That we expand our programs of outreach and ministry, with a global and local scope

That our church will find the strength, leadership, and grace to grow and thrive during Haywood’s retirement transition

That we continue our strong outreach mission

That we continue our wonderful education program for children and adults

That we increase our diversity within our church family

That we thrive and grow particularly in terms of ministering to the community through various organizations

That we undertake a challenging and exciting pastoral transition

That the church leadership will lead us in modeling humility to other churches and denominations

That the commitments to quality music and topnotch Christian education continue

That it prepares its members for spiritual experiences in the secular world

That it will strengthen the faith of all people in the love of Jesus the Christ

That it will grow, evolve, and lead the congregation forward in a positive and joyful light

That community service and outreach will always be a focus here

That she will grow while keeping the ‘small church’ atmosphere

That we will be a vibrant community of believers with the resources to reach out with time and money to our neighbors in Durham, in North Carolina, and in the world while maintaining the ‘small church’ feel.

That it will offer classes, activities, and opportunities of a large church and always feel like a small church

That we grow and reach out to our community and reach in to our members

That we serve God and the community

That we grow as a community that serves its neighbors and world, even as we struggle and celebrate changing leadership

That we strive for inclusiveness

That we exhibit life as a community known for its acceptance, tolerance, love, and generosity

That our congregation grows in numbers, while maintaining this special culture of sharing and fellowship that we know

That we would be an accepting congregation of all people, including all races, sexual orientation, etc.

That we enjoy strong leadership from our pastoral staff

That we emphasize local and global missions, including current initiatives as well as new ones that will allow members to participate, not just by writing a check, but by using our time and talents to make a difference in all our lives

That we offer a youth program that allows their participation in our missions

That we focus on outreach by training youth to work

That we keep building Habitat houses and other community supports

That it provides a place for my children to call home

That is provides the sense of spirituality that infuses me with hope and God’s love

That we have enthusiasm for helping others

That we spread the joy of God, God’s gifts, and God’s blessings to the Durham community and the world.  This is possible through our commitment to service.

That after Haywood and the staff retire, the church remains as energetic and relevant in service to God as it is today – maybe even more!

That we feel like a family together

That we are fair to all, across race, gender, and sexual orientation, within our congregation

That we will be as vibrant and lively, as giving of time, talent, and possessions as it is today.  Westminster GIVES!

That we will always be a place where little ones really want to come like they seem to now!

That more people will come

That we listen carefully and grow spiritually in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.  Then the rest will follow.

That we remain a strong congregation during the transition when Haywood retires

That we keep on growing and still being a family.  Keep on growing in faith.

That we worship meaningfully and make a positive difference in the community 

That we will be able to avoid most of the difficulty that many congregations have with pastoral transitions 

That we will have a successful transition after Haywood retires 

That we will serve the needy in this community and the world 

That we reach out to those in need 

That we are  a welcoming place for people to worship, serve, and enjoy fellowship together 

That we attract an inflow of gifted and energetic pastors, parishioners, and sinners looking for a loving and caring home

 That we are an even warmer church to new members.  Sometimes they don’t feel noticed by long time members

 That we are led toward lives that are ever more centered on Christ.  This will mean that we are not only ‘led’ by our ministers but that we, in turn, will ‘lead’ in our homes and our community.  “Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

 That we serve, flourish, and offer sanctuary to the community of Durham and beyond.

 That we grow as a family of faith, in numbers, yes, but more importantly, in knowledge of the Bible, theology, and God’s will for us

 That we will be a spiritual home for young families in this community

 That the same sense of community, acceptance, and mission persists after a change in leadership.  (I am really dreading this!)

 That all members and visitors can find a calling here to help all God’s children

 That we will be as progressive and socially conscious after Haywood retires

 That we will put a lot more emphasis on the Bible and Christian education of our middle and high school students

 That there will be more emphasis on Sunday School from our pastors

 That we do what the Lord requires of us – to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God

 That we will become a spirit filled church, turning the “Glory” away from ourselves and Westminster and give it to God.

 That we expand our community outreach programs of IHN, soup kitchen, and New Hope for Housing.  Westminster Church has become known as a beacon of hope.  We must not lose sight of whose honor and glory this work is being done for.

 That we offer Bible Study and Christian education

 That we continually seek God’s will and worship Him with a glad spirit.  Translation: “Read your Bible and do what it says.”

 That we are excellent in all aspects of being a church community –  a large congregation with a small church feel.

 That we get our hands dirtier in Durham.  Money is good, but I need to sweat more in helping.

 That we are a home to any and all who come searching or believing. 

 That we may survive the trauma that is to come with the need to select a new senior pastor and enable a smooth transition

 That we reach out to others and spread the Kingdom.

That we minister to all.

 That we grow as a congregation in Christian outreach.

 That we make more money

 That we love and serve good fellowship for not only our members butthe community as well.

 That we continue to support the School for Young Children, Sunday School, and our many clubs and organizations and that we grow creatively in those areas.  Have more inreach, for this goes hand in hand with outreach, and our care for each other as a community is good but not great.

 That we offer a more conservative theology with continued in-reach and outreach to a greater spectrum of ages, race, and sex.

That we are a beacon of hope for the less fortunate

 That we make the ministerial transition farther into the future than we think we will, and that we make it smoothly when we do

 That it will help me understand the life and message of Jesus Christ

 That we grow and change, reaching out and embracing others in the community as well as support one another in our church

 That we always have a wide variety of age groups and activities.  That we’ll have a small church feel no matter how large we are.

 That Westminster will be a place where every person can find a way to respond to his or her calling and use his or her gifts.

 That we will become as good at inreach to our congregation as we are at outreach.

 That when the time comes for Haywood’s retirement, we find a new ministerial team that has the same community commitment that the current team has.

 That we expand our work in the local community even beyond what we already do

 That we are a family that loves and cares for each other, that can get through difficult times with respect for our differences, and that our response to those that need our help will always be gracious and generous.

 That we would offer Saturday evening worship service!

 That we become a community of warmth that transcends class and race

 That we become more joyful during worship service and afterwards

 That we offer positive youth programs and outreach and active ministries

 That we always serve as is our tradition – with love, justice, and care for all

 That we are a place where people meet God and are nurtured and disciplined in their faith

 That we will be able to accomplish all that we want to.

 That the people continue to grow in Borg’s paradigm of emerging Christianity

 That is will always have the same fun and loving environment it has given me.

 That everyone will come to worship service.

 That we follow Micah 6:8 and remember to include me by nurturing my Christian upbringing as well as that of others.