The elders met September 18, 2025. We are reading and discussing a book by Bryan Chapell entitled “The Multi-Generational Church Crisis." In this book, he points out that many “adults over the age of 50 were raised in an era when the vast majority of Americans thought of themselves as Christian.” He warns that “a Christian young person in a public high school today who is regular in church attendance, faithful in biblical standards of sexual purity, and orthodox in theology, may be the only such “Christian” they know." We have a number of young people in our church, and we should be mindful of how difficult it is to proclaim faith in Jesus and submit to Him while living in a culture that values self actualization and where the word “submission” brings only negative reactions. As believers, we should celebrate with them as they proclaim their faith in Jesus. Just as importantly, we should also remember that we are called as believers to continually encourage one another (1 Thess 5:11), comfort one another (2 Cor 1:4), build each other up (Heb 10:24), disciple each other (Eph 4:12), and pray for one another (James 5:16).

We also finalized the structure of pastoral care groups for this year. If you are a member or a regular attender, you have been placed in a pastoral care group under the care of an elder, and with a deacon assigned to each group as well. You should have heard from an elder by now to let you know which group you are in, how to contact your elder, and how that relationship functions. If you have not been contacted yet, please contact Karla Hiebert in the church office.

Finally, the elders will meet for the annual elder retreat on October 25. Prayers for spiritual refreshment, reflection, and discernment are welcome/desired!