The
bigger the plane the longer the runway needed to get the flying machine
airborne.
After several years of discussion and prayer, your session
unanimously voted in their December 2011 meeting to proceed with rebranding and
renaming our beloved church so as to maximize our efforts to connect with the
un-churched and de-churched. Six months later a rebranding team was called out
from the body to create and execute a process that would present 3 -5 names to
your session. The Rebranding Team consisted of Jeff Ogden (chair) Arlen
Fuhlendorf (founding member), Liz Mitchell, Lana Horadam, Bill Whatley,
Cheyenne Davis, Nedra Lamar and Josh Fortney.
The Team spent much time in prayer and scripture, seeking
counsel from a marketing firm and inviting the congregation to submit their own
name ideas. The team submitted regular reports to the session and finally in
June of this year, presented 5 names for consideration. Your session spent much
time praying individually and collectively before voting at our July stated
meeting and unanimously agreeing on “Pathway Church.”
Since we are and will remain Cumberland Presbyterian, we
presented the new name to the Board of Missions of Red River presbytery for
approval in August. They enthusiastically concurred in the recommendation and
will present to Presbytery in October for final approval.
1318 people showed up to worship God and celebrate “The
Reveal” last weekend. God received a standing ovation by a packed house Saturday
Night when the name and logo was made known. Simultaneously a rainbow appeared over our
property signifying to all who witnessed God was in approval as well.
The plan is to pull back the throttle on the metaphorical airplane
called “Pathway Church” between November 23 -29 and soar into the promise of
God’s preferred future. Please continue to pray as we pick up speed these last
10 weeks of transitioning into our new name. We will keep you posted as the
plan transition plan unfolds.
“Thank you God for all you done in and through us while
flying under the banner St. Matthew and we look forward to the future as we
follow in the Way of your Son and the Path laid before us. Father, may you,
your Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all that we do. In Jesus name,
amen.”
Connecting Generations,
Rick
Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:06
