Vitality Survey

Dear brothers andSurvey sisters in Christ,

The purpose of the Congregational Vitality Survey is to take a snapshot at the life and ministry of Two Rivers United Methodist Church. The survey’s focus is on Christ’s Great Commission to “go and make disciples.” These questions relate to how this congregation is making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Frank Beard directed the District Superintendents to select a few churches in each district to participate in this survey. Sylvester Weatherall, our DS, selected TRUMC and invited us to be a part of this program. The Church Council approved this survey as a first step toward a larger vision-making process of Two Rivers Church.

A quick look at all that is happening at TRUMC reveals that there are many ways that the church is active. The Evangelism Team has a renewed focus on reaching out to Downtown Rock Island. The Mission Team continues to serve the meal site, operation safety net, and various other outreach programs. The Discipleship Team has developed a plan for welcoming new people. A Good Neighbor Team has recently been formed to work with World Relief to help settle refugee families in the Quad Cities.

The segment of African brothers and sisters is growing within the church, offering new talents in worship and outreach. The children and youth continue to develop ministries, fellowship, and encounters with Christ. The relationship with the arts community in the Quad Cities has grown, with new relationships with the Quad City institutions such as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and the River Music Experience.

TRUMC has expanded its reach in the community, and continues to build ways to make disciples of Jesus Christ. There seems to be a new era of activity and growth. It is important however, to be good stewards of our energy, resources, and talents. There is a danger that with all the new things that are going on, we could spread ourselves too thin. The Church Council and I believe that there is a need for a congregational plan to set the vision, mission, and ministry priorities of Two Rivers. Clearly, this is not the first time this kind of thing has been proposed at Two Rivers.

This is a congregation that is over 180 years old. Many members have been a part of it for decades, and have seen many “Visioning Plans,” and “Strategic Meetings” over the years. But times change. People change. Communities change. Visions that were cast even five years ago can seem ancient to some. I believe that even now we are in a much different place then we were just three years ago. It is time to assess where we are, and where we want to head into the future.

The Congregational Vitality Survey is the first step of this process. It will help us see where we are right now. The survey will be offered over a few weeks in worship. A paper survey will be made available in bulletins at worship over the next few weeks. Another paper survey will be sent to everyone who receives a newsletter. You can also help speed the process by filling out the online survey by clicking here or the picture above.

The survey is fairly short. All we ask of you is an honest assessment of what you think about Two Rivers UMC. In a few weeks we will meet with someone from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Congregational Development office. They will help us evaluate the results of the survey and guide us into the next step of the process of streamlining our efforts for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom.

In Christ,

Pastor Robb

 

Give blood, give life

blood-drive

Two Rivers United Methodist Church is hosting a blood drive on Monday, November 7 from 3-6 p.m. Donors may register online by clicking here. Donating blood is a life-saving act that takes about half an hour. The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is the exclusive provider of blood products and services to 88 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. There is even now a donor loyalty program where donors can collect points redeemable for t-shirts, pins, coffee mugs, and more. The bottom line is this: Donating blood saves lives of people in our community. Donated blood helps emergency relief, accident victims, cancer treatments, premature infants, surgery, and so much more. Sign up now for a time that is convenient to you. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged to help keep the ‘flow’ going.

Pizza Sale

PIZZA SALEThese delicious pizzas are for sale now. Order now by calling 309-788-9384, emailing office@tworiversumc.org, or by filling out an order form on Sundays. They will be made fresh on the morning of February 5 using local ingredients and loving care. Pick them up on the afternoon of the 5th. Delivery is available by request (consider a donation if you choose delivery, but its not necessary). Cook them fresh (the Big Game is Sunday, Feb 7), or freeze them for a few months. They come wrapped, not sealed, in plastic and in a cardboard box.

“This is the best frozen pizza I’ve ever had. We bought ten last year, and wish we had bought more,” says Pastor Robb McCoy.

This is the main fundraiser for the United Methodist Men, who support local ministries, scholarships, youth events, and more.

Prices:
$9.50 for Cheese only.
$10 for sausage, pepperoni, sausage & pepperoni, veggie, or veggie & sausage.
$12 for Gluten Free (any topping)

 

Baby shower for Mary

Baby Shower

The Confirmation Class is inviting you to a special party on January 3, at 10:45. This is Epiphany Sunday, the day that the wise ones brought presents for the baby Jesus. As the class service project, we are throwing a Baby Shower for Mary in Epworth Hall. All are invited to come and enjoy cake, and punch and play some baby shower games. Guests should bring gifts for a newborn baby or mother. Consider basics needs like plain onesies, one-piece sleepers, formula, socks, pacifiers, blankets, hooded towels, or wash cloths. Please do not wrap any of the gifts. They will be brought to Winnie’s Place, a shelter for women and families.