News

Dear Village Church,

This past Sunday, our congregation came together for an extremely important congregational meeting where we voted to undertake a $4m capital campaign to Empower the Future. Thank you to all who were present and participated so very thoughtfully and prayerfully as Moderator Joe Morray led us through our congregational process of discussion, discernment and vote. The outcome was to undertake a $4M “Empowering the Future” capital campaign to replace our HVAC with a Geothermal system, and fund a Children and Youth Reserve, Property Reserve, the Greening of Weston Campus, and Outreach including Village Table.

It’s a high and holy undertaking. While the vote was clear, it was not unanimous, and that is faithful. Both alternatives were strong and well-researched options for what was comprehensively right for our church at this time, and every vote was a faithful vote. Please read the attached letter from long-time member Craig Stirrat, who reflects with gratitude on the sentiment of the meeting.  (ATTACHED HERE >)

After much was said (!) and all was done, we stood together in unanimous affirmation of our identity as faithful members of Village Church. With permission, I share the following reflection:

Hi Sarah,

I just wanted to thank you for what you said at the end of yesterday’s meeting. You said you closed your eyes, wishing it could be unanimous and not wanting to know how folks voted. Then it’s what you said next…..about it being united God’s love, better together than alone, and more. I was feeling sad and frustrated that even at church we have an “us vs them” situation. And then you spoke. Thank you. I was really touched that when it passed there was no applause or “rubbing it in”, only hugs and smiles and passing the peace. It was at that moment that I felt the difference between our church and the feeling in our country.

Not sure how the country will get through the next four years but I am sure how we as church will fare……love filled, peace passing, and transcending all “human” things for God’s love.

Love,

Jan

As we transition now from the research, discernment and decision phase to project implementation and fund-raising, Lean into one another. Love one another. Enjoy the blessing of BE-ing church together.

But first, Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May Sunday be filled with the joy of a church family gathered for worship, followed by the Harvest Fest potluck. Then, all week long, may your hearts and homes be filled with gratitude for all good gifts that come from God.

Beloved church, I am grateful for YOU!

Sarah

Rev. Dr. Sarah Sarchet Butter, Senior Pastor
November 20, 2024

Sunday, November 17, following 10 AM Worship

Our mission: What God has called us to do

With open hearts and minds, Village Church welcomes the curious, the seeker, and the sure at every stage of life. Guided by the love of Jesus, our growing congregation shares in inspiring worship, inclusive community, and intentional service. We are continually transformed by following Jesus’ example that in giving we receive, in feeding we are fed, and in loving, we are loved. Our intergenerational ministries deepen our faith and compel our service. Together we are called to pursue justice and joy for all people and to care passionately about God’s creation and the shared health of our world. Energized by the Holy Spirit, we joyfully live into our future together.

Call to CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

November 17th, following 10 AM Worship. Childcare & lunch available in Family Worship Room

All present in person or by zoom will be invited to participate in the discussion, and all members will be invited to vote on motion one, and vote on one of the following motions (motion two or motion three):

Motion links:

• Motion One: Approve Capital Appeal
• Motion Two: Approve Geothermal HVAC Alternative
• Motion Three: Approve Heat Pump: Natural Gas HVAC Alternative

Please keep our mission statement, the options before us, and our collective discernment in your prayers and plan to be part of the meeting on Sunday.

Thank you,

Village Church Moderators and Council

To review a revised copy of the “Empowering Our Future” presentation, please click here.