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Where Do We Go Now?. Session One East Side Lutheran Church Pastor Lon Kvanli. Welcome. Prayer Names Thank you!. Session Goals. A brief look at our ‘story’ and God’s story Our history and culture What do we value most? Close on time — 7:45pm.
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Where Do We Go Now? Session One East Side Lutheran Church Pastor Lon Kvanli
Welcome • Prayer • Names • Thank you!
Session Goals • A brief look at our ‘story’ and God’s story • Our history and culture • What do we value most? • Close on time — 7:45pm
There will be a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning. Louis L’Amour
If you don’t knowwhere you are going,any roadwill get you there!
Our Story • Tell me the story of East Side… • …in two sentences.
God’s Story • What are some Bible stories or verses that are… • Important to East Side, or • Tell the story of East Side. • Why and how are these important?
East Side’s History • Founded in 1919 • Sunday School in the 1930’s included 400+ children (60% from unchurched homes) • 1950 — Present Sanctuary dedicated.
Cultural Realities • To what ‘cultural realities’ did ESLC respond when it was started? • To what current ‘cultural realities must we respond to do vital ministry today?
In 1900, there were 27 churches for every 10,000 of us. Now there are 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans. How many will exist in 20 years?
Who preachedthe Sermon on the Mount? • Less than half of people said, “Jesus.” • Coming in a close second was… • Billy Graham! Source: Barna
The Gospel of Thomas • More than half of people surveyed said the Gospel of Thomas is in the New Testament. • 15% said they were reading it last week! Source: Barna
What is our Business? • Fellowship? • Social Action/Social Service? • Historic Preservation? • Landlord/Investment? • Calling/growing disciples?
What are the ‘big things’ at ESLC?What really has priority/value?
PROBLEMOur choices are NOT between what is good and what is bad. The problem is choosing between what is good and what is best.
Are we focused on meeting the needs of members or on outreach to our community?
What is the‘business’ of the Church? • What did Jesus tell us to do? • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19
Who elseis going to make disciples? • Wells Fargo? • Citibank? • Gateway? • Lodgenet?
In closing… • Thank you! • Sign up for email summaries. • Keep praying • Closing prayer
Where Do We Go Now? Session Two East Side Lutheran Church Pastor Lon Kvanli
Welcome • Prayer • Names • Thank you!
Agenda • Our story in stories • Our story & the Bible • Close at 7:45pm
Each tell me a story… • Of something good that happened in/through East Side. • Of something not-so-good that happened.
Our Story in 2 Sentences… East Side was a mission congregation started by women at Cliff Avenue and Austin, and moved to its second site in 1950. The congregation has had three major building programs.
Bible Storiesfor East Side • Laborers in the Vineyard (Matt 20) • Prodigal Son (Luke 15) • “Let the little children come…” (Matthew 19:13-16) • Woman at the Well (John 4)
Laborers In the Vineyard • What do you like in this parable? • What bothers you? • Does the parable connect in anyway with our history? • What does it say about how the church should operate?
Laborers In the Vineyard • Why/How does this text apply to East Side? • What might God be saying to us through this text? • In this text, is God saying something about our future mission?
Prodigal Son • What do you like in this parable? • What bothers you? • Does the parable connect in anyway with our history? • What does it say about how the church should operate?
Prodigal Son • Why/How does this text apply to East Side? • What might God be saying to us through this text? • In this text, is God saying something about our future mission?
“Let the Little Children…” • What do you like in this text? • What bothers you? • Does the text connect in anyway with our history? • What does it say about how the church should operate?
“Let the Little Children…” • Why/How does this text apply to East Side? • What might God be saying to us through this text? • In this text, is God saying something about our future mission?
Woman at the Well • What do you like in this text? • What bothers you? • Does the story connect in anyway with East Side’s story? • What does it say about how the church should operate?
Woman at the Well • Why/How does this text apply to East Side? • What might God be saying to us through this text? • In this text, is God saying something about our future mission?
Pulling it together… • Having considered the biblical texts, what do they say about our God-given mission? • Have we ‘arrived’ yet as a congregation?
What’s the connection between these Bible textsand our church’s Values? • Worship (including Preaching & Music) • Learning (for Children & Adults) • Being Lutheran • Outreach
In closing… • Thank you! • Sign up for email summaries. • Keep praying • Closing prayer
Where Do We Go Now? Session Three East Side Lutheran Church Pastor Lon Kvanli
Welcome • Prayer • Names • Thank you!
Agenda • Our current situation • What is God doing here? • What is our God-given mission in this time & place?
It is a recognition of newopportunitiesfor ministry in thefuture.
Our Situation - 1 • We have expanded and remodeled building to 47,000SF. • 20 class rooms • 4200SF - future expansion • In a growing city