Working Towards Greater Communication

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

“Communication is the problem to the answer.”
This is one of my favorite lines from a song by 10cc. What exactly it means, I’m not sure. But I think that’s the point.

Communication is vitally important for a community. This fact crosses the lines between couples and families, businesses and organizations, schools and churches. Good communication can help, while poor communication can hinder, the community’s growth.

Here at First Presbyterian Church Santa Ana we are seeking to improve lines of communication by launching a new tool called “Pastor’s E-Share.” Once a week an email message will come from my personal email address to members, friends and staff of the congregation who wish to receive it. This message will include the following information:

1. a verse of the week;
2. a short list of “Church Members of the Week for Prayer;”
3. announcements of upcoming special events;
4. any special prayer concerns, joys or requests; and
5. an option to “unsubscribe” if anyone wishes to do so.

The purpose of this E-share is to keep everyone in the loop. Nothing bothers me more than hearing people say, “Oh, I had planned to go to that, but it completely slipped my mind;” or “Oh, was that this week?” or “No one ever told me;” or “I had no idea she was in the hospital!” Hopefully, the E-Share will lessen these occurrences and help all of us remember.
Nothing will be shared that an individual does not wish to be published. For example, we will ask if those members on the prayer list would like to have their email address included; if they say no, we will not publish it. If someone is going into the hospital, but does not want that information shared, we will not publish it.

Our Presbytery Executive sends out a Presbytery wide E-Share every week. And once a year I am listed on the Clergy for Prayer list. During that week, I receive dozens of emails from my colleagues let me know that they are thinking of me and praying for me. It’s really neat. And I hope our congregation’s E-share will have the same effect.

If you would like to receive the Pastor’s E-Share, simply email me and ask to be put on the list. My email address is: Lance@fpcsa.org.

May God richly bless us even as He blesses others through us!

In His Love & Service,
Lance