Pastor Mark's Yearly Report 2011
North Highland is a faith community, which exists to make disciples for Jesus Christ:
we accept you as you are while encouraging and equipping you
to become all God Intends.
North Highland United Methodist Church is a vibrant, viable, diverse congregation conprised of individuals who intentionally and consistenly worship and serve in ways to make disciples, and to strengthen disciples, for Jesus Christ.
As I write this Pastor's Report for the Charge Conference 2011 I marvel. I marvel at what seems like a paradox, but is instead a church that is vibrant and relevant.
On one hand, is the discussion about simplicity. In worship, we are currently in the middle of a series put together by the Church of the Resssurrection titled Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity. Church Council is reading a chapter a month from the book titled Simple Church.
On the other hand, there is a myriad of things happening. We are striving to grow into the Dakotas Conference new vision of Grow One. We are continually looking at, and considering, the vitality and vibrancy of the ministries for God, through Jesus Christs, using North Highland United Methodist Church as our platform.
We're simplifying in focus while building and growing and expanding. This congregaation is living into the idea of simplifying and growing, focused on being disciples, and making disciples, of Jesus Christ.
When the Committee for Lay Leadership submits a report, this tells only part of the story at North Highland. While these individuals are instrumental to the healthy function of this body in Christ, there are many, many more in the congregation who are actively using their God given gifts to help further the kingdom.
There's a lot going on at North Highland United Methodist Church. In some respects this might look like a lot of activity with a fair amount of complexity. At the same time, the people of Norh Highland continue to grown and deepen their love of God and love of neighbor, and this shows in the many ways they give and serve. Ultimatley, this culminates in the God given desire to make disciples for Jesus Christ, for the transformation of the world.
As Pastor Ray Baker, Chair of the Common Table wrote in July, 2011, it's time for each of us to accept responsibility for living out our (Dakotas Cnference) vision of what making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. His letter went on to say that he believes God has called us to act! We are people of God! We are God's hands and feet! And We are Disciples of Christ!
I believe that God is acting through the people of North Highland United Methodist Church. As people of God, we come together as one body,. As the hands and feet of Jesus we act. And together we grow in faith and service, making disciples of Jesus Christ.
It is a joy and a privilege to be iin service for God with you here!
Mark Ehrmantraut, Pastor
North Highland United Methodist Church
