God is creating new avenues for ministry at Foothill

A few weeks ago, Kreig & Karen Ecklund emailed news that they were reaching

the end of the funds that we last sent for the medical care of Liberians with whom they are working. In my reply, I expressed my pleasure about how Godbrought this ministry to us by surprise. Kreig then replied,"Yes, we too are excited at how God has created a new avenue for ministry and a new dimension to our partnership with Foothill. It's been exciting to see how this "side" ministry has taken offand how new resources have come in from unexpected sources." The new resources that Kreig referred to were some funds that our gift inspired people at Mercy Shipsto give.

As many of you have heard, we will be taking another Love Offering on September6th to replenish the fund.

On September 20th, we'll be introducing you to a pastoral couple, Revs. Jin and Mi Su Kim who will be planting a new congregation on Foothill's campus this fall whichwill minister to Korean immigrants. Our first contact with them was one of those God-moments, a providential encounter between Jin Kim and Marian and Stan Ecklund while they were all stopped for a water break while on bike rides up Stevens Creek canyon. We have since gotten to know them and their vision for ministry andthe Deacons and Executive Committee are recommending that we provide space forthem to plant a new church on our campus. You will have the chance to meet them and hear them preach on September 20th. We'll also be taking a love offering tohelp launch their church.

In addition, Indoor Park which became Outdoor Park this summer will be movingback inside in October. They weren't sure whether or not they should restart, but as they ended last Spring, some neighborhood moms asked that we offer Indoor Parkagain.

What else might God have in mind this Fall?

A follow up from our recent congregational meeting

Dear Friends,

About ten days ago, the majority of the members present (21 to 18) at our CongregationalMeeting voted to approve the proposed Leadership Team-model Constitution and Bylaws.This majority did not reach the required 2/3 (26) for passage of amendments according to ourcurrent Constitution. Therefore we will continue to operate within the scope of the currentChurch Board-model Constitution and Bylaws. However we are not compliant

with those Bylaws.

As a congregation, we must decide how to move forward. On Sunday afternoon, September27th, at 4:30 PM, we'll gather in the Fireside Room to discuss where we go from here. Your leadership heard several possible directions articulated by the congregation over the past several months: delay any change until new pastoral leadership is on board. (This was accomplished by the vote of the congregation) or update and revise the current Constitution and Bylaws to be more in line with our current practices and procedures. To do the latter would require assembling a new constitutional revision team. Consider serving in this way.

Because your feedback on this matter is so crucial, we need clear, unambiguous guidancefrom the congregation as to next steps. Please join us as we continue this journey together ina spirit of openness and communication. All, both members and regular attenders, are welcome to discuss the issues and recommend a path forward.

Thanks,

Brian Smith, Church Chair on behalf of the Executive Committee

Update on the Transition Team: The Transition Team had its first meeting lead by Rev. Alan Forsman, Leadership and Congregational Coach for the Pacific Southwest Conference, on Thursday, August 27th. Themembers of the team include Mark Liedstrand, Marilyn Smith, Kevin Cory, Brenda Brown,Hans Jagow, Andres Pech, Ginny Carlson, and Marian Ecklund. These individuals were asked to serve in this capacity because they represent a cross section of the congregation.The opening meeting was an orientation to the process ahead. Details of the meeting will appear on the "Transition" page of Foothill's website: www.foothillcov.org/transition.