September 2026
Pastor Pedalings
Recently, I was blessed to go to a Center for Pastoral Effectiveness retreat in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The three-day retreat was excellent as always and a bit exhausting. When I got home late Thursday night, I went to bed and I think I could have slept through the weekend.
The Center retreats basically bless us clergy types with time to decompress when we share with one another what’s going on in our ministry settings, ask questions and offer words of encouragement. Centers occasionally have speakers (this one did), which gives us the opportunity to glean some marvelous information I believe will benefit our churches in time (I need to read his book, first).
The person who spoke to us is Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America Rev. Doug Hill, who serves in the Denver area. His leadership has touched several ELCA churches. I got the impression Doug believes in the healing principles that guide his leadership and the ministry of the places he’s served so much, he’s written a book entitled Cultural Architecture: A Path to Creating Vitalized Congregations. As I was looking up the title, I found out it apparently arrived in my mailbox today, so I probably better go to the post office here in a bit.
His presentation was pretty fast paced because he had limited time to visit with us. As he was presenting, my mind wandered to the work of small groups. Small groups are a central part of the work he facilitates in places he’s served. Those small groups are groups I would love to see our churches initiate because invariably they nurture church growth.
Even John Wesley found that out. In his day, he called small groups classes and bands. Bands usually were composed of two or three people (wherever two or more are gathered, Jesus is among them), and the classes were composed of upwards of 12 or so people (12 tribes of Israel, 12 disciples, etc.) One difference Doug noted is that once a group hits its maximum size, they stay together but no longer bring in new members to the group. Instead, a new group starts.
In places I’ve served, I’ve trained lay people to facilitate small groups like these. Sometimes these groups can be used as personal studies, sometimes they are more akin to support groups (such as addiction support or cancer support), sometimes they can be hobby groups (model trains), interest groups (cooking) or fitness groups (walking, biking, hiking). Depending on the group, people learn to love themselves, appreciate others in the group and explore their love of God). Groups can be done at community locations, in people’s homes, in the church or even local coffee shops. I think the most important conversation piece that happens, however, is when people share “how is it with your soul?” or more modernly asked, “How are you doing in your relationship with God.” And how is it with your soul should always be kept private.
I would love to know if folks have an interest in facilitating groups like these, so please call, text or email me if you are interested.
Oh. And one other thing. Anytime you see something posted on the church’s Facebook page – a flier, announcement or video – please remember to Like, Comment, and Share it. Not only does doing so boost the algorithms for each church, it is one of the easiest forms of evangelism in our busy world. Please remember: Like, Comment, Share.
Until next time, just keep pedaling. Shalom, Pastor Mark
FRONTENAC NEWS
DATES TO REMEMBER
Sept 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 30 – 9:30 Ladies Exercise
Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 10:00 Oakview Bible Study
4:00 Bible Study of John in the library at FUMC
Sept 28 5:15 Administrative Board Meeting
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Sept 1 Julie Lillich
Sept 1 Uealene Pingree Sept 18 Lakin Albright
Sept 4 Mike Marvel Sept 19 Don Terdin
Sept 5 Kathy Southard Sept 21 Mike Emerson
Sept 9 Caleb Nutt Sept 28 Andy Albright
Sept 10 Madison Stotts Sept 29 Hunter Casey
Sept 16 Carol Williamson Sept 30 Chris Faucett
Sept 17 Sunny Zafuta Sept 30 Michael Creel
CHARGE CONFERENCE HELD ON AUGUST 16, 2026
The Charge conference was held at Frontenac United Methodist Church on August 16 for the purpose of dissolving the Kids First Day Care. The board took the official vote to do so with their vote at the meeting. The daycare is officially closed following all designated procedures according to the bylaws.
JOHN WILLIAMSON HAS RESIGNED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
John Williamson submitted an official letter of resignation as chairman of the church board. He made the announcement at the Charge Conference that was held on August 16th that his resignation would be effective on August 17, 2026. Our board will be reorganizing and a new chairman will be appointed.