This quote
is attributed to the late Gracie Allen, the vaudeville performer,
comedienne, and wife of the late George Burns. Allen's remark wasn't
made as part of her comedy routine, but is still one of her best
remembered lines. The United Church of Christ has chosen to use this
quote as one of the taglines of its Still Speaking Initiative. Perhaps
you have seen the red and black posters around the church, or on banners
outside other UCC churches in the area. For those who haven't heard
about it, The Still Speaking Initiative is designed to:
-
Speak to the alienated and those seeking a spiritual
home
-
Let the world know that there is a church unlike any
they may have known
-
Invite people to come . . . and let them know that "No
matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are
welcome here."
-
Raise the knowledge and pride of members
-
Embrace
a common brand and theme so we are instantly recognizable:
God is still speaking
If this sounds like an
advertising or marketing campaign, that is not entirely off the mark,
but only begins to explain the intent of the program. The Initiative is
aimed at reaching the large unchurched population in our cities and
towns today. You might find it interesting to note that 87% of
Americans feel that religion is important, but only 42% of U.S.
Christians attend worship services regularly. Still Speaking hopes to
draw in folks (via advertising) who are seeking a church, and through a
program of intentional hospitality and follow-up,
help them find a spiritual home in a UCC church. Ultimately it is hoped
that newcomers and church members alike will draw into a deeper
relationship with Jesus Christ, and will carry out his work in
the world.
A rather unique aspect of the Still Speaking Initiative
has been the commercials that aired during Advent. You may have seen
them, or perhaps you just heard about the controversy surrounding them
(CBS and NBC refused to air them). The commercials attempt to
illustrate that Jesus Christ didn't exclude people from his ministry,
and neither does the UCC. New commercials may air during the month of
March. Some people like the commercials, and some don't like them at
all, but it should be noted that they are just one aspect of the
Initiative.
At its meeting in December 2004, the Cabinet of First
Church decided to join more than half the churches in the Massachusetts
Conference of the UCC, and “opt in” to the Still Speaking Initiative. On
Saturday, February 12, five members of First Church attended a workshop
in Marlborough which was sponsored by the Still Speaking Initiative.
Rev. Paul Nickerson of the Mass Conference of the UCC, who has been
working with the Catching the Wind team, led the workshop on Invitation,
Hospitality, and Follow –Up. Many interesting ideas and “best
practices", used by other churches were discussed, and an action plan
for First Church in Swampscott began to take shape.
During the coming months , we hope to find ways to make
First Church more welcoming and more hospitable, and a place where
people can grow in their faith. Our boards and committees might be
thinking about ways to do things differently. Our small group dedicated
to Still Speaking (see below) welcomes additional members, and in order
to be successful, needs the support of the entire church family. As we
continue o n this journey as a family of faith, we hope you feel as
though God is still speaking …to YOU!
Sincerely,
Sue Burgess, Janet Fischer, Joan and Warren Sawyer, and
Dan Smythe
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