The Early Church continued this ministry of connecting with people in the communities they entered.  In Acts 2:43-47, we catch a glimpse of the life of that Early Church.  At Chapel Hill we are trying to continue this ministry of connecting with people in our community as we fulfill our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Being Compassionate was one of the ways the Early Church was seen as connecting with people in their community.  The people “sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need.”  The support that we give through the Benevolent Ministry Fund tries to help people in our community who have needs.  Our special offerings and mission support that we engage in throughout the year is an attempt on our part to meet people’s needs throughout our community and the world.  The second aspect of connecting with people in the community is seen as being Connectional.  The Early Christians broke “bread in their homes” and “partook of food with glad and generous hearts.”  The Early Christians ate together.  Our participation in Friendship Dinners, Pot-luck Meals, or Special Dinners is important.  I hope that you will participate in as many of these gatherings as you can.  When you do, please look for the person who is alone or the person you do not know well.  As we grow closer together as a church, we will be better able to meet the needs of those around us.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE
At Annual Conference, we adopted a Strategic Plan.  This is not a program that is being required for our churches to follow.  It is process that our churches can use to accomplish their mission.  Chapel Hill has already taken steps to meet the goals of the Strategic Plan.  For years, there was a Long Range Planning Committee that looked into the future to help guide Chapel Hill.  In 2002/2003, Chapel Hill entered into a major Strategic Planning Initiative.  Out of this Re-visioning Plan came the realization that we needed to focus on these six areas: 1) Young Adults, 2) Facilities, 3) Worship Experience, 4) Spiritual Development, 5) Lay Involvement and Development, and 6) Youth Ministries.  Building God’s House came out of the Facilities’ discussion.  The Faithbuilders Sunday School class and Young Adult Bible Studies came out of the Young Adult discussion.  Purpose Driven Youth Ministry became the approach for our Youth Ministry.  We have much work to do to fulfill the dream set before us in 2003.  As we move into our future, I am sure that we will get there and beyond. 

LOSING FOR KIDS
It is still not too late to participate in Losing for Kids.  Your gift per pound will be greatly appreciated by the children and youth who will be blessed by being able to attend camp and other retreats and the children who will enjoy our new playground.  This campaign ended on May 31st.  To make a donation, just mark it Losing for Kids.

Starting weight: 301 lbs.
Present weight: 265 lbs.
Weight lost: 36 lbs.

Robert Rose