Reflecting on these past months and looking toward the next quarter, I have to admit: it was difficult for me to capture and share the ways that our community is coming alive in a short pastoral update, but I did my best! From our new worship podcast to this Sunday’s guest preacher and book talk with Jeremy Steele, to upcoming event with chart-topping Christian drag artist, Flamy Grant, in partnership with our friends at Manny’s Community Center, we are finding ways to help others wonder and encounter God’s invitation to wholeness of life. I am filled with gratitude and, as you read through this update, I hope you will be too! Below are some important updates to help keep you informed about all that is happening in our midst:

Key Conversations

Our Elder Board gathered for their annual winter retreat. Our discussion focused on:

• What is our philosophy of fundraising and stewardship?
  We identified needs for better teaching about financial giving as an act of worship and sign of gratitude for God's provision, and as resistance to cultural money values as they shape our relationships.

• What do we mean by “inclusive”?
  10 years ago, we made a commitment to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ folks and marginalized populations. Even as this remains true, we're focusing on building a culture of walking alongside one another as we learn and grow in faith. The City Classes Formula of Agreement has been a valuable resource in this.

• Discerning Our Public Witness
  This newly-formed team will discern how to embody our responsibility for public witness to gospel-shaped justice through statements, direct action, and advocacy. For more information, contact our elders Henry Roark and Sarah Dahl via elders@citychurchsf.org.

Financial Update

Our annual pledge campaign concluded with: 

• 86 pledges, totaling $999k (52.5% 0f $1.9M)

• 39% from member households (23% of member households gift without pledging)

• 34 from non-members

Giving has tracked slightly below spending, partly due to the vacant Associate Pastor position and staff stewardship. Our pledge goal exceeded our $1.7M budget to rebuild reserves. We're currently on track to meet budget needs. Make a pledge or give a gift.

Reflecting on our Vision

Last month, we began our winter congregational gathering to reflect on our vision together and learn about what is happening in the various corners of our community. Much of what came up aligned with our elder discussions – a great sign! We began with a "world cafe" discussion process, reflecting on key areas of our vision:

• How do we long to see the Holy Spirit move in our midst?
  Members expressed desires for courage, boldness, hospitality, and unity amidst diverse experiences.

• How do we desire to participate in God’s activity at City Church?
  Several areas emerged: exploring kid-centered Sunday worship, strengthening community groups and weekday connections, emphasizing prayer, and building external partnerships for service.

• How have we experienced God’s transformative love?
  Folks highlighted mutual care, welcoming children and visitors, building relationships across differences, intentional language, and support through City Hope partnerships. Personal transformations included journeys of sobriety, healing from grief and shame, spiritual resilience, and growth through involvement with our ministries.

• How are we living into our commitment to Jesus-centered community?
  Our inclusion commitment, hospitality, scripture focus, and shared meals were recognized, along with service through City Hope and Open Door Legal partnerships. Many expressed desire for more concrete action, including stronger advocacy and activism, interfaith partnerships, increased volunteerism, and an emphasis on greater financial generosity to support God's work in our church.

Leadership Updates

Staffing

• We are hiring for a Children’s Ministry Associate. Please share the position description widely!
• We are welcoming Kaylee Danc as our Student Ministries Associate in June! Please pray for her as she finishes up at Westmont College, and for our students as they flourish under her leadership.
• Our search for an Associate Pastor for Community Life remains open.

Developing Leaders
One aspect of our vision is to cultivate and develop a network of leaders that will help to transform the broader church. We are moving toward this in two ways:

• Elder Nominations are officially open! If you are member of City Church you should have received an email with information about nominations.

• Pastoral Intern. Nigel Tan, a community member and M.Div. student, will join as a pastoral intern for worship beginning this fall. 

• Pastoral Resident. We are also currently in conversation with a candidate to serve as a Pastoral Resident to dive deeper into learning and preparation for ministry. Stay tuned for more information!

Lenten Journey: Attuned to the Holy Spirit

• Disciplines of the Spirit: A 5-week study exploring commitment, wisdom growth, suffering, prayer, and reconciliation.

• Resonance: A mid-week sacred space for worship & creative contemplation. 

• Holy Week: Journey with Jesus through the last week of his life.

  • Maundy Thursday: Evening community meal at Russian Center (brunch church format)

  • Good Friday: Noon service at Russian Center

  • Holy Saturday: Lantern walk up Mt. Davidson, joining the disciples; uncertainty and journeying together in darkness.

  • Easter Sunday: Gathering at Golden Gate Park bandshell to celebrate the power of God’s transformative love to fuel imagination and courage!

As we journey through Lent, I invite you to join us on Sundays (your presence matters!) and participate in these practices designed to open your heart, your mind, and imagination to the ways that the Spirit is calling us to deeper connection with God, with one another, and with ourselves. It’s my prayer that, as the Spirit continues to move among us, it might overflow and spill out in life-giving ways, bringing unexpected joy and hope to every corner of this beloved city we call home.

Faithfully,

Pastor Emily