As you know, the leadership at Faith decided to hold brainstorming forums during the month of January.  Bishop Eaton has advised all of us in the Northeastern Synod to 1) Listen to God  2) Listen to the Congregation  and 3) Listen to the community.

During the past summer we entered into a time of prayer and discernment where many of us truly did our best to listen to God.  In January we listened to the congregation.  Everyone was invited to come and share their views on what we are doing well, what we should expand and what new ministries we should add.  Now it is time to listen to the community.  We need to meet our neighbors (businesses and residents alike) and see how we could best meet the needs of God's people in the "world" of Fairlawn, Ohio and beyond.

At the end of each Brainstorming forum, those present were invited to write down the top three ideas they wanted to see implemented.  I was delighted to discover that after compiling the results, the ideas getting the most support centered around mission and outreach.  The call of Jesus to minister to those outside our walls has been heard and embraced!  hallelujah!    Mission/outreach emphasis was followed closely by a call to punch up our youth ministry whether by funding a full-time youth director, adding a building, or building a gymnasium!

Already we have started three new ministries as a result of ideas generated at these events.  Healing Hands, Bus Stop Soup Stop, and "Just Because" cards all came about as a result of these forums.

So, what else?  Can we begin to think so big and so bold that we will only succeed with God's help?  i say, YES....who is with me?