Greetings from the Moderator                                                    SEPTEMBER 2024

Blessings on you and for all you do in the name of Jesus Christ,
 
Friends, I hope this note finds you well and at peace with God’s grace that is given to us all. 
 
As most of the readers of the CFP Connections know, Central Florida Presbytery is coming up on a year of studying and then implementing a strategic plan.  This is how CFP wants to efficiently and joyfully perform our mission in service to God and to the children of God through the individual congregations. 
 
Ralphetta Aker, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Presbytery, supported by the Co-Interim Executive Presbyters, Olivia and Hoover Haney, has been working on our future strategic direction.  As part of that discovery Ralphetta, Olivia, and Hoover led Presbytery Council members on a well-planned discovery and ideation journey to help set our direction. 
 
The event was on Saturday, August 17; We were hosted by Washington Shores PC. I know these three had been preparing for this event for some time because they reported to the Council at the May Council meeting about the goals and the “how’s” of the event.  The goal was to develop ideas to create an even better working system and visions for CFP to assist the congregations in achieving The Great Ends of the Church. We had our three leaders, Ralphetta, Olivia, and Hoover, in attendance as well as eight Council members and all the CFP staff members (5).
 
If the day produced nothing else (and it did) just spending so much in-depth time with our colleagues in Christ was joyful. It was a great way to learn more about them as humans and Christians. 
 
An example of small-sounding but significant improvements that will have major impact is how we recruit and train volunteers for service to God to the world through the Presbytery. I suspect we will learn from the congregations and, maybe, be able to set examples for congregations about this. 
 
The day was long and exhausting but exciting. Those gathered gave information and ideas so the Strategic Planning Committee can use it in its work. This group will be reporting at the September (all Zoom) Presbytery meeting, as well as, periodically in the future.  And those who attend the September meeting will have the opportunity to share their ideas. We will be seeing improvements in 2025.
 
What does this mean to you right now? Ask what you can do to help actualize the plan and then execute on the plan. If the 17th was any suggestion on what it will be like I believe it will be exhausting while it will be rewarding spiritually and will build the community that is Central Florida Presbytery.
 
So, your Moderator is excited about the day but much, much more. I am excited about where and how the Presbytery will fulfill its core missions and responsibilities as well as evolve how we assist the congregations and do all of this most efficiently. 

A very large thank you to Ralphetta, Oliva, and Hoover, who lead us through the event and will lead us on this ongoing journey. My thanks too to all that participated on the 17th.
 
Thanks be to God in all things,

John 

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Ruling Elder John Rogers