PLEASE READ BEFORE THIS SUNDAY'S WORSHIP
July 2026
Greetings, Keystone! I would love some feedback from you after my first year as your designated pastor.
Please take a look at these “Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministry” from the UCC:
Exhibiting a Spiritual Foundation and Ongoing Spiritual Practice: Exhibiting a vibrant, ongoing spiritual practice, active prayer life, and a clear sense of divine calling.
Nurturing UCC Identity: Loving and understanding the history, theology, and polity of the church while actively living into covenant.
Building Transformational Leadership Skills: Building healthy, adaptive congregations, resolving conflict, and empowering others for ministry.
Engaging Sacred Stories and Traditions: Exhibiting a deep knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology, and effectively communicating these to others.
Caring For All Creation: Demonstrating compassion and advocacy for the environment and an understanding of the intersection of faith and the natural world.
Theological Praxis: Integrating theological reflection with daily practice and actively engaging issues of culture and context.
Working Together for Justice and Mercy: Nurturing hope and healing in a hurting world and confronting systems of inequality and oppression.
Strengthening Inter- and Intra- Personal Assets: Maintaining emotional and mental wellness, practicing self-care, and holding strong ethical boundaries.
Next, please take a look at this list of what I have covenanted with you:
Preach and teach the gospel without fear or favor, regarding all persons with equal respect and concern, and undertaking to minister impartially.
Honor all confidences shared with me, telling only those who need to know, what they need to know, when they need to know it.
Steward church funds and property faithfully, while overseeing the administrative tasks of ministry with integrity.
Speak the truth, not using my position, power, or authority to exploit any person nor using my position for unwarranted personal financial gain.
Assess with care the implications of accepting gifts from congregation members.
Not perform pastoral services within a congregation or for a member of a congregation, without the invitation of the current pastor of that congregation.
Neither interfere with nor intrude upon the ministry of my successor, upon my departure from a ministry setting; and to deal honorably with the record of my predecessor and successor.
Please take a few minutes to consider the following questions:
Are there particular areas on these lists which stand out as areas of strength for Pastor Adina?
Are there particular areas on these lists which you feel Pastor Adina needs to improve?
Are there any questions or concerns you have for Pastor Adina?
What advice would you like to give Pastor Adina?
After our online service on July 26th, you will have the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings in a congregational meeting with your leadership team.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
Pastor Adina