Christ
United Methodist Church
A Closer Look: Christ Church
Wednesday,
April 16, 2008
Tonight’s Agenda
•
Welcome 7:00- 7:10
–
Opening Prayer
–
Introductions
–
Goals
–
Wednesday night
agendas
•
Review of Survey
Feedback 7:10- 7:20
•
Group
Discussion 7:25- 7:45
•
Group
Presentations 7:50- 8:20
•
Next Steps/
Closing Prayer 8:20- 8:30
Sharing
the Dream’ Goals
Discern God’s direction
for Christ Church by:
–
Understanding
what is important to the congregation
–
Identifying
potential areas for further discussion
–
Prayerful
consideration of the process
Please list the 5 most
important CUMC areas or programs to you.
1. Worship
2. Adult Education
3. Outreach
4. Children and Youth
5. Music
Upcoming Wednesday
Evening Discussions
•
April 23: Children
and Youth
•
April 30: Worship
and Education
•
May
7: Mission and Outreach
•
May 14: Building and Budget
Survey Results
294
Completed Surveys!
88% of
Surveys completed by CUMC Members
All Services
Represented
Children
reflect the age demographic
It depends on who you
talk to…
“Warm and friendly church.
Easy to meet new people.”
“I think
we could improve on being friendlier to visitors during
service times”
“I think
the diversity is the greatest asset– there is activity or
interest for everyone regardless of age, lifestyle, day or the
week…”
“The
sheer volume is also a problem. We don’t prioritize and
therefore we don’t do everything well”
Survey
Results- Strengths
Opportunities
“We have tremendous opportunities in our church– many
different areas, programs and interests in order to get
everyone involved”
“Provides an opportunity
for members to pursue their passions and use their Spiritual
Gifts.”
Diversity of Worship
“Variety of services to satisfy many worship needs. People
can choose to attend whichever service allows them to worship
how they wish to.”
“Variety of worship
services – something for everyone.”
“A wide variety of services
from which to choose to match ones life style.”
Hospitable, Accepting,
Friendly
“I believe our greatest strength is having the ability to
provide the closeness, warmth and caring of a small church
while we are such a large Christian community”
“Ability to serve a wide
variety of individuals who come with different perspectives in
an open minded, open hearted manner”
Outreach
“CUMC truly makes a positive impact in our immediate community
and in the larger world.”
“Great
outreach ministries: Child Care, Prime Time, Missions.”
“The
outreach to the surrounding communities and bringing the word
of God with softness and gentleness.
“We have
a strong Outreach program.”
“I love
all of the outreach efforts, especially the Nyadire Mission.”
Programming
“There is something for everyone. Five different worship
times, many community & church events throughout the year,
wonderful choirs and many adult classes to attend.”
“There is an activity or
interest for everyone regardless of age. Lifestyle,
day of the week or interest. You can be as involved or not as
you want. You can just worship, you can come to eat, or you
can do the thousands of activities offered every week.
It fits most lifestyles in some way or another.”
“A
consistent programming that nudges persons toward a life with
faith.”
Affirmation of Leadership
“This church is truly blessed with so many talented staff
members that carry on the many programs and projects that make
this church unique in the area.”
“All
ministries offered and staff support. Caring for people and
dedication to our church by our clergy.”
Survey Results
Areas to Improve
Increase involvement and use the talents of more members
“We need more members to
become involved and volunteer. We have all of the different
programs and missions but only a handful of members
participating.”
“There are so many groups
for people to participate in, but I don’t have a clear
understanding of what each is about.”
Increase sense of community
“I believe that because of
the size of the church and the diversity of the offerings, it
is difficult to foster a sense of community…I know that there
are lots of people at the church I don’t know. It’s hard
with such a large group.”
“It is so large it is
sometimes hard to get to know people.”
Communication
“The congregation should
have more input into what goes on in the church.”
“Communicate more news of
what HAS happened, not just what will happen.”
“Better communication to
members: Finances, Outreach, Service opportunities.”
“More financial disclosure,
including publishing the yearly budget.”
Too much breadth/ lack of focus
“Focus more on less things,
with so many things, it may be spread thin…focus on Christ and
the Bible.”
“We need to perhaps focus
time, energy, and funds more on the successful ministries and
diminish or eliminate those that are not meeting the
needs…That sounds kind of harsh, but…’we don’t have enough
money for all of our good ideas.’ You have to give and take
somewhere eventually. Some things fail and people have to
accept that unfortunately.”
More local outreach
“More direct involvement
with the surrounding local communities.”
“Increase its presence in
the community it serves.”
“Need more local mission
work. Also need to expand the group that does the mission
work.”
Condition of building
“The original church
facility and F wing are aging.”
“The facilities are looking
“tired” in some areas…”
“We seem to again be
outgrowing our facilities.”
“Pay more attention to our
physical structure - present and future.”
Beginning
the Dialogue:
Questions for Discussion
Community
•
How do we develop
a greater sense of community within our church?
•
How do we get
more people involved?
Communication
•
What don’t you
know about Christ Church that you would like to be more
informed about?
•
What ideas do you
have to improve communications within Christ Church?
Ground
Rules for Group Dialogue
•
Opportunity for everyone
to participate
•
Record all ideas
•
Dream BIG!
Christ
United Methodist Church
Children and Youth
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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