Initial Reflections from "The Other" Bob SheltonI am pleased to have an opportunity to communicate with each of you through this issue of The Messenger. I hope it serves to establish a more personal relationship between me and each of you as I begin my service as a member of the ministerial staff at Lake Highlands.
In my position as "Scholar-In-Residence" I want to contribute to the fine ministry of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church in every way I can. In order to do that, I am committed to serving in a variety of ways ---preaching, teaching and performing pastoral care services as requested. All of my service is meant to assist your pastor and my good friend, Dr. Robert E. Shelton, in carrying out the demanding responsibilities of serving as pastor of this dynamic congregation of which you are a part. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a need or if you have a question about my ministry among you.
Now, let me share some of my initial impressions of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church. First, I am tremendously impressed by the "church staff." What a wonderful, talented and dedicated group it is---Bob E., Sammye, Meg, Kay, Ladell, Aldo, John, Charlie, Susie, and Laura. This congregation is fortunate indeed to have such leadership. It is clear that each one approaches his or her work not as a "job" but as a ministry. To be around them and see them "at work" is inspiring. They all have welcomed me and are helping me find the most meaningful place for me to assist them in leading this church in faithful ministry.
Second, I have felt a warm welcome from all whom I have met personally. Moreover, when I ask individuals what is the most important factor or feature of this church, the most frequent response is "the people and their friendliness." I am experiencing the reality of this myself, and you as a congregation deserve to be congratulated for your openness to others and the way you welcome visitors and newcomers in your midst. All studies of effective and growing churches make clear that one of the critical factors for such churches is the warmth and welcoming nature of the congregation. I encourage you to reach out to others, invite them to join with you as a part of this congregation, and make certain to extend a warm Christian welcome to all who in any manner come into contact with our congregation. Likely you are all aware of the importance of this, but it cannot be emphasized too often.
Third, I am impressed with the vision of deepened and expanded ministry which you have as a congregation. Your plans for new facilities, for a greater ministry, and your pledges of yourselves and your financial resources to support that larger ministry are exciting and challenging. That vision, however, is worth striving for and implementing in a creative way; such striving can prove to be an opportunity for all of us to grow in our Christian lives, individually and as a community of God's people.
One thing each of you can do is pray for your church. Pray for the church staff and for the Session. Pray for the various committees of the church, and for the Child Development Center. Above all, pray that the congregation may be faithful to Jesus Christ and to Christ's calling to minister in this, God's world. Also, think of ways your gifts can be effectively utilized in the program, mission, and ministry of this church, and offer those gifts to enrich the ministry of your church.
Again, I am excited about being a part of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church, particularly at this meaningful time in its history. I look forward to the journey ahead with all of you.
Grace and Peace,
-- Robert E Shelton