Also, the installation of the new board will be

held at both worship services that same day.

Great experience on a stressful day. Thank you very much for your kindness.

The Looney Wedding Party

Yes, this is actually an article about what the Interim Steering Committee has been doing. We have been meeting; I just haven’t been writing. As a group, we are acutely aware many in the congregation are feeling frustrated with a seeming lack of progress. As individuals, many of us share those frustrations, but, I want to assure you progress is being made. It is just that much of it is behind the scenes; and yes, it does move more slowly than most of us would like.

In the room where the ISC meets, we have a white board with several things written in the corners and along the edges, things that never get erased. We always keep an eye on our chart of developmental tasks and wait anxiously to see if Herb has moved the red X, which represents our church, along the chart of the transitional agenda. The chart is broken up into Endings, In-Between, and Beginnings. It felt like it took us forever, but we have moved out of Endings and our red X is planted right in the middle of In-Between. Encouragingly, lately we have been discussing things that will launch us quickly into Beginnings. But honestly, we are still dealing with some issues that are holding us back in Endings.

Within the developmental tasks, we are working on several things at once. Those tasks are: 1) coming to terms with history; 2) discovering a new identity; 3) shifts of power and changes in leadership; 4) rethinking denominational linkages; and 5) commitment to new leadership and to a new future. There are plans underway for a big celebration for the 60^th anniversary of National Avenue Christian Church. We are getting started on some activities that will enable us to construct a large time line chronicling those 60 years. There is a leadership retreat in July to help newly elected elders and deacons (along with those already serving in those positions) understand their role in our church. It is important for NACC to experience more lay leadership than it has in the past. There is also a newly formed committee that will be looking at our constitution to suggest some changes that will reflect our new direction.

In order to get members thinking about our history and our identity as a church, we will be conducting a series of 3x5 surveys during worship services. These surveys are a Herb special; everyone in the service will receive a small card or piece of paper. Someone from the ISC will explain the question for that day. It will take only a moment or two to jot down your answer and then the cards will be collected. The first question will be, "What are the three things that you value the most about National Avenue Christian Church?" The word "things" is intentionally vague. Your answer can include people, physical properties, ideas, aspects of worship, or even doughnuts.

All of the developmental tasks are important before we can search for a new pastor, but they will happen quickly because a lot of work has already been done. If you have concerns or questions, please contact a member of the ISC or Herb. Along with many other wonderful people in this church, we are working day by day to realize the potential of this amazing church. The pull towards the future is stronger than the hold on the past. Jennifer Klein, on behalf of the Interim Steering Committee

On Friday, June 6, at Crosslines, our volunteers served 99 people (38 families). Those who helped in various capacities were Don & Twajana Chasteen, David Adams, Dick Griter, Emogene Cassy, Myrna White, Norene Rinker, Huck, Cassie, & Ben Roberts, Nancy Davis, and Joan Young. Crosslines will be closed on Friday, July 4, our fish day, so we won't be serving again until Friday, August 1. Therefore, we have a longer period to fill our pantry shelves. We can always use the following items: cereal, crackers, canned fruit, vegetables, juice, soup, tuna, other meat, pork & beans, and macaroni & cheese, pastas, rice, pudding and gelatin, snacks, bath soap, toilet paper, jelly, peanut butter - and grocery sacks. Your contributions of all types are always welcome.                    Reported by Joan Young