Democracy is like love. It only works when everyone has a voice. ~ Carol Gilligan
Express yourself. You only live once. ~ Megan Rapinoe, American soccer star
Following the 9/11 terrorist attack, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was created. And their slogan was “If You See Something, Say Something.” Of course, it was to alert the public to be vigilant of any suspicious activities and things and report to authorities. Using that slogan of “If You See Something, Say Something,” I want to encourage you to use our Suggestion Box to share your thoughts and needs to help our church improve our product, the church of Jesus Christ. Our staff will review them carefully and respond to you thoughtfully. Here are some ideas for you to consider when using the Suggestion Box:
Worship Service: What do you like about worship and what can be improved?
Facility: [worship space, church ground, bathrooms, kitchen, Social Hall, meeting rooms, etc.] What do you see that can be improved?
Staff: [pastor, music, office, facility staff, etc.] How can we better serve you?
Program: [new ideas, Coffee Hour, Sunday School, VBS, Holy Walkamolies, Children and Youth Program, summer program, etc.]
Mission Outreach opportunities
In addition, the Suggestion Card has a “Prayer Request” for you to write your prayer needs. Our staff will pray together for your prayer needs and follow up with you if you need pastoral care.
I am a practitioner of Nonviolent Communication (abbreviated NVC, also called compassionate communication or collaborative communication). NVC is an approach to communication based on principles of nonviolence developed by Marshall Rosenberg. One of the founding principles of Nonviolent Communication is that when people don’t get their needs met, it leads to violence: violence to oneself(festering resentments that can lead to psychosomatic symptoms and even disorders) and violence to others(often in the hidden form of passive-aggressive behaviors or overt aggression).
As a result, the greatest contribution an individual can make to the community is taking responsibility for one’s needs. If everyone takes responsibility for addressing one’s needs, it increases the feeling of trust and safety in the community. Other people are not mind readers. This will require people learning to set healthy boundaries and communicate their needs. The world is a better place when people can communicate clearly, connect deeply, and interact safely together. Utilizing the Suggestion Box prayerfully and thoughtfully is a start.
Speak the truth in love. ~ Ephesians 4:15
All in the service of Christ,
John
