Why An Annual Meeting?

When we gather this Sunday for our annual meeting, we will be taking part in a long Christian tradition dating back to the very beginning. You might think that the Book of Acts is a record of the apostles ministry after the resurrection, or the story of the birth of the Church, or the story of Paul’s conversion and ministry to the Gentiles. And sure, those things are all in there - but it is REALLY about annual meetings (okay maybe not just that).

Consider the decisions made at meetings in the book of Acts: the election of a new disciple, the first stewardship ingathering, the first church discipline, the election of Deacons to leadership, important decisions about what it means to be a Christian, what you can eat, how we worship, and how we live together. All came about because of… meetings.

In Memorial’s own life, Annual meetings have marked significant moments in our common life. In 2021, we committed to a five year reparations initiative, in 2018 (and 19 and 22 and 23) our youth voted for a zip line in the Church. We welcome new members, set priorities, affirm our leaders, and vote on changes large and small.

I don’t know if Sunday’s meeting will be as exciting as some of those first meetings in the book of Acts, but it is important work in the life of the Church. I am looking forward to it and looking forward to seeing you all there as well.