Church Council Minutes
Monday, March 21, 2011
Attendees: Charlie Yund, Chris Hipp, Pastor Jeff, Ann Hipp, Jan Garrison, Sheila Rader, Sue Kaiser, Bob Kaiser, Sheila Rader, Pastor Nate Lange, Gail Conschafter, Ginny Thies, Elaine Johnson, Judy Maurer, John Jones, Laura Mason, Ginger Mason, Tom Burkman. Excused: John Harbison, Mark VonWald, Liz VonWald, Paul Sipson.
Charlie directed everyone’s attention to the back side of the agenda regarding the TUMC Core Values. Sheila motioned we approve the Core Values as written, Judy Maurer seconded the motion. Comment made about the reference to a corresponding Bible verse. Vote taken and passed unanimously.
The second piece to address is the mission statement. The two suggested are:
1. Empowered by God, we will Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, and Transform the World.
2. Trinity Church is called to Follow Jesus and become disciples to help transform God’s world.
Discussion followed on the semantics of wording. Key words were making vs. becoming, and grow and make, develop. A vote was taken for the key words, Make, Develop, and Grow. Develop won the vote by 3. Discussion followed.
EMPOWERED BY GOD, TRINITY CHURCH WILL FOLLOW JESUS, DEVELOP DISCIPLES, AND TRANSFORM THE WORLD. Motion made by Chris to adopt this as the mission statement and Jan Garrison seconded it. Discussion followed. There was more discussion on the word “transform.” Bob Kaiser moved to amend the statement to read “Empowered by God, Trinity church will follow Jesus and develop disciples, for the transformation of the World.” Sue Kaiser seconded the motion. Chris called for the question. Vote taken on the amendment. Amended motion did not pass. Question was called by Chris Hipp to vote on the original mission statement – EMPOWERED BY GOD, TRINITY CHURCH WILL FOLLOW JESUS, DEVELOP DISCIPLES, AND TRANSFORM THE WORLD. The vote passed and the above will be adopted as the new mission statement for Trinity Church.
Vision and Action Update: Charlie reported on the visioning meeting and briefly reviewed the minutes. Nate shared the issues on audio podcasting and moving forward with video podcasting. We are close to creating video podcasting of both 10:30 services. To do live streaming would be a bit more complicated. There may be a need to change providers, which would be an increase in funds. (Faith Highway is good) $3000 for initial fee and an increase in our monthly fees. The live stream is down the road when the resources become available.
Discussion on the 90 day reading of the Bible. Nate would like to offer a free lunch to those who have completed the task. Nate will get an article to Ginger to put into the Tidings.
Purpose of Committees: Sheila shared that her committee – Welcoming and Outreach – now has a “welcome center” which needs to be staffed regularly. Purpose is to be welcoming to those coming into the building on Sunday morning. Touch base with the 10 closest people around you. The rule of three is that people will leave the building and leave if nobody is talking to them. Sheila has ordered folders that all our brochures can be neatly put inside them. There is nothing specific about youth and kids ministry. Ginny, Mark and Liz need to get info to Sheila. Bags have been ordered to put all this into. We are also going to put the New Testament book into the bag. There are young members on the committee. Need to train greeters and ushers and then train the congregation on how to be hospitable to others, and not just to “our own.” There is need for Front Door Greeters. Signage for both services is being discussed. Nate is talking to Shannon about that. Nate is going to do a spiritual gifts survey. The committee is looking into outreach projects that are simple. Nate is organizing an outreach dinner at the Fire Hall. Amy Bidell will give her testimony. There will be music also. The congregation is encouraged to invite others to attend. Jan shared that tomorrow is the anniversary of Kathy and Jeff Ross, which Jan attended and subsequently became a member here
This outreach is a function of all committees. Ginger commented on the choir having to be in the sanctuary and not be able to greet. Sheila encouraged them to speak with some before going back to the choir room after the service.
Attendance trends: Our attendance is holding its own and getting a bit better, although it has had some ups and downs. In 1990 the average attendance was about 300 people. We would like to head back to that!!!
Budget trends/Finance: Chris reported that we are currently $5000 ahead of where it needs to be to meet our budget. There is a new way of tracking giving and forecasting income by week.
