Dear Presbyterials, WMS Groups & Friends of WMS,<\/p>\n
During preparations for our April synodical annual meeting and at recent executive meetings,\u00a0we were made aware of concerns expressed by individuals and groups for a better\u00a0understanding of today’s WMS. This letter is to let you know that we ‘are listening’ to you.<\/p>\n
We want you to be open and share your ideas and suggestions. Please continue to do this.\u00a0As an executive, we will discuss what is needed to improve our organization. We will strive\u00a0to think of new ways to keep the information lines open. We will work with you towards\u00a0making necessary changes to keep WMS a vital organization, both meaningful and rewarding\u00a0for all.<\/p>\n
We are most appreciative of the faithful commitment and dedication of our members to the\u00a0WMS, its purpose and goals. God has been working through us both locally, nationally and\u00a0internationally over the past 100 years. We have met many challenges through the years, and\u00a0we honour those who overcame them as they worked together to further God’s mission.<\/p>\n
Today, our challenges are different and our approach may need to be different as well. We\u00a0know that our groups are getting smaller. Some have ceased being WMS groups, but still\u00a0contribute in other ways. Our members are getting older and are worried that they can not\u00a0meet these challenges. We understand and hear what you are saying. We see the different\u00a0needs facing us today, both locally and throughout the world.<\/p>\n
We realize that it is difficult for some groups and presbyterials to fulfill their financial objectives.\u00a0There are more demands on us today. It worries us when we see so many people and\u00a0countries having difficulties. Our hearts ache for them, and we want to give more. We want\u00a0you to know that we are thankful for what each person, group and presbyterial gives. We know\u00a0that God blesses the gift and giver and we are thankful for all that you are able to do to help\u00a0others.<\/p>\n
We think of the past, and feel that we still should meet as we always have. Today there are\u00a0changes in our world and in our Society, and the reality is that change in our groups is needed.\u00a0Our groups are smaller and less able to find enough people to take on the responsibilities of\u00a0officers. We realize this. Do we really need them all? It depends on the makeup of your group.\u00a0We wish to stress that it is not necessary to have all the officers that we used to have. Each
\ngroup or presbyterial should decide what works best for it. We should stress that in order for\u00a0presbyterials and the synodical to keep in touch and be able to communicate better, there\u00a0should be a contact person.<\/p>\n
At a recent meeting with Tori Smit, Regional Minister for Faith Formation for our synod, \u00a0we discussed various models that presbyterials or groups might consider for executive positions and functions. They should be appropriate to your size and ability to fill these positions. Our deepest desire is to feel energized by the fellowship and study that your group provides. We hope that you would not feel burdened by an obligation to fill numerous positions that may no longer meet your group\u2019s individual needs.<\/p>\n
Remember, whichever way you choose, a contact person is needed. Then we are able to keep in touch and keep the communication lines open.<\/p>\n
If your presbyterial or groups are feeling anxious about officers, or other aspect of functioning well, please feel free to contact the executive, Tori Smit, or myself. We would be delighted to lend you a hand. We can see what best fits your needs and make some suggestions.<\/p>\n
We will continue to keep you in our prayers and will help in anyway that we can.
\nMay God continue to bless us and keep us faithful to our purpose and mission. Please do keep in touch with us often and let us know how we can help you. We want to keep the communication lines open.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
Joy Randall,<\/p>\n
President of WMS CNOB Synodical<\/p>\n
Phone 904 372 6075
\nEmail rrandall@eagle.ca<\/p>\n
PS I will be away in Taiwan to attend the 150 Anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan from March 30 – April 11th, 2015. \u00a0Look forward to seeing many of you at Synodical and if you have any questions will be happy to talk with you at that time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dear Presbyterials, WMS Groups & Friends of WMS, During preparations for our April synodical annual meeting and at recent executive meetings,\u00a0we were made aware of concerns expressed by individuals and groups for a better\u00a0understanding of today’s WMS. This letter is to let you know that we ‘are listening’ to you. We want you to be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","category-w-m-s"],"yoast_head":"\n