  (Click here to view the chart.)

Input from this session will be incorporated into further thinking and recommendations for how to proceed with staffing and budgeting will be available in the next couple of months.

Thanks to all who participated with such enthusiastic and positive energy and to all the folks who stepped up to staff the kitchen for this event!

Administration Planning Session Results

Administration held its planning session on August 23.  The group listed a nubmer of challenges they wanted to solve and chose the development of a culture of collaboration as the one they wanted to address.  They identified possible hindrances to effective collaboration both among office staff and in the community at large.  These ideas included--

• Time pressure
• Interruptions
• So much going on that it is difficult to have access to all information
• Difficulty in saying "no"
• Reacting to urgent demands rather than planning and working ahead
• Different personal styles
• Hesitation to ask others to help

They chose Interruptions as an area to discuss and identified several potential causes.  From that list, they decided to work on two causes:  "Meetings by my desk that don't involve me," and unclear job descriptions.  Discussion about interuptions caused by impromptu meetings that distract those nearby let to an action plan to consider how re-configuring office space might minimize distractions and create hospitable space.  They discussed how lack of understanding about who is responsbible for what increases unnecessary interruptions.  A potential action plan to address this was for staff to generate a list of what they are responsible for and create a reference for one another and for community members so that people know how to approach to help with their concern.

Summary of Mission Council Input Session

The Mission Council hosted a constituency input session on Wednesday, July 13.
Among the strengths of the Mission Council identified by those present was the Council's routine practice of engaging in a deliberate process of discernment when facing complex issues.  They have considered all sides to an issue, managed strong feelings and made a decision for the benefit of the community as a whole, recognizing that sometimes that might be different from individual preferences.  They also celebrated the partnership based on care and respect that is enjoyed between staff and council.

In considering idea for improvement, the group identified several major areas.

• Increasing accountability to the congregation by developing intentional relationships with various ministry areas and finding new ways to communicate regularly with the community about Mission Council activities and concerns.
• Seeking community input through focus groups or other strategies to help the council keep aware of community interests and perceptions.
• Notice and celebrate accomplishments
• Increase the number of Council initiatives
• Update organizational structures so that people know who is on the council and how the council relates to various ministry entities.

There was good discussion about ways that staff and council might develop new ways of working together that allow the council to take on more responsibilities for strategic leadership.

Considering the possibilities that might emerge from this Re-visioning process, the council recognized a desire for some training/development that would enable members to assume the important role of leading the community through creating the next phase of ministry at Trinity/Pointe of Grace.




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Transition Update - July 2011

Revisioning, Transition, Living into God’s Future for Us.   We’ve given a variety of names to this journey we’ve been on the last 12 months. 

River and Garden, Shift, Ministry Assessments, Constituency Meetings.  We’ve used a variety of tools to help us on this journey we’ve been on the last 12 months. 

When are we getting a new pastor? Why is it taking so long? Why do we have to think about it?  We’ve asked a lot of questions on this journey we’ve been on the last 12 months.

On the first Sunday of July, 2010, Trinity found itself facing a complex set of changes: 

• A beloved and respected pastor had just retired. 
• Years of faithful prayer, coaching, and work had radically and rapidly expanded our ministry. 
• Our second site was 10 months old. 
• The “pastoral care team” concept was just beginning to catch hold. 
• We were in a time of deep financial challenge. 

The question on that first Sunday of July, 2010 was, “What do we do now?” 

The answer was, “be faithful, be prayerful, be patient, be thoughtful, be creative, be smart.” 

On the first Sunday of July, 2011 it is safe to say that we have come a long, long way to better understanding our ministries, our systems, our challenges, our opportunities, and our needs. All of our major ministries have gone through a process of defining their mission, assessing their work, and listening carefully to those who support them and those they serve. Each group has identified the barriers they face and the hopes that shape their futures. Each group is now working to identify steps to take to move beyond the barriers and into the future.  (See other posts to check out their work.)

