Movies I want to see before the end of the Year

• The Ides of March
• Midnight in Paris
• Winter's Bone
• Super 8
• Crazy, Stupid, Love
• 30 Minutes or Less
• Beginners
• Tree of Life
• Everything Must Go
• Limitless
• Win Win
• Jack Goes Boating
• Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
• Source Code
• Courageous
• The Book of Eli
• Tower Heist
• The Big Year
• Not Forgotten

Church Goals- Fall Winter

1. Evaluate and enhance the adult Sunday School program.

   1. Should we focus on fellowship or learning?

   2. Should our classes be lecture or discussion based?

   3. Should we encourage student participation, or allow for anonymity?

2. Personal Discipleship should be emphasized and planned.

   1. Bible Reading Program for 2012

   2. Prayer Emphasis

      1. Lenten Prayer Experiment

      2. Prayer Groups

3. Hire (initially on a temporary-basis) a children's director/ youth intern.

   1. The position would start January 15, 2012.

   2. Children's Director would work with Children's Council, Kid's Club, etc.

4. Provide Practical resources for community members.

   1. Financial planning and budgeting classes/ seminars

   2. Life planning and life coaching.

   3. Job skills assistance (including, job search, resume writing, etc.)

   4. Parenting skills assistance

5. Establish a Sermon work group. This group would assist the SPRC and pastor by,

   1. Assisting with research for sermon topics and series.

   2. Assisting in planning upcoming sermons and series.

   3. Discussing and offering feedback for sermons.

6. Plan a Confirmation Class with confirmation on Palm Sunday, 2012.

7. Plan a new members class for early 2012.

8. Establish a pastoral visitation plan.

   1. Offer parishioners an opportunity to invite the pastor to their homes.

   2. Sign-ups will begin in November 2011.

   3. Day and night time visits will be available.

9. Re-visit the Church Mission Statement.

10. Continue to renew the emphasis on youth ministry.

11. Continue to work with the Finance Committee to address and solve the financial shortfalls that are currently causing us difficulty.

Reading Plan 2009

Last year was a complete failure as far as my reading life is concerned. In an earlier post I discussed the limited amount of time I gave to reading in 2008. There were too many distractions, too many limitations, too much stuff, and I was too lazy. 2009 will be different.

I am setting some goals for reading in this year. As with all my goals, I know that these are too lofty. I will not accomplish all these, but I will get some of them done. This year will be a better reading year than last year. I am sure of that. I will make sure of that.

In 2009:

• I will read one book on prayer each month of the year.
• I will read one book from the classics each month of the year.
• I will try to keep up to date with current literature and read some popular titles.
• I will read the New Living Translation of the Bible.
• I will read fewer magazines and newspapers and more books.
• My goal is to read 50 books this year.

It's a tall order, but I think I can do it.

Resolutions 2009

It's a new year and that means- for me, anyway- a new set of resolutions. Each year I work toward doing a better job at being a human. I try to improve myself in some way(s). I think that I am pretty honest about my efforts, though. I know that every year I make too many resolutions. I should work on keeping it simple and only resolve one thing. (That would be a great resolution for next year.) Because of this, it is almost always impossible for me to fulfill or achieve my resolutions.

I am moving closer to a reasonable plan. This year there are only five resolutions. If everything goes well I should be able to accomplish them. We will just have to see.

One other thing, it's still early in the year. This should be considered a first draft. I may change, add to, or delete some resolutions. Let the reader beware.

• In 2009 I will read the New Living Translation of the Bible.
• In 2009 I will lose 24 pounds and get in better shape. (I think this is my first- ever weight and health related resolution.)
• In 2009 I will learn how to record and post podcasts, and start to do it.
• In 2009 I will write my book on prayer (whether I can get it published or not).
• In 2009 I will copy- by hand- Ruth, Titus and the Sermon of the Mount- from the Bible.

Church Goals 2008

Here are some church and ministry goals that I have for 2008.

• To make 2008 a Year of Prayer.
• To increase the spiritual sensitivity of our churches and members.
• To reach 10 new, unchurched people.
• To create and maintain stability and peace in our congregations.
• To increase the Biblical literacy of the members of our congregations.
• To establish new groups and develop new leaders.
• To become "That" church in our area.
• To complete the elevator/ramp/bell project at Pretty Prairie.