Thank you all for a wonderful time
together Tuesday! I was pleased with the level of
participation and with the enthusiasm and creativity displayed
as we brought together our sanctified imaginations. The
Church of Tukwila is poised to enter a new phase of ministry,
to the glory of God!
Following is a précis of our corporate thinking.
Please be in prayer about these issues and be looking forward
to our final formal time together in December.
There were three round table groups, each with a
different aspect of ministry.
Group One: Two major aspects were suggested by the
table, then a third was added in our large group discussion.
Additionally, other sub-points were suggested, indicated by a
space and printed in italics.
1. Prayer events for the Church of Tukwila:
-Participate with National Day
of Prayer/Global Day of Prayer
-Hold a Church of Tukwila Prayer
Summit (annually?)
-Develop a Church of Tukwila Prayer
Calendar
(Nick will provide an
example at our next meeting)
-Hold a solemn assembly for contrition
and repentance
-Intercessory Impact Teams –
Acting Chief Dave Haynes suggested that the COT could be
mobilized to pray for certain areas of the city. An
unofficial liaison could be established between the COT
and the Police Department to mobilize intercessors at critical
times and places. This ministry, if conducted, should
probably be done “under the radar” so as not to subject the
city to charges of becoming an arm of the church.
-Adopt-a-Cop Program – This
idea had been discussed in our Thursday prayer time, but was
not a part of the round table discussion. It is brought up
for further evaluation and prayer because of its focus
earlier.
2. Corporate worship services for the Church
of Tukwila:
-several times a year the COT
would gather for worship and celebration. Some suggestions
are:
*July 4th
*Christmas Eve
Candlelighting Service
*9/11 Remembrance
*Easter Sunrise Service
*COT Picnic
3. Ministry Fair with equipping to follow:
It is urged that a date be established, perhaps in January,
for a Ministry Fair to educate and mobilize our congregations
for the ministries ahead. Those with interest in
specialty fields would need follow-up training and equipping
to be effective.
Group Two: This group strategized for more traditional
“spiritual” outreach ministries. Three major aspects were
suggested by the table, then a fourth was added in our large
group discussion, indicated by a space and printed in italics.
1. Creation of a Young Life ministry at Foster
and/or Showalter. It is noted that Kale Dyer, YL leader
for Highline and Tukwila, is supportive of beginning a club; a
local leader is identified (Charlie); finances are in place to
help support a leader; we now have a believer as
Superintendent of Schools; four school board members are
believers; Scott Erdahl is the new athletic director (also a
strong Christian); a former YL leader (John Forsyth) is
teaching at Showalter.
2. Expansion of Child Evangelism Fellowship
“Good News Clubs” in Tukwila elementary schools. It is
noted that Ken Bradford, area director of CEF, has established
a ministry in Tukwila and many of the same above conditions
make CEF activity attractive for our area.
3. Establish a program for “Family
Relationship Development.” As noted in the presentation
by Mayor Mullet, there is a critical need for family stability
in Tukwila. The COT would seek to meet that need.
4. Mentoring at-risk children. God
has already raised up this program through Tremain at Grace
Point. Teachers are beginning to see the Church as a resource
for their under-achieving students. Might this be an
opportunity for the COT? Henry Blackaby’s principle was
noted: “See where God is working and join Him in His work.”
Is God working here?
Group Three: This group strategized for more social
action type of outreach ministries. Four major aspects were
suggested by the table
1. Adopt a Park or Street for clean-up/prayer
walk. This would be a “serve the city” project that would
involve the COT in a hands-on project of clean-up or fix-up
that benefits the whole community.
2. Habitat for Humanity project. Gary V.
suggested that the Rotary Club was already active in Habitat
for Humanity projects and desperately wanted the churches to
assist. This is a strong possibility; or, the COT could begin
its own HH project. Mayor Mullet suggested that the City
would cooperate as much as it could with things such as the
permitting process.
3. Provide an alternative to at-risk kids
(those suspended or under court requirement for community
service). The COT could provide a venue for young people
to do their community service or suspension under the guidance
of loving Kingdom people.
4. Provide counseling and safety for children
of domestic violence. Mayor Mullet and Chief Haynes
agreed that this is a huge issue and the city would be
grateful for any help. Training would, of course, be
necessary.
Please be in prayer over these issues. Talk about
them among yourselves when you meet. In December we wish to
finalize our list and bring structure to them so they can pass
from theory to reality to the glory of God! Thank you once
again for the process!