Jay Martin reviewed a new way of tracking giving and forecasting income by week, based on results from the previous three years. This gives a great improvement in precision which will make our work significantly easier. Thanks to Jeff Childs for suggesting the software and to Jay Martin for implementing it. Based on this analysis, through the first week in March, giving is about $5.5k ahead of where it needs to be to meet our $367.5k General Fund budget by year-end.
A review of the General Fund budget through February shows that giving is $59.5k in 2011 vs. $56.2k in 2010, while expenses are $65.4k in 2011 vs. $63.7k in 2010. Apportionments have been paid in full during this period. A major variance is insurance on our properties. The conference is looking into this.
The Staff Parish Relations committee made several recommendations to the Finance Committee:
Our new Pastor will receive $4.9k in increased compensation during the remainder of 2011, compared with the current Pastor. The SPRC recommends that this increase be approved, along with support for his moving expenses, which are estimated to be between $3k and $10k. In addition the SPRC recommends that our current Associate Pastor be offered a half-time position starting in May and a contribution toward health insurance. This change will cost about $8.7k more than currently budgeted. The total of these recommended changes is likely to be at least $16.6k in additional costs through the remainder of 2011.
There was a thorough discussion the need for these changes and the significant financial impact they are likely to have on the 2011 budget. The Finance Committee recognizes that our General Fund budget is likely to be unbalanced by these recommendations. These obligations to Larry Baird and Nate Lange will likely require expenses to be reduced to balance the budget during the course of 2011. With this caveat, the Finance Committee recommends that Nate Lange be offered a half-time position effective May 1st
The Finance Committee also thanks Reverend Jeff Childs for all his efforts in support of the Committee and the congregation during his tenure. Without all his tireless work, we would not be in the position we are today.
SPRC Issues: New pastor is coming from Jamestown area. His wife is a librarian at Clarence, so they will be combining “households.” Elaine Johnson is putting some info into the upcoming Tidings. Tom Burkman reported Michelle Swartzmeyer has asked to step down from child care coordinator. She wants to return to worship – which is understandable. If you know of any willing, capable candidates, please let Tom know. Notice will be in Tidings. This is a paid position - $50/Sunday. Tom asked Nate to step out of the room. SPRC motioned that Nate Lange’s position be changed from quarter time to half time as of May 1. This move would cost $8700 from May 1 – Dec 31, 2011. This would include additional salary and we would have to make a contribution to his health insurance. Rationale is his services are needed by the church in discipling and evangelism with the younger set on Grand Island. Pastor Jeff supports this move, as does Larry Baird. Ginger seconded the motion. There was discussion on Nate staying at half time vs. full time. Financially, we can support half time, but not full time! There was discussion on Nate’s qualifications and gifts and how he is an asset for Trinity. Bob moved to table the motion, and Sue seconded the motion. This will allow us to have in front of us, all our expenses and income to that date. Vote taken to table motion was declined.
Tom added that there are two required expenses regarding Larry: 1 – Moving expenses. Church members have offered to help with renting trucks and helping Larry. There are a few items they would like to have moved commercially. Estimated amount is $1500. Moving commercially is about $10,000, but we are going to cut that because we are doing it ourselves. The compensation package is higher than what we are currently paying. The cost of new pastors’ compensation from July 1 – Dec 31 will be $4900 than currently budgeted. Both increases for Nate is an additional $8700, moving $3000 increase in new Pastor’s $4,900. Total at $16,600 – which is not budgeted. SPRC would like to see the continued giving of church to be good, and if it is not, we could put this together in a “staff development” Package – “New Ministries” package to encourage additional giving!
Larry is taking a pay cut to come here. Ginger asked if the church council has the authority to change the budget that was voted on at Church Charge Council meeting. It is within our right to do this. We received a gift from the Conference of $5300 per year which is not represented in our budget. This is from when the conferences combined and had more money than they anticipated – which was gifted to us. Chris reported that we certainly have financial uncertainty, but do we want to have a vibrant ministry in the midst of this. More discussion followed regarding apportionments and fundraising. Question was called. Vote was taken to call question – passed. Vote taken. Motion passed with one abstention.
Tom reported that SPRC is moving to celebrating Jeff’s moving and Larry’s coming. One suggestion was to have a DVD made with the new minister and then send it out to new members, and those that have not been regularly attending. There is a group that has offered to do that.
Charlie informed Nate that the committee voted to recommend that Nate’s position be changed from quarter time to half time to the DS.
