Looking forward: 2022 continues to be an exciting and challenging year for Esperanza. While we continue to feel financial pressures, we also see cause for rejoicing and encouragement.
Esperanza continues to be a strong community of people who support each other and work together to share time, talents and gifts with other members of our church, the neighborhood and the community.
Over the past years, Esperanza, along with most of the churches across the U.S., has seen a decline in attendance and membership. The reasons for this are many and are shared by all places of worship. Among them: effects of COVID-19 closures, busy schedules, people not finding fulfillment, young people staying away (generational thing), other worship options available, lack of a clear vision or an understanding of who we are and why we’re here.
Given all of these changes that have been occurring over the past years, we as a congregation owe it to ourselves to clearly understand who we are and where we want to go. With that in mind, over the next few weeks and months, you will be asked to share your thoughts, ideas, visions and dreams for Esperanza. You will be hearing more details soon.
Service Schedule: This summer we decided to experiment with having only one worship service on Sunday mornings. The initial thought was that we would maintain this schedule for the summer and then decide if we wanted to go back to the two-service schedule in the fall. Feedback that we have received regarding this has been overwhelmingly positive. Some of the comments include: “We sure like getting to know more of our members better;” “One fellowship time after service is great;” “I like to hear more people singing;” “It’s nice to see a fuller church;” “It feels like we’re one church.”
Based on this feedback, the council has voted to continue with the one-service schedule through the end of the year. During this time, we’d welcome any comments, feedback, concerns or suggestions that you might have. If enough of the congregation feels that a two-service schedule would be better, we can always make that change. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with any of the council members or the Pastor. We want to make sure that the service schedule reflects the wishes of the congregation.
Thanks again to all of you for your continued service and participation in the ministries at Esperanza.
Peace,
Jim Gisselquist
Esperanza Council President