Deep Shift Transformation Update
August 2008

Since the June report, the Healthy Church Team has begun their work together.  The team is comprised of folks from all walks of the congregation (outside of the Session and the Deacons).  The purpose of the team is to come together and prayerfully discern and define what being a 'healthy church' means for Ashland.  This is not an easy task and you are invited to encourage the team and to pray for them.

One interesting dynamic that has been an outgrowth of our transformation project is anxiety (or fear).  This was discussed by the Elders at our recent Session meeting.  A large part of the transformation process concerns opening a dialog with God, both as a congregation and as individuals, to discern what God wants us to be and to do.  This may be proving to be a challenge for some as we are so accustomed to quick answers and 'having it now'.  Unfortunately, we cannot demand that God 'do it now'.  Instead we are on His timetable and we should honor Him not only with our worship and prayer but with our patience.  Is this a cause for anxiety?  In can be, but it does not have to be.   God will answer our prayers in His good time.

The Elders remain steadfastly committed to our transformation process.  We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to have questions and concerns answered.  Please share those questions and concerns with Rev. Morgan or any Elder.  You may also mail your concern, drop off a note or send an e-mail (office@ashlandpc.org) to the Ashland office.

One final note:  you are invited to participate in the next Deep Shift transformation peer group meeting at Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church at 6200 North Charles Street (3.3 miles south of I-695) on Saturday, September 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  On that day, members from all Baltimore Presbytery churches that are engaged in transformation projects will 'cluster' together with the Deep Shift coaches for a time of training and experience sharing. Coffee and pastries will be served at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided.

Deep Shift coaches Jeff and Linnea will be guiding this Peer Day.  The opening refection will be led by special guest Dr. Tracy Radosevic who is a Biblical Story Teller.  Because there are always new people attending, there will be a brief overview of the improtance of transformation and theological framing stories to guide each congregation in its understanding and living out of its call.  Following this review, the coaches will offer a series of topics to help our church with our transformation process.  There will be time during the course of the day for questions and sharing among the people gathered.  Please consider adding your name to the sign up list in the hallway ourside of the church office.

Elder Ron Baldwin.