Chris pointed out the last sentence in his report pointed to Jeff. Sheila had lunch with Natalie and said that she feels good about the new appointment.
Trustees: Bob reminded us of the Church clean up on April 30. Ginger reported that the room overlooking the Gym in Historic Trinity is being renovated. The intended use is storage/to be determined and to make it safer.
Announcements:
All Church Spring Clean-Up – Sat Morning, April 30
Please help spread the word--and plan to participate.
Trustees continue to promote church tidiness
Thank you all for your continuing efforts—they are clearly making a difference.
Under consideration:
History and Records Committee Has requested new cabinetry to store records in the Double Door room and conversion of its closet to store their existing and new archiving equipment.
Boy Scout Troup 510 has asked us to consider installing a St Pauly’s Clothing Drop-Off Shed in our parking lot as a fundraiser for them. Please see picture on blog to view a picture of the shed.
Projects
Framed descriptions have been installed for Historic Trinity items in the Family Room.
The hot water tank in the basement sprung a leak and has been replaced. Cost - $204.
Renovation of an upstairs room at Historic Trinity is underway.
New faucet sets (5) are being installed in the main women’s and the front entrance lavatories. Cost - $495.
Parsonage renovation and readiness activities are being planned.
Pastor Jeff: Feels good about new Testaments being passed out. We had up to one dozen people that had dialogues with the Episcopalians. By next meeting – start to look into the policies of the church. They should be reviewed and updated/amended.
As we come down to our last 3 months together I am focusing on ending well and making a smooth transition to your new pastor. Plans are being made for my final worship services on June 19th and the scheduling of a time early in the following week for me to move out of the parsonage and then enough time for cleaning and preparing the house before the Baird’s to move in. Work has begun on developing a pictorial directory. Please submit a picture with good face recognition for people to be able to identify you in the directory. This will help the Bairds and other new members to get to know us, and for some of us to get to know some others of us!
I was amazed at how many people took the copies of the new Common English translation of the New Testament we have handed out and have begun to read them. We have had to order more! It will hopefully become a habit for many to read the Bible each day. Though the task of writing the daily blog has been a challenge I am enjoying the challenge and hope that some find my notes on the daily readings helpful. So far I have had no comments or questions posted back to me.
Up to a dozen of us from Trinity participated in the 6 joint sessions with the Episcopalians in an effort to help our denominations move forward towards full communion with one another. We finished the sessions with a joint communion service and a set of goals to look at ways we might do some joint ministries in the future. On Good Friday evening we have been invited to join them at St. Martin’s for a Good Friday service.
I have shared slides and stories of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and now with the change of appointment I am pleased that your new pastor has given me permission to invite any people from Trinity wishing to go to the Holy Land with me in the spring of 2012 are free to do so. I will keep you informed once my new District Superintendent decides when he wants the district-wide group to go.
Prayer: The Ash Wed. 12 Hour Prayer Vigil was fully covered with some personal calls to fill certain times. I’m hopeful each year that more will sign up for this on their own but it seems so many have ministries or finances which need to be handled after worship that people just visit a bit or take care of business and don’t make a point to sign up for one of the 24 times for prayer. Folks seem willing to do this kind of praying from home, rather than making a special trip to church for it.
The Prayer Room and Family Room have been prepared with Easter theme decorations, pamphlets and purple cloths for Lent.
Our emphasis this year is on the 90 Days to read (and discuss) the New Testament before Jeff leaves for his new Penn Yan, NY appointment.
There has been much to pray for since the disaster is Japan and turmoil in many Middle Eastern countries. We still pray for the many in the US who have suffered difficulties with a hard winter behind them...Please continue prayers for those who are ill and as we make a transition of leadership.
Minutes from February: Chris moved to accept minutes form Feb, Laura seconded. Motion passed with one abstention.
Next meeting will be April 18 at 7PM.
Nate closed in prayer
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Conschafter
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Church Council Agenda March 2011
March 21, 2011 Church Council Agenda
Call to order: Charlie Yund
Unison reading of the proposed Trinity mission statement
Empowered by God, we will Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, and Transform the World.
