Old South GPS [GPS logo] "God's Positioning System"

On April 13th, 2005, our Administrative Board voted to name our planning team Old South GPS (God's Positioning System). This name is based on a system of navigational satellites called the Global Positioning System. Anyone who possesses a GPS receiver can receive information to help them find out where they are in relation to the where they have been and where they are going. Mark J. Brady, Pastor of Moultonborough, N.H. United Methodist Church wrote, "What technology has done for earthly navigation, God has done for our spiritual journey. GPS should really refer to God's Positioning System". So, with thanks to Reverend Brady, and to June Meserve who provided us with this resource, our group will now be called the Old South GPS.

This fall, we are excited to begin a series of small group discussions so that everyone in the congregation will have an opportunity to participate in this planning process. Dates and times will be announced.

The core group meets twice a month. We are using a book about planning. Holy Conversations, as a guide in this process. This book focuses on a planning approach that is theologically based and congregationally oriented rather than corporate management based. We are using this text, together with biblical readings and study, with time for prayer and reflection.

In this book, the authors talk about helping the congregation participate in Holy Conversation. Planning is described as a conversation because it is truly a dialog, with people in the congregation sharing what they believe to be important about their faith and about Old South and the Old South family. Conversation is holy because, "at its best, it is about a people's understanding of their identity as a faith community, their sense of purpose, and their relationship with God." The path this conversation will take is unpredictable - but the conversation will be centering around questions such as, Who are we? What was God called us to do or be? Who is our neighbor?

This will be a process in which it is important for the whole congregation to participate. Old South GPS will be providing a variety of opportunities and events for this to happen, such as home meetings that we're planning for the summer. We'll try to continually communicate with the congregation as the process moves forward. Please feel free to contact any of us with questions. Thank you!

The Old South GPS is comprised of these members:

Old South