NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 18 ELDERS

Dear Elders,
Here are notes from November 18: David Anema, Suellen Yerger, Andrew Mullenix, Ben Lappenga, Eric Likkel at Zeek's in Belltown.

1. Discussed Shepherding. Eric challenged/encouraged Elders to take initiative in talking to folks about their spiritual growth, our church's mandate for Shepherding Elders. We discussed the cultural norms which impede this, internally among us Elders as well as within our congregation. Also discussed how relationships in Small Groups help Elders shepherd the people with whom they share those group times. As much as possible, we could honor those Small Group connections as we shape Elders' Districts. In general, to help cultivate awareness of Shepherding Elders, we chose the following actions: a.) pose for new picture (maybe Dec. 9?); b.) display slide in announcements show; c.) tell story of how role of Shepherding Elders emerged and connect with general Emmaus Road story of "walking alongside"; d.) connect Elders with elements of worship
ACTION ITEMS:
photo of Elders - Dec. 9 meeting (Eric)
display slide (Eric)
tell story of Elders (not sure who is on hook for this; anyone willing to take a stab?)
connect Elders w/worship elements (Eric)
revise Elders' Disctricts - Dec. 9 meeting (Eric furnish printout)

2. Discussed scheduling: in order to pray, hold meetings after church at New Horizons or P Patch, somewhere more private, quiet; Zeek's not such a great spot for prayer. We can easily order food so we're not distracted by hunger. Follow last year's practice of alternating meetings between Sunday evenings (so we can all be there for monthly prayer), and Sunday afternoon lunch meetings. This is a compromise for the sake of accommodating some of our work and commute conflicts.
ACTION ITEM:
Talk through year's meeting schedule at Dec. 9 meeting together

3. Eric shared a big idea called "Green Space". If the relationships we have INSIDE the church are represented by the color yellow, and the relationships between people in our neighborhood are represented by the color blue, then creating space to blend these two spheres of relationships together would be green space: "Green Space". An approach to connecting Emmaus Road with Belltown, and blending us together. It entails creative planning and plotting. Eric's aim is to use "fifth Sundays" of which there typically four a year. Therefore, we'd not schedule something on a day outside our regular gathering pattern - getting our crowd together beyond Sunday morning is very difficult. We'd also like to tap into the latent volunteerism of our neighbors. The goal - doing something very fun and meaningful in the neighborhood together with neighbors. The Elders present approved of the idea in general. More discussion and then committment to follow-through is needed next.
ACTION ITEM:
Call Deacons Meeting and present Green Space idea

4. Also discussed the fact that Dan Ruiter has faithfully served his term as an Elder, then an extended year plus extra months; he was due to take a break by the beginning of September. We need to schedule a Road Crew meeting and initiate the nomination process before hand.
ACTION ITEM:
Schedule Road Crew and nominations at Dec. 9 meeting