Pastoral Update 4:2025
Good morning, Downtown Pres! The second half of this week I’ve had the chance to get away and work from the mountains of NC. I’m using this time to focus on some things like elder training planning, spending time in deeper study for sermons the rest of the summer, and enjoy the cool weather before the summer heat arrives in Wilmington.
Lauren and I met yesterday and we are excited to announce plans for our church community for the summer in the next few weeks: park days, a monthly church-wide dinner, and other opportunities to be together and welcome in new people. We will have a handout coming in a couple of weeks!
For now here are a few things for you to know and enjoy!
1. Church Directory: Did you know we already have a church directory? As our church grows, we want to find a good balance between creating ways for people to connect and also guarding information that people don’t want easily accessible online to just anyone. Through our Church Center App and/or Church Center Website (the app and the website have the same content), there is a tab called Directory. If you are getting this email, you’ve already been invited to include your information on the directory. We would encourage you to update your visible profile with your email at minimum (learn how below)! This way others from DPC can connect with you. This is not public and can only be accessed by people that our church leadership has allowed into the directory. To update your information:
From the Home screen, click the circle at the top right of the screen - mine has my picture in it.
At the top you will see “Profile and Settings” - click that box.
From this page you can both update your contact info and also set the permissions for your directory profile to be securely shared with other members and regular attenders at DPC!
As always, let us know if you have questions!
2. College Worship Albums. As I drove into the mountains I began to re-live some of my college days by listening to some of my favorite worship albums from the early 2000s. While some of the guitar riffs are pretty cheesy and some of the drums might expose how hippie I wish I had been in college, I thought it would be fun to share from younger Jay. This blast from the past might bring you a smile, cause you to judge me for bad taste, or you might find something you like ;-).
First Circle by Waterdeep - this is the remastered version, but the same songs - Apple or Spotify
In the Company of Angels by Caedmon’s Call - Apple or Spotify
3. Reading - The Trellis and the Vine. I picked up an older book from my library this week as I am prepping for elder (and future leadership) training. There is so much good here!
4. Cargo District Growth! There have been a number of new and fun things happening in the Cargo District that I want you to know about:
Interactive Cargo District Map - they are regularly updating this!
New food hall restaurants opening soon - Astro Dogs, Mike’s Vegan, Shepherd BBQ and Taco Papi are next on the list to open.