Welcome and roll call: Secretary Gail Conschafter
Opening prayer
Changes to agenda
New Business:
- Visioning update
· Approve Core value and Mission statements
· Vision and action update
· Next meeting May 9
- Purpose of committees
- Attendance trends
- Budget trends
- SPRC issues
Nate Lange status change
Michelle Swatrzmeyer status change
Transition issues
- Questions or comments on reports
Comments on reports
- Pastor Jeff
Approve minutes from February Church Council
Unfinished business
Next Meeting: April 18, 2011
Closing prayer and adjournment
Call to order: Charlie Yund
Unison reading of the proposed Trinity mission statement
Empowered by God, we will Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, and Transform the World.
Welcome and roll call: Secretary Gail Conschafter
Opening prayer
Changes to agenda
New Business:
- Visioning update
· Approve Core value and Mission statements
· Vision and action update
· Next meeting May 9
- Purpose of committees
- Attendance trends
- Budget trends
- SPRC issues
Nate Lange status change
Michelle Swatrzmeyer status change
Transition issues
- Questions or comments on reports
Comments on reports
- Pastor Jeff
Approve minutes from February Church Council
Unfinished business
Next Meeting: April 18, 2011
Closing prayer and adjournment
Prayer Report March 2011
The Ash Wed. 12 Hour Prayer Vigil was fully covered with some personal calls to fill certain times. I’m hopeful each year that more will sign up for this on their own but it seems so many have ministries or finances which need to be handled after worship that people just visit a bit or take care of business and don’t make a point to sign up for one of the 24 times for prayer. Folks seem willing to do this kind of praying from home, rather than making a special trip to church for it.
The Prayer Room and Family Room have been prepared with Easter theme decorations, pamphlets and purple cloths for Lent.
Our emphasis this year is on the 90 Days to read (and discuss) the New Testament before Jeff leaves for his new Penn Yan, NY appointment.
There has been much to pray for since the disaster is Japan and turmoil in many Middle Eastern countries. We still pray for the many in the US who have suffered difficulties with a hard winter behind them...Please continue prayers for those who are ill and as we make a transition of leadership.
The Prayer Room and Family Room have been prepared with Easter theme decorations, pamphlets and purple cloths for Lent.
Our emphasis this year is on the 90 Days to read (and discuss) the New Testament before Jeff leaves for his new Penn Yan, NY appointment.
There has been much to pray for since the disaster is Japan and turmoil in many Middle Eastern countries. We still pray for the many in the US who have suffered difficulties with a hard winter behind them...Please continue prayers for those who are ill and as we make a transition of leadership.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Trustees Report March 2011
TRUSTEES REPORT – MARCH 2011
Announcements:
All Church Spring Clean-Up – Sat Morning, April 30
Please help spread the word--and plan to participate.
Trustees continue to promote church tidiness
Thank you all for your continuing efforts—they are clearly making a difference.
Under consideration:
History and Records Committee
Has requested new cabinetry to store records in the Double Door room and conversion of its closet to store their existing and new archiving equipment.
Boy Scout Troup 510
Has asked us to consider installing a St Pauly’s Clothing Drop-Off Shed in our parking lot as a fundraiser for them. Please see picture above to view a picture of the shed.
Projects
Framed descriptions have been installed for Historic Trinity items in the Family Room.
The hot water tank in the basement sprung a leak and has been replaced. Cost - $204.
Renovation of an upstairs room at Historic Trinity is underway.
New faucet sets (5) are being installed in the main women’s and the front entrance lavatories. Cost - $495.
Parsonage renovation and readiness activities are being planned.
Pastor Jeff's Report March 2011
As we come down to our last 3 months together I am focusing on ending well and making a smooth transition to your new pastor. Plans are being made for my final worship services on June 19th and the scheduling of a time early in the following week for me to move out of the parsonage and then enough time for cleaning and preparing the house before the Baird’s to move in. Work has begun on developing a pictorial directory. Please submit a picture with good face recognition for people to be able to identify you in the directory. This will help the Bairds and other new members to get to know us, and for some of us to get to know some others of us!
I was amazed at how many people took the copies of the new Common English translation of the New Testament we have handed out and have begun to read them. We have had to order more! It will hopefully become a habit for many to read the Bible each day. Though the task of writing the daily blog has been a challenge I am enjoying the challenge and hope that some find my notes on the daily readings helpful. So far I have had no comments or questions posted back to me.
Up to a dozen of us from Trinity participated in the 6 joint sessions with the Episcopalians in an effort to help our denominations move forward towards full communion with one another. We finished the sessions with a joint communion service and a set of goals to look at ways we might do some joint ministries in the future. On Good Friday evening we have been invited to join them at St. Martin’s for a Good Friday service.
