A vision statement serves as a roadmap.   It guides us so that we may reach our appointed destination.     Oak Ridge UMC's Vision Statement includes five (5) specific components.   Five specific areas in which we believe God has called us and gifted/resourced us in the making followers of Jesus Christ.    The very first of these five vision components is: INSPIRING WORSHIP. 

Worship is the lifeblood of Christians.    It is that for which we were created - - to give praise and honor to God.     Worship is the one thing we do on earth that we will do forever.   As someone wisely states:  "Our worship is dress rehearsal for eternity."   This raises the bar for me as I consider our worship.   Therefore, I affirm we should give our very best to God as we prepare and plan for our corporate worship services. 

I give thanks for those who have and are helping us at ORUMC to better plan and prepare and pray for INSPIRING WORSHIP.  One of the current ways we are doing this is by hiring an Associate Director of Music Ministries.    Under the advisement of our Staff-Parish Relations Committee (hiring arm of the church) and the direction of our Church Council we soon hope to have this music staff position/person in place.    Thanks to our Music Search Committee we were able to survey our congregation as concerns music ministry needs at ORUMC.   The surveys were compiled and interpreted and from this congregational feedback our Music Search Committee put together a Music Ministry Path for both the short-term and long-term.  

We are incredibly blessed by, and thankful for, our present music ministry through staff and volunteers.  However, through the congregational survey it was overwhelmingly observed that the wish is to grow and enlarge our music ministry at worship.    This would enable more persons to share their God-given music talents and gifts through increased venues during worship services.   For example, we plan to add handbells, and more children and youth music and drama involvement.    There is also a desire to share more musical talent and personnel among our various worship services.    All this will help strengthen and increase INSPIRING WORSHIP of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.   

During the month of July persons will be interviewed and auditioned for the position of Associate Director of Music Ministries at ORUMC.  Please be in prayer for all involved in this process so that the very best selection may be made for this corner of Christ's church.