God has a plan for Blue Church. Follow this page as we move forward in faith with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are being transformed to be the people of God in new ways and with new partnerships.
St Paul’s council appointed an Exploration Team to learn more about the needs of our congregation and the opportunities for ministry that God is showing us. The Exploration Team met with small focus groups to identify the gifts and resources we offer and needs that could help us do ministry more effectively. The two central questions were what resources do we have available that we could share with other congregations, and what ministries could we expand or start if we can work together with other congregations in our area.
Members felt that one of our greatest resources is a large sanctuary and pipe organ. This was important because members also valued an opportunity for non-Sunday services and contemporary worship that could be facilitated in collaboration with other churches in our area. Members value our social ministry programs such as Betty Lou’s Pantry, the Ingathering and Samaritan Fund. Bible Study led by our members is a valuable resource we have to offer to other churches. A hope for the future is a vibrant youth/young adult program.
Our council is prayerfully exploring our future together with Pastor Marlene, LLM, Reverand Maryann and resources from the synod.
6261 is one option that our council is considering as part of our ministry program. 6261 is a program of the Northeast Synod of the ELCA that was prayerfully entered into to support God’s work in our communities. This program enables up to six churches to work together on a shared ministry project that benefits our community. These are projects that all six church feel drawn to work on but may not have the full resources needed within their own congregation to be successful. The churches may share two pastors and one deacon to lead the ministry team. Each church has a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) to support the congregation. Licensed Lay Ministers are trained and authorized by the bishop to serve a specific congregation. Pastor Marlene Werkheiser is our Interim LLM.
6261 communities are ecumenical. Churches that work together may not all be Lutheran churches. 6261 welcomes congregations from the UCC, Episcopal, Moravian, Methodist and Presbyterian churches to work with us as a community of faith serving our community. 6261 relies on the guidance of the Hoy Spirit and the gifts of the congregations that elect to join together to serve God through shared faith, shared ideas, a shared project and shared leadership resources. After substantial discernment by the congregation, each member of the 6261 makes a 2-year covenant to work together to bring God’s blessings to those around us. 6261 is an exciting opportunity for churches to find new ways to be the hands of Christ and to share the Good News of God’s grace for all people.
Blue Church welcomes Marlene Werkheiser, LLM as our Interim Pastor as God leads us forward in faith. Pastor Marlene provides worship planning and is our worship officiant. She also serves at St. Paul’s in Bethlehem with whom we are occasionally sharing worship and fellowship.
Blue Church welcomes the Reverand MaryAnn Hamm who serves as our Synod Designated Visitation Pastor as we move forward. Pastor MaryAnn supports our visitation program and leads us in worship one Sunday each month.
6261 : A ministry community working together in common life, ministry and mission