I have shared slides and stories of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and now with the change of appointment I am pleased that your new pastor has given me permission to invite any people from Trinity wishing to go to the Holy Land with me in the spring of 2012 are free to do so. I will keep you informed once my new District Superintendent decides when he wants the district-wide group to go.
Finance Report March 2011
Jay Martin reviewed a new way of tracking giving and forecasting income by week, based on results from the previous three years. This gives a great improvement in precision which will make our work significantly easier. Thanks to Jeff Childs for suggesting the software and to Jay Martin for implementing it. Based on this analysis, through the first week in March, giving is about $5.5k ahead of where it needs to be to meet our $367.5k General Fund budget by year-end.
A review of the General Fund budget through February shows that giving is $59.5k in 2011 vs. $56.2k in 2010, while expenses are $65.4k in 2011 vs. $63.7k in 2010. Apportionments have been paid in full during this period. A major variance is insurance on our properties. The conference is looking into this.
The Staff Parish Relations committee made several recommendations to the Finance Committee:
Our new Pastor will receive $4.9k in increased compensation during the remainder of 2011, compared with the current Pastor. The SPRC recommends that this increase be approved, along with support for his moving expenses, which are estimated to be between $3k and $10k. In addition the SPRC recommends that our current Associate Pastor be offered a half-time position starting in May and a contribution toward health insurance. This change will cost about $8.7k more than currently budgeted. The total of these recommended changes is likely to be at least $16.6k in additional costs through the remainder of 2011.
There was a thorough discussion the need for these changes and the significant financial impact they are likely to have on the 2011 budget. The Finance Committee recognizes that our General Fund budget is likely to be unbalanced by these recommendations. These obligations to Larry Baird and Nate Lange will likely require expenses to be reduced to balance the budget during the course of 2011. With this caveat, the Finance Committee recommends that Nate Lange be offered a half-time position effective May 1st
The Finance Committee also thanks Reverend Jeff Childs for all his efforts in support of the Committee and the congregation during his tenure. Without all his tireless work, we would not be in the position we are today.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Minutes from Visioning Meeting
Visioning Meeting
TUMC
March 12, 2011
Charlie welcomed everyone and had Jeff open meeting with prayer at 9:15.
Attendees: Larry Baird, Gail Conschafter, Judy Maurer, Bob Kaiser, Sue Kaiser, Nikki Fadel, Nate Lange, Larry Baird, Elaine Johnson, Ginny Thies, Fred Claus, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Jaz Jablonski, John Tommasulo, Charlie Yund, Jan Garrison.
Charlie presented the agenda for the morning and his hope to leave this morning with some action items that we can put in motion. He also reviewed the process up to this point. Hoping to polish up the mission statement and create a vision for TUMC.
Larry shared that he has been doing something similar with the District. He stated he is keeping up with trends and where things are going.
Our core values showed to be our “old” mission statement.
Worship God is worthy of our praise and worship (Rev. 5:11 -14). Jesus is present when we gather in His name (Matt 18:20)
Ginny picked one core value to speak on – worship. She shared the story about the woman at the well and read John 4:19-24. Worship is an attitude, not just a place!
Nate asked that we close our eyes and imagine living in a third world country. You are hungry due to famine. While out walking looking for shade, you see trees and head for them. Finally you arrive at the grove of trees and see they are heavy with fruit. You reach up and take a piece and eat it. Think about what you would do. He also shared another metaphor and then read Romans 10:13-15.
We have discovered a source of life and should share this with everyone we come in contact with! This is what invitation is about…. We have an endless source to share!!!
Invitation – Christ offers salvation to all people. We invite all to receive God’s grace and join us in deepening our faith and spreading the good news. (Romans 10:13-15)
We need to be equipped to share with those we encounter.
Review the new mission statement:
o Answers the WHAT questions:
Our reason for being here
What are we supposed to do
What is our divine strategy supposed to be
What does God want us to accomplish
o Mission is practical; people understand it
o Mission focuses on people
o It is a document for our church members, attendees and those interested in joining.
Trinity Church is called to… Follow Jesus and make Disciples for the Transformation of the World.
There was discussion on “making” disciples. A suggestion was to change the word MAKE to BECOME. This shows growth and more room to grow for all of us! There was discussion on the word “transformation.” Perhaps change it to “helping to transform”
TRINITY CHURCH IS CALLED TO..
