Leander United Methodist Church

Leander United Methodist Church Transformation Update

June 08’

What Does Leander LUMC Look Like

As Part of the Southwest Texas Conference?

What’s Next?

We are midway through year two of the transformation process. The goal is to help us discern what God is calling us to be and do in Leander and in the world. We’ve come a long way and it is an exciting time to be here at Leander United Methodist Church!

What does our transformation look like so far in ‘08?

We are a certified “Welcoming Congregation”
We have added a new Praise & Worship service at 9:45 am
We have a new praise band, “Evermore”
We have had many new guests attending and new members joining our membership
We have a well established and vibrant Young Adult Sunday school class

Our Sunday worship averages have increased

We have new, attractive landscaping and walkways

We have completed the district’s Leadership Training

We have had some of our folks participate in Walk to Emmaus

We have a year round stewardship campaign, “Sow to Grow”

Our Vision Statement is in it’s final draft stage, soon to be published!

You can go online to check out the South West Texas Conference’s transformation progress at:

www.TheTransformedChurch.org/transformation.html

Where will our transformation journey lead us next?

The next step is to determine our “Signature Ministry”. Our signature ministry is what we will be known for throughout the community, whether it be the programs we offer, our outreach, or some other feature or quality which defines us. This will flow from our values, beliefs, mission and vision. Our signature ministry will call us to boldly step out and walk with Jesus in the mission field.

How can you help?

Pray for Leander UMC’s growth in the community
Pray for discernment as we determine what our signature ministry will look like.
Live our Top 5 Values
Actively participate in the life of our congregation
Invite and involve your family and friends
Celebrate what is right with the world and with Leander UMC
Refuse to allow anything to stand in the way of you walking in the mission field with Jesus!

WE HAVE DISCOVERED OUR FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS!

These are theological statements, images, and assertions that are central to our faith. They are the Soul of Leander UMC. On November 4th we had a Pie Party to affirm and celebrate our foundational beliefs, practice faith sharing with each other, and discover ways to relate to and practice these beliefs. Below are the Top 5 Foundational Beliefs and ways to relate to and practice each one. Keep this list for future reference and work to put them into practice.

What is the next step in transformation? The next step, to be completed in early ’08, will be forming our Vibrant Vision.

What can you do? Live the Top 5 Values & Foundational Beliefs. Actively participate in meetings and gatherings. Share your thoughts. Set the tone for being open to change. Involve your family and friends in this process. Refuse to allow anything to stand in the way of you walking in the mission field with Jesus!

Why do we want to transform? Under the sponsorship of the Austin District, we have embarked upon a three year transformation process to help us as a church be all that God has called us each to be. We are now entering into year two. We want to help more people meet, know and serve Jesus! Our Mission statement currently reads in short: Bring ‘em In, Build ‘em Up and Send ‘em Out!

May God bless our efforts and continue to grant us courage!

OUR TOP 5 FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS

and Practical Applications for Each

1. We believe that as Christians we have a loving and forgiving God, a promised future and a loving church family to share it with.

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39 & John 3:16

Story: Luke 15:11-31, "The Prodigal Son"

Symbol: Cross

Song: "We’ve a Story to Tell the Nations" - Hymn # 569

Action: Live the Golden Rule

2. We believe the gospel provides us with comfort, peace, strength, and hope in a God of steadfast love.

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Story: John 6:1-14, "The feeding of 5,000"

Symbol: Fish

Song: "Abide with Me" - Hymn #700

Action: Cheerful service through Christ

3. We believe that death is not an ultimate ending but is a prelude to an eternity with God and all the saints.

Scripture: John 3:16

Story: Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12"Jesus raised from death on the third day"

Symbol: Cross

Song: "You Raised Me Up", by Josh Groban

Action: Comfort and Assurance to others

4. We believe in Jesus Christ our Savior, Son of God, who died for our sins, was raised from death, and whose spirit dwells within us in the present.

Scripture: Acts 2:17-21

Story: Acts 9:3, "Paul’s Conversion Story"

Symbol: Cross

Song: "I Know Whom I Have Believed" - Hymn #714

Action: Teach – Scripture; Lead – Worship; One on One Sharing; Prayer (#800 & 881)

5. We believe that nothing can separate us from the love and presence of God.

Scripture: Romans 8:38

Story: Acts 9:36-42, "The Raising of Dorcas"

Symbol: Jesus Walking on the Water Toward Disciples

Song: "Stand by Me: - Hymn #512

Action: Confidence to spread the Word of God

41 Reasons To Be Excited

About Leander UMC

Beginning in November, everyone was invited to jot down anything they are excited about at LUMC onto a sticky note and stick it to the wall of excitement. We had more than 90 exciting posts! Following is a summed up list of the responses we got.

God
God’s Spirit
People
Fellowship
Fun work!
Great friends
A great pastor
Support
Laughter
Young families
Youth
Youth mission trip
Sincerity
Christian reality
Worship
Sow to Grow
Praising God
Music
All the baptisms!
Boy Scouts
Mothers Day Out
Self growth
Mary Martha Circle
Transformation process
The feeling of family
Pastor John’s teaching
Church Family Camp
Third Sunday Lunch
Rock House S.S. class
Fresh Journey S.S. class
Young Adults S. S. class
Seekers S. S. class
Our vision of growth
Chili Chow-Down & Auction
Vacation Bible School
Children’s programs
Spiritual growth through scintillating sermons
Our efforts which support Hill Country Community Ministries
Our efforts supporting Northwest Caregivers
"The loving way we were welcomed as visitors"

So what does it all mean? Well, people find different ways to connect at LUMC. Christian fellowship excites us. Being welcomed warmly excites us. Growing in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ excites us. Worship excites us. Outreach excites us. Being transformed by God excites us. Let’s see the new ways God will excite is in 2008!!

A Puzzle:

The list above only adds up to 40. The caption says "41 Reasons to be excited." Why is this?

Persons with the correct answer will be awarded a free pew seat every Sunday forevermore.

Leander United Methodist Church

"The Church Love Grows"