CRR Transition Team

We have a called Intentional Interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Marvin Morgan, and are in the process of clarifying who we are:

• where we’ve been,
• who we are now, and
• how and where we believe God is calling us as we listen toward our future in Sedona and the Greater Verde Valley area.
• There is a Transition Team in place ... six members of the congregation who are leading the congregation through the Intentional Interim Ministry Process, engaging the congregation in questions of our heritage, connections, leadership, mission and future.  The team is helping the congregation identify the values, strengths, assumptions, challenges and hopes of this people called Church of the Red Rocks United Church of Christ.

Why People Choose Church of the Red Rocks Summary
~ People - warm and friendly, caring for each other, sincere, Ginger was so welcoming
~ Views
~ Music and Musical Activities
~ Activities offered – mission, strong social presence, social, spiritual, Monday Suppers
~ Pastor – preaching and visiting people at their homes
~ Spiritual Enrichment
~ Presence of the Holy Spirit
~ The church was fresh, different
~ Could be myself, didn’t need to hide who I am
~ Many options for nonmembers to participate in the life of the church
~ Loved the name of the church

Ways People Feel Connected Summary
Relational
~ Group activities in and outside the church – very long list of a wide range of activities
~ Interpersonal relationships – including visitors and shepherds
~ Open and Affirming
~ Eating together – coffee hour, potlucks and picnics and Monday Suppers
~ Being cared for and supported in difficult times and feeling alone - both physically and spiritually
~ Being honestly known, freedom to be self without repercussions
~ Sense of family – connected
~ Being welcomed – friendly, Ruth Wheaten, being an Ambassador of the church
~ Sharing interests and life experiences
~ Receiving cards – “I am not forgotten and am missed”
~ Pastor sharing personal stories
~ Expanded inclusiveness – lots of -isms in our community
~ Church is about dialog – “Stay curious and be kind”

Worship
~ Music, Bells, supporting greater music community
~ Participation in worship through choir, bells, reading scripture, serving communion
~ Discussion based worship
~ Through sermons and scripture in worship and presence of the Holy Spirit, hearing current events and things that relate to the youth, preach Jesus but don’t judge
~ Worship - alternative styles and types of music, collaborative ~ in both worship and music
~ Traditions – seasonal
~ UCC denomination – less structure, rituals, creeds
~ Participation in worship through choir, bells, reading scripture, serving communion

Spiritual
~ Prayer and study
~ Sharing their gifts~ Seen as a Child of God where each person is sacred~

Outreach
~ Connecting with the outside community – mission and outreach
~ Transportation assistance
~ Serving others
~ Communications – paper calendars, Transition Team

Involvement
~ Serving on committees and ministry teams
~ Technology – Zoom meetings, streaming services
~ When involved especially doing things for the church

Acceptance
Community
Caring
Shared Faith
Concern for Others
Inclusive
Kind
Curious
Rebirth/New Life
Scripture Based
Love in Action
Hospitality
Social Action
Presence of Holy Spirit
Grace of God
Sense of Belonging
Open Mindedness
Sharing Joy
Cheers & Tears
Expressions of Faith
Diversity
Fun
Welcoming
FOOD
Living Word
Forgiveness
Redemptive Love
Relational
Being Heard and Known
Having Peeps