Rev. Wayne Morrow

Hi colleagues and friends from Olympia Presbytery:

Greeting from Southern California!  Three Years ago I left Packwood Community Presbyterian church to do a Transformational ministry at Desert Hills in Yucca Valley Ca. It’s been very fruitful. In three years the average attendance has increased from 58 to 78. The average age has moved from about 87 to 65.  Here is how we did it.  1. We emphasized spirituality not religion.   2.  We strengthened effective mature ministries and nurtured new ones.  3. All ministry has become a fearless experiment. As a result we love and enjoy Jesus more and more!  

Here is a positive example: we had our first High schooler attending regularly with her mom.  I suggested Morgan go to Big Bear Presbyterian Camps and Conference Center 1.5 hours away. There are only two weeks for Presbyterian Camping in the summer.  The rest of the weeks are rented to other groups. Morgan was part of an LIT program similar to Soundview’s.  When Morgan returned she was a new person…like Scott Kelly who came back from outer space two inches taller!

Morgan had agreed to work at church as an intern to pay back a partial scholarship awarded her. I asked what she would like to do. “I’d like to start a youth group just like the one at camp”.  And so we did.  We have put on three amazing events for the community involving nearly a hundred youth!  

Yes I know my transformational update is on the eve of an important decision in Olympia Presbytery regarding Soundview Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center.  Churches in Olympia Presbytery will be missing future opportunities if they have no presence at Soundview.  Based on the above three successful principles of transformation I see Soundview as an effective mature ministry that needs to be strengthened and a ministry that is ripe for fearless experimentation.

The Peace of Jesus be with you all.

Transformational Pastor Wayne Morrow, Member of Riverside Presbytery