Visioning

Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18a

Will You Claim the Promise?

The tradition and history of Christ's church is all about change and growth. Change for the purpose of the growth of Christ's body, not in numbers but in vital energy. We move forward led by the power of God's creative spirit. We are in step with our communities, and we are intentional about the relevance of our ministry and mission. When we vision, we deliberately seek the unique path that God intends for us. Visioning in the kingdom of God creates a set of priorities that enables us to move ahead with a greater expression of God's work. It is a purposeful effort to seek the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to obey the will of God as we move into the future. When we fail to obey, we become dabblers and waste our power on the trivial. We wither and decay. When our journey is focused and concentrated on the vital, we are refreshed, renewed and remade. God calls us to step forward and has made the promise to be with us every step of the way. All through the Bible, godly people have been visioning. Moses had a vision for Israel's society. He appointed officials and had them serve as judges. David planned and provided for the building of the temple and left everything needed for Solomon to complete that vision. The apostle Paul developed a missionary vision of proclaiming the gospel and establishing churches in centers of commerce from which the gospel could be taken to outlying villages. They allowed themselves to think, to plan, to hope and to see the enormous possibilities of not only "what could be" but also "what must be" according to God's will. When we recapture that spirit, powerful transformation begins. New forms, new energies, a new vitality breaks forth. God promises this. from Presbytery of East Iowa web site

Christ Church celebrated its 50th anniversary in May 2004. During these 50 years the congregation has experienced many changes. Because of these changes, a Visioning Committee was formed to study and formulate ideas to incorporate these changes and to guide the focus of the church. A program called Parents Night Out was initiated. Since this was designed to reach the young, single parents in the neighborhood, the elementary school across the street cooperated by disseminating information about the event. Other activities used to reach out to persons have included giving clothes, food, school supplies, and layettes to a sister church's Neighborhood Mission and local food pantry. New in 2003 was a large fresh vegetable garden on the church grounds tended by Church members. The vegetables were available to our congregation, members of Olivet Presbyterian Church and its Mission recipients. This year a cooperative Bible School with Olivet and Central Park Presbyterian Churches was held in July, 2003. More than forty children attended. Volunteerism makes these activities possible; over 80% of the congregation volunteers in the church and the community. As examples, dedicated lay leaders provide an Adult Sunday School Bible Study, a Wednesday AM and PM Study Group on Prayer, and dedicated musicians comprise an Adult Chancel Choir. The church has an active Music Department lead by a Director for vocal music and a Bell Choir Director.

As a church with a 50-year history we have experienced the highs and lows of maintaining a faithful and spiritually expressive congregation. Out of each trial this congregation has endured, a stronger congregation has emerged. We have talented musicians and singers dedicated to making our worship service more fulfilling and inspirational. Members who are skilled tradesmen and talented carpenters have always stepped up when needed. Professional teachers who work in the local school district teach our youth at Christ Church. With contacts in the local elementary schools new relationships are being forged as the needs of the neighborhood children and their parents are being revealed and addressed. This congregation has begun to think outside the four walls of its own building, opening up opportunities for the youth by sharing Vacation Bible School with two other Presbyterian churches. Christ Church recognizes that our gifts are many; one is our church facility. We have an outstanding church building offering handicapped accessibility and a recent elevator addition. Our sanctuary holds up to 200 people and has excellent acoustics. Christ Church has an ever-expanding Resource Center with books, tapes, CDs and study material. For the past year Christ Church has been involved in a visioning process. This is an exciting and inspirational time, and as a result this congregation has a renewed and has more focused sense of purpose and mission.

We feel that one of the major theological issues facing churches is the decline in passionate spirituality in the mainline denominations. In a survey of our membership, our Visioning Committee identified this as a weakness at our church. To begin recapturing this passion we began a new series on prayer called Holy, Hot Prayer that is being offered twice a week. Under the leadership of the Visioning Committee, two fall retreats for the congregation of Christ Church were held with great success. Through these retreats our congregation is growing spiritually.

Committee Members:

Charlie Luedtka, Tim Dohrmann, Sue Bailey, Doug Feil, Jan Feil, Cheryl Achey,Keith Achey, Donna Robertson, Judi Albert, , and Harry Olthoff, Presbyter