August Already?!
Although it is one of my favorite months of the year (my Birthday:), it also heralds the end of my favorite season - Summertime!
Of course, this year it's been summertime "light" with temps colder than usual - even for Two Rivers!
It's times like these that it's good to remember the lyrics to one of my favorite songs: "Whatever may pass and whatever lies before us, let me be singing when the evening comes." (10,000 Reasons)
Well, though summer may be soon waning, I am glad to report that your elder board is growing! With 7 lay elders, including two excellent recent additions, Tad Nelson and Mike Bauman, this is a healthy and hardworking board. Of course, we'd not be doing so well without all of your support, along with some important teams such as our Pastoral Search Committee, now led by Brian Laliberte; & the Trustees Committee, led by Bo Minarik. Special thanks to Roger Trost and Lee Van Os for their good work on the grounds this summer, as well as all of you who stepped in to keep our summer landscape beautiful.
A significant event took place last week when all 3 of our pastors and 4 of the elders drove down to the Chicago area to attend the Annual Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit in Barrington, IL. This was truly a world class event broadcast to over 90 countries and 170,000 people, featuring world renowned leaders such as Bill Hybels, Colin Powell, Henry Cloud and Andy Stanley, along with many other gifted presenters. A strong theme for me was to lead humbly but bravely, relying on God's strength when ours isn't enough. Team leadership was emphasized, benefiting from each team member's gifts and wisdom, rather than running a "one-man" (or woman) show. After all, it's God's ministry, God's Church, God's kingdom - not any of ours! Some meaningful quotes from the two day event were:
"Healthy leadership takes enormous courage and brave apologies"
"All I want is to be used by God to change people's lives in the remaining days of my life" "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier" "People need to be reminded more than they need to be instructed"
"Asking instead of telling will inspire people's best work"
"Serve your servants; insecure leaders cling to their title and position"
"Paul, take courage - one day people will name their SONS after YOU and their DOGS after Caesar!"
We are all grateful for the opportunity to experience this, not only for the excellent instruction, but also for the times of camaraderie we enjoyed together - from sharing stories to sharing snores. Overall it was very inspiring!
May I remind each of us as we head into fall to "Be strong and courageous, for the Lord will be with you!"
(Joshua 1:9)
HE is with us even in those non-summery seasons of our life - may we also be there for one another.
Glenn Smith