FOLLOW JESUS AND BECOME DISCIPLES TO HELP TRANSFORM GOD’S WORLD.
TRINITY CHURCH IS CALLED TO…
FOLLOW JESUS AND MAKE DISCIPLES TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD.
THE FOLLOWING WAS ADDED BY NATE AFTER THE MEETING AS AN ALTERNATIVE MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowered by God, we will Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, and Transform the World.
"the first clause addresses both Larry's concern that we recognize that we are not the power behind those things and Sue's concern that we mention God; "we will" instead of "we are called" keeps it bold (for Nikki, and I believe Tom voiced a similar concern when we discussed core values a month ago), and the original 3 clauses maintain their outward/missional focus. Hope it helps.
Nate"
Both statements will be brought before the Church Council on March 21, we will take a vote on which one is preferred.
VISIONING FOR TRINITY….CONTINUING…….
Presented by John Tommasulo
• Complete the vision
• Create the strategy behind the vision
• Implementation Strategy
Defining Vision
• Vision
o A vivid mental image,
o Sight
o Imagination,
o A religious or mystical experience,
o Built form our Core Values that will not change
• Vision Statement-
o A form of mission statement, issued by a company or organization, in which its intentions for the future are stated.
The Worship Vision
o Keep these items at 30,000 feet
o Variety of options for style, time, location and diversity.
o Inspirational, biblically and engaging
o Using new technology to reach new groups
o Music – task based focus
o Full service areas
o Spiritual uplifting
o Life applicable
o Engaging
o Variety of participants
o Sound finances
o Technology (proper use)-tasked based
o Music
o Freedom of choice
o Bible Centered
o Christ Centered
o Variety of worship options (times/places)
o Inviting
o Available to all
Prioritizing Worship:
· Christ/Bible Centered
· Relevance
· Inviting/Available/Variety
Goals for Worship:
*Use of technology
Web site/Blogs/Live streaming/podcasting – video & audio
Advertisement
*Encourage Bible use
Re-intro of psalms
Use of Drama/Music
Recognition of participation
*(“low hanging fruit” – do-able in the near future)
The Fellowship Vision
o Keep these items at 30,000 feet
o Small groups for all age groups and interests
o Surround worship with fellowship
o Inviting and available to all
o Inclusive
o Greater depth – service related
o Variety of interests
o Personal-fun
o Intentional – ubiquitous
o Meaningful – expansive
o Relevance
o Sound finances
Prioritize Fellowship:
· Inclusive/ Personal/Open & Inviting/Variety
· Greater depth/Spiritual/Meaningful/ Intentional
TUMC
March 12, 2011
Charlie welcomed everyone and had Jeff open meeting with prayer at 9:15.
Attendees: Larry Baird, Gail Conschafter, Judy Maurer, Bob Kaiser, Sue Kaiser, Nikki Fadel, Nate Lange, Larry Baird, Elaine Johnson, Ginny Thies, Fred Claus, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Jaz Jablonski, John Tommasulo, Charlie Yund, Jan Garrison.
Charlie presented the agenda for the morning and his hope to leave this morning with some action items that we can put in motion. He also reviewed the process up to this point. Hoping to polish up the mission statement and create a vision for TUMC.
Larry shared that he has been doing something similar with the District. He stated he is keeping up with trends and where things are going.
Our core values showed to be our “old” mission statement.
Worship God is worthy of our praise and worship (Rev. 5:11 -14). Jesus is present when we gather in His name (Matt 18:20)
Ginny picked one core value to speak on – worship. She shared the story about the woman at the well and read John 4:19-24. Worship is an attitude, not just a place!
Nate asked that we close our eyes and imagine living in a third world country. You are hungry due to famine. While out walking looking for shade, you see trees and head for them. Finally you arrive at the grove of trees and see they are heavy with fruit. You reach up and take a piece and eat it. Think about what you would do. He also shared another metaphor and then read Romans 10:13-15.
We have discovered a source of life and should share this with everyone we come in contact with! This is what invitation is about…. We have an endless source to share!!!
Invitation – Christ offers salvation to all people. We invite all to receive God’s grace and join us in deepening our faith and spreading the good news. (Romans 10:13-15)
We need to be equipped to share with those we encounter.
