This summer while traveling in Scotland during my sabbatical, I used trains, ferrys, buses and taxis. I was able to take the train nearly all of the time. Each time I arrived in a train station I would first look for a map of the city streets to orient myself, and then look for the tourist information sign (white “i” on blue background) that can be found in nearly every European city. While the trains always went into or near the city center, I was often not sure which direction to head when looking for the hotel or B&B where I would spend the night. I depended on the map and on the landmarks that I passed as I tried to find my way.

On the journey of discipleship churches are not always sure which way to go. Rather than following a map or vision I have noticed that they tend to repeat the past. As a church we are blessed to have a map to guide us in our ministry so we can move forward. The map that guides us is our Vision Statement and the four goals, which have grown out of a process of congregational prayer and discernment.

This fall, we have been reading the “map” to become more familiar with the goals and to begin to think imaginatively about how to be the presence of Christ in our life together as a church and in the community and world as we put them into action. A booklet of the church vision with our four ministry goals was mailed to every household in late August. If you have not received a copy, or misplaced it you can pick up another copy at the church. During the past four Sunday’s we have focused on the four ministry goals as part of our worship service and sermons. While each goal is separate, they are interwoven together to give us a map that will keep us oriented in our ministry.

A new vitality and purpose for ministry is beginning to emerge among us as we pay attention to the map called our “Visioning Journey”. The four goals are as follows:

1. Celebrate being disciples through worship and fellowship.

2. Grow in our understanding and experience of discipleship through spiritual formation for all ages.

3. Live our discipleship through service with outreach and missions in our daily lives.

                    4. Invite others to join us in the journey of discipleship through evangelism and welcoming.

Here are a few of the ways in which the map has already guided decisions and actions in our congregation over the past half year:

May we be a blessing to God as God continues to bless us and guide us in our life together as Christ’s Church called Eden Prairie United Methodist.

Pastor Mike Miller

Mark your calendar for Sunday evening, December 4^th at 6:30 PM for a very special musical event at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church! Composer, singer and storyteller Ken Medema will be in concert sharing songs and stories and doing some great musical improvisations based on words and ideas from the audience. The concert is free, however, complimentary tickets are needed for admission. To ensure that you get the number of tickets you need, start thinking about whom you would like to invite. Ticket orders for EPUMC members will be taken through October 16^th. Ticket orders have already been very strong and we are expecting a “full house”, so order yours now! Ticket requests from the general public will be taken starting October 17^th.

If you have questions about the concert or the Music & Fine Arts Series, contact Don Prestly or Mike Miller (952-937-8781).

The Music & Fine Arts Series is a fully-funded ministry of Eden Prairie United Methodist Church, proclaiming the Good News of God’s love and hope through music and drama. There is no charge for the tickets, however, each ticket holder is being asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the PROP Christmas Tree.

Don’t miss re-connecting with Pastor Dwight Haberman on Sunday, October 23rd during worship and in a “Forum” following the second worship service. Refreshments will be provided.

Dwight was “on the staff” at Prairie Church for the years 1996, 1997 and 1998. He worked with the Prairie Pioneers, with the Evangelism Committee and led some worship. He will be bringing his wife, Debra Ricci, with him. Dwight and Debra were volunteers at Hope Secondary School in Beit Jala, West Bank, Palestine for 10 months, ending May of 2005. In addition to their work at the school they spent a great deal of time with Peace and Justice groups in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and surrounding areas and visited in the homes of students and other Palestinians. They look forward to sharing with us on October 23rd.