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.
Members felt that one of our greatest resources is our church that offers 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 was a valuable resource we have. 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
6261 is one option that our council is considering. 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. 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.
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