Small Group Time with your Church Officers
Greetings Church Family,
In a recent correspondence from your Session of Elders, members were informed that a series of small group meetings, or what we are calling Listening Sessions, would be scheduled. The purpose of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for congregants to share reactions, express feelings and thoughts, and ask questions about the recent transition of our pastor. Simply stated, it will be much like a church family meeting, which will be a time for us to listen to one another and process what has transpired.
The four dates below have been selected for the initial Listening Sessions:
September 8 @ 2:00 pm
September 22 @ 5:00 pm
September 29 @ 2:00 pm
October 6 @ 5:00 pm
On each of the dates, there will be 4-7 groups meeting simultaneously at the church. These Listening Sessions will last for approximately one hour, all with the same format. There will be 2 or 3 elders facilitating each of the groups, which will be limited to 10 or less congregants. Please understand that no decisions will be made at these meetings. Your Session of Elders will be there for the sole purpose of listening to you.
Please rest assured that we are devoted to providing a constructive and safe place to share, so that you will be considered and heard. There will be clear group guidelines that all participants will be asked to follow. follow. If childcare is needed for any of the meetings, please notify the church office at least two church business days in advance (Wednesday prior to the Sunday meeting). These Listening Sessions are but one step in fostering a time of healing and offering a healthy way forward as we live out our mission here at First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, “As a community being made whole by God, we love, serve, and grow through Jesus.”
We will keep praying for you. Please pray for us as we seek ways to support you, bringing us all closer to our Lord and each other. May God bless us all, His children, with His bountiful grace and wisdom during this time.
Yours in Christ,
Session of Elders: Ann Abel, Catherine Bell, Aaron Brooks, Jackie Burt, Barb Duncan, Ron Fox, Fred Harkleroad, Peggy Hill, Alison Meredith, Matt Peltier, Deidre Pendley, Rush Powers, Charlie Taylor, John Vann, Charles Webb, Anna Booher