Among the next steps, as we move into late summer, will be opportunities for “big picture” conversation for the whole congregation. We are also beginning to shape a vision for staffing at Trinity-Lynnwood and Pointe of Grace. In the last ten years we’ve grown substantially in the number of members, the number at worship, the number of people engaged in and served by Trinity’s ministries. During that same period, staffing has declined. One thing we know already is that simply replacing a pastor is an inadequate answer to Trinity’s real needs. Click here to find a recently developed chart that leadership is using to help identify specific areas of need.

We are grateful for the congregation's willingness to take a good look at itself as it moves into God's future.  Our commitment to not settling for a "knee-jerk" response to our needs will pay off in a healthier congregation and in stronger ministries and presence in our communities.

Blessings, 

Trinity’s Staff and Council

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Faith Formation Constituency Input Summary

Approximately 20 people gathered on June 29 to contribute their feedback and ideas about Faith Formation at Trinity/Pointe of Grace.

The Faith Formation purpose is to make space for all ages to discover and assumetheir unique roles in partnership with God.

The group enjoyed sharing stories of how they witnessed youth prepared to provide faith-grounded leadership in crisis situations, how children and youth feel safe and welcomed in their programs, how a young person remains steadfast in the face of challenges to his faith, and how differing ideas were respectfully shared in adult Bible Studies.  These stories revealed the importance of relationships, safe space, involvement of all ages, listening to and respecting each other and being equipped in faith as contributors to our Faith Formation ministries.

Many ideas for improvement were generated.  Some of the most emphasized ideas included (1) Increasing opportunities for study and learning by all ages; (2) increasing the amount of adult involvement with children in youth, since direct relationship is so important; (3) more church-wide social activities; (4) non-traditional worship and learning opportunities; and (5) consistent learning themes througout various church programs. 

An equally wide array of thoughts emerged about new opportunities that might be pursued.  Some of them included (1) A strong leadership/mentoring training program to help people live into their God-given call; (2) Student-led worship; (3) Continued involvment in Jeremiah Center ministry; and (4) More service opportunities for all ages.

Looking at the challenge of overtaxed and insufficient staff and volunteers, the group suggested having a volunteer coordinator that would help people find where they fit, setting acheivable priorities and making sure that everyone knows what is currently available.  Recognizing that families are overwhelmed and often over-booked, the group suggested modeling making "space" as an effort to be intentionally counter-cultural.  They also talked about the changing expectations in the church culture from the idea of staff doing everything to lay people taking more and more responsibility.  They suggested it is important to recognize and affirm one another in this process, keep conversations and relationships going, continue to raise awareness of this shift, and provide eduction and experience of the new things we are stepping into.

Discussion wrapped up with the group celebrating the great foundation that has been laid and recognizing that we are looking to grow and build on that foundation.

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Worship Committee Input Session Summary

The Worship Committee held its constituency input session on Monday, June 27.  The committee's purpose is to create a system of opportunty for people to use their individual gifts so that the worshipping community can encounter GOD!!
The group identified numerous factors that contribute to the quality of worship, some of which included planning and preparation, good preaching, great music, decoration, variety, lay participation, a consistent message that all are welcome and meaningful moments of ritual.

Ideas for improvement of what is currently being done centered around (1) offering more opportunities for expression of people's creativity in planning and leading worship; (2) exploring non-Sunday worship options to expand outreach; (3) experiment with a variety of different worship forms and times to see which ones generate sustained commitment; (4) include explanatory notes in worship bulletin to help us better understand the meaning of worship elements.

Discusison on important opportunities to consider focused on imagining ideas about how to create more opportunities for lay involvement in creative planning and conducting of worship.  The committee recognized that a significant amount of their work has been directed toward managing the details of worship services and wants to explore the possibility of re-organizing how it functions in order to expand the lay role in generating creative input and content for worship experiences.

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