Pastor’s Note
Of prayer requests and picnics…
“My aunt is having surgery in Dallas next week and I want to ask people to pray for her….” “I wanted to announce that I am having a picnic for families who live in the five points area….” “I am a prayer warrior and want to know all the prayer needs of the church….” “One of our missionaries is in urgent need of Bibles….” “I am having a gathering at my house for anyone who wants to know how to cross-stich….”
When Vision 2020 was communicated to the congregation we indicated that a system to inform members of the church of specific prayer requests and general announcements would be developed. That is now a reality. Click here for instructions on the “how to’s” with regard to the system, but suffice to say it is an easy to use module within our already existing tower communication system. The tower, as you may or may not know, is our “members only” area of web communication where Southwood members and friends can exchange vital information, send secure e-mail and participate in various groups within the church.
To use the prayer request area members will follow a few simple steps and then anyone will be able send a prayer request to all members of the church on the distribution list. These are opt-in lists on the Tower which means you only get prayer requests and emails if you ask for them. We do not send the notifications to each and every member unless each and every member goes onto the Tower and requests to be on the list. We want members to want the email, not be peppered with spam from their church. Additionally, when you sign-up to be on a particular distribution list you can determine how frequently you will be notified of new requests. The announcement distribution list will work in a parallel fashion. Members who want to receive public “I just wanted everyone to know” kinds of announcements will opt-in to that distribution list and be kept in the loop!
Any member of the Tower will be able to send out prayer requests and announcements to each distribution list as often as they like. One simple reminder— often less is more. If you are attempting to encourage people to pray or to get interested in your event then a plethora of emails may actually be counter productive. If members begin receiving “too many” duplicate requests and reminders then our experience shows that they are likely to mark all emails from the distribution list as spam and ignore them. Each entry, whether it is a prayer request or announcement will reflect your authorship personally so we’re counting on your good judgment in using this tool!
This new tool is simply that, a tool. It is not a substitute for good ole’ fashioned face to face, let’s have a cup of coffee, talk and pray for each other. It is designed to allow us to use technology to help facilitate our goal of communication and community. We must pray for one another and this tool gives you a way of finding out prayer requests that are broader than your small group, but it is not a substitute for personal connection. We are also excited that this will give many people who are serving in scattered ministries throughout the city the opportunity to let others know about opportunities and needs that they might otherwise not be aware of. We still must connect with one another personally and this tool will hopefully help facilitate that connection with others in the broader Southwood community.
As with all new things there will be a learning curve and some hiccups. Your church staff is available to help you. Encourage others to get online, get on the tower and participate. This system will only be as successful as the number of subscribers and participants.
Finally, please remember to keep our church in your prayers during this important time of reevaluation and reconsideration. We are seeking God’s leading as we clarify our commitment to our stated vision, mission, theological emphases and leadership. The Session is meeting regularly, praying and working toward a unified resolve that will serve as a roadmap for moving forward. Regardless of your desire to receive electronic prayer requests please know that there is an open invitation for you to pray with your elders every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. prior to worship in the conference room.