One of the keys to an effective congregation ministry is communication. Human communication is often very complex. Researchers tell us that we need to be communicated to up to 7 times before we will effectively remember something. One of the reasons we have brought back the newsletter recently is to do a better job of this kind of communication of things that are going to be happening in the parish. I am constantly learning more a better ways of communicating. And this is where I need your help in two areas.

1. If you are your committee/group is planning an activity that others need to know about, please do advance planning. We cannot expect people to attend if they have only heard about the activity the Sunday before. Ideally, this means that planning should be completed by the 20th of the month before so that it can be put in the newsletter. Articles for the newsletter can be emailed to secimmanuel@rcom-ne.net, or mailed to 404 Medina, Bertrand, dropped of in the plastic pocket on the office door, or phoned into 472-3310. From there, Niki and I will take it to get it into the newsletter, website and bulletins.

2. One of the things that I have struggled with since beginning my service with you is being informed as to what is going on with people. Never having been a non-resident Pastor before, I assumed that things would work themselves out. Too often I experience someone saying, “Pastor did you know…” I realize the burden I put on you by not living in the community and not being a full-time Pastor. I am not at many of the events that would be times to communicate these things. So again, I need your help. If you know of an illness or injury or an important event that has happened in the lives of someone in the parish, in the community, or even someone related or friends with someone in the community, please let me know. You may email me at gpanko@atcjet.net which is the email I check every day even when I am out of town; or call me at 991-8322. If I am home, I program my cell phone to roll the call over to my home phone. That way, if I am in my basement office where I don’t have cell service, I still get the call.

I realize that this is asking more of you than in the past, but by doing this, I feel we will better increase our communication and my ability to be a little more effective as your Pastor. I realize nothing is perfect and some things will fall through the cracks, but we will keep working at growing in our ability to communicate.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Gary Panko

Communion is by continuous line at Immanuel (if you are able) and at the rail at Adullam (if you are able). Wine or grape juice is available. Small children and infants who commune should be assisted by adults with them. Those unable to partake of the wine or wheaten bread are assured that the Church affirms our Lord's presence in, with and under each element alone.