Review the new mission statement:
o Answers the WHAT questions:
Our reason for being here
What are we supposed to do
What is our divine strategy supposed to be
What does God want us to accomplish
o Mission is practical; people understand it
o Mission focuses on people
o It is a document for our church members, attendees and those interested in joining.
Trinity Church is called to… Follow Jesus and make Disciples for the Transformation of the World.
There was discussion on “making” disciples. A suggestion was to change the word MAKE to BECOME. This shows growth and more room to grow for all of us! There was discussion on the word “transformation.” Perhaps change it to “helping to transform”
TRINITY CHURCH IS CALLED TO..
FOLLOW JESUS AND BECOME DISCIPLES TO HELP TRANSFORM GOD’S WORLD.
TRINITY CHURCH IS CALLED TO…
FOLLOW JESUS AND MAKE DISCIPLES TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD.
THE FOLLOWING WAS ADDED BY NATE AFTER THE MEETING AS AN ALTERNATIVE MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowered by God, we will Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, and Transform the World.
"the first clause addresses both Larry's concern that we recognize that we are not the power behind those things and Sue's concern that we mention God; "we will" instead of "we are called" keeps it bold (for Nikki, and I believe Tom voiced a similar concern when we discussed core values a month ago), and the original 3 clauses maintain their outward/missional focus. Hope it helps.
Nate"
Both statements will be brought before the Church Council on March 21, we will take a vote on which one is preferred.
VISIONING FOR TRINITY….CONTINUING…….
Presented by John Tommasulo
• Complete the vision
• Create the strategy behind the vision
• Implementation Strategy
Defining Vision
• Vision
o A vivid mental image,
o Sight
o Imagination,
o A religious or mystical experience,
o Built form our Core Values that will not change
• Vision Statement-
o A form of mission statement, issued by a company or organization, in which its intentions for the future are stated.
The Worship Vision
o Keep these items at 30,000 feet
o Variety of options for style, time, location and diversity.
o Inspirational, biblically and engaging
o Using new technology to reach new groups
o Music – task based focus
o Full service areas
o Spiritual uplifting
o Life applicable
o Engaging
o Variety of participants
o Sound finances
o Technology (proper use)-tasked based
o Music
o Freedom of choice
o Bible Centered
o Christ Centered
o Variety of worship options (times/places)
o Inviting
o Available to all
Prioritizing Worship:
· Christ/Bible Centered
· Relevance
· Inviting/Available/Variety
Goals for Worship:
*Use of technology
Web site/Blogs/Live streaming/podcasting – video & audio
Advertisement
*Encourage Bible use
Re-intro of psalms
Use of Drama/Music
Recognition of participation
*(“low hanging fruit” – do-able in the near future)
The Fellowship Vision
o Keep these items at 30,000 feet
o Small groups for all age groups and interests
o Surround worship with fellowship
o Inviting and available to all
o Inclusive
o Greater depth – service related
o Variety of interests
o Personal-fun
o Intentional – ubiquitous
o Meaningful – expansive
o Relevance
o Sound finances
Prioritize Fellowship:
· Inclusive/ Personal/Open & Inviting/Variety
· Greater depth/Spiritual/Meaningful/ Intentional
Goals for Fellowship:
*Intergenerational activity
*Evaluate functionality of all church ministries
*Find volunteers to take responsibility
*Create attendance metric
*Create internal outreach
*Proper use of technology
The Invitation Vision
o Keep these items at 30,000 feet
o Anybody would feel comfortable
o Radical hospitality – Develop a sense of mission for invitation
o Outreach events
o Inviting and available to all
The Education Vision
o Keep these items at 30,000 feet
o Bible based with practical applications
o For all people/members
o Spiritual gift inventory
o Web based options
o Bible based
o Interactive
o Non threatening
o Focus
o Welcoming
o Short and long term
o Gifted teachers
The Service Vision
o Keep these items at 50,000 feet
o Made up of all of the previous 4 visions
o Multi mission opportunities – Local, community and national
o Membership care
o Committed and available to all – inspirational and invitational
Spiritual gifts based
Outreach/inreach
Financially sound
Rational
Enriching
Fruitful
Growth
Inspirational/Empowering
Challenging
Compelling
Intentional
Ecumenical
Christological
Define Strategy
An elaborate and systematic plan of action
o Otherwise known as a series of goals
Goals (S.M.A.R.T.)
o A successful attempt at scoring
o The state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
Next Visioning Meeting May 7 at 9 AM
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