Church 2.0?

http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/archives/2006/04/what_web_20_mea.html


This is a great site discussing how marketing can help the church.
This particular article discusses web 2.0 technologies, and their impact on churches.
Church 2.0 is a term to categorize churches who uses these web 2.0 technologies, such as blogs, video downloads, and photo sharing.
With the establishment of our blogs we can now consider ourselves a 2.0 community.
According to this site, only 20% of churches are fully utilizing 2.0 technologies, which puts us ahead of the curve!
We are a community which allows our users to determine our content.
Our goal should be to continue to grow our dynamic content and ability to link members and users to valuable information and activities.
I feel we are on the right path!

Church Communications link

http://www.churchcommunicationspro.com/

I found this site and some of the articles are interesting. He is a web designer who has detailed his process for redesigning Stonebriar Community Church web site. It is technical but may help us narrow down the details that go into a web launch.

Stewardship/Lay Leadership Minutes-7/17/07

Stewardship……Stewardship/Lay Leadership Meeting Minutes July 17, 2007

We are going to check on usage of envelopes as to whether it is making a difference mailing them monthly. We do have the option to mail qtrly, semi, or annually also. (I spoke with Carol W., she will not be able to tell until next year because of the new program she is using this year does not show that past history). Carole shared that for Sept the insert included with the envelopes will be a “motivator” card. We will see what the reaction is to that.

We began discussing what type of plan we wanted to do for the fall financial stewardship commitment program. After reviewing what had been done in the past and what we liked about the different ones, the Lay Leadership committee joined us. Last time we met together we were discussing how to proceed with spiritual gift exploration.

Ideas began to flow of bringing both processes together because both are part of our commitments to stewardship of time, talent, gifts, and service. Everyone liked the idea of the broad coverage we can accomplish in the process. (pie thought of as the symbol then have pie at gatherings?)

Thoughts at this point:

9/9- Education Roundup Day- Rally Day for Stewardship? (Bears at 3 PM)

Begin the small group gatherings in homes & church, goal of 20 gatherings(each of the members of both committees line up 1-2 host/hostess for our next meeting with a date/time for the host to have session) Have 10 leaders lead these gatherings with each one doing 2 sessions- training provided before the gatherings occur- begin gathering with 20 minutes of gift conversation and 40 minutes of what ministry, what programs people see Epworth focusing on, have lists prepared of opportunities with room to grow - end of session the group sets a date for another gathering of the same group around a month later

10/14 (Bears at 12) All Church banquet celebrating the process, fun event with skits and stories (10/7 Bears at 7:15)

begin 2^nd round of gatherings in homes (some held at church also)- at this gathering there will be questions and answers and the opportunity to fill out one’s all around stewardshipcommitment card

11/11- Celebration of Commitments in worship and between services (Bears at 3)

David N and Carole will send out some proposals of spiritual gift inventories or materials to consider before our next meeting

Meet again, both groups, on Tues., August 14^th at 6:00 PM, bringing with us 2 names of host/hostess for the two gatherings(same host for both gatherings) along with a date& time for that session, one in Sept/ early Oct, the other late Oct /early Nov –we will work out rest of details at that time

Mission Minutes-7/15/07

Missions Meeting, July 15, 2007

Present: Alyson Beucler, Sheila Burris, Diane Lancour, Pastor Newhouse, Mary Rees Freeman, and Sandy Kaptain

1. The Heifer Project was discussed. We need to try to raise the rest of the money by the mission

meeting in September. At the present time we have $2973 collected and we need $5000 to buy an Arc. Mary is going to talk about this in both services. I was agreed that we need to do the set up that Pastor Newhouse did before. This was very successful and drew a lot of attention. It was also suggested that we make a graph (for a visual) to show how close we are to meeting our goal. It was decided that we would spend the money at the end of September. a. during the week (before I got the notes typed) The Sunday School turned in almost $900 for this project. We are getting close.

2. Sheila talked about the mission statement:

"Our mission is to be a living expression of the life and love of Jesus Christ by caring, sharing, and reaching out to others through God's grace"

3. Habitat for Humanity: It was brought to our attention That Habitat runs a store, which sells hardware, and the money is donated to fund their building projects. The store is on route 31, close to Big Timber road. They are in need of volunteers for building and to run the store.

You can also donate supplies to their organization. Diane is going to put this information in the newsletter. We need to work on getting volunteers for this program.

4. Rainbow Covenant:

January- April (local) - PADS, Soup Lettle, Food Pantry, Crisis Center, Habitat, etc.

May- August - the focus is on Children- Ideas child serve, Marcy Newberry, etc.

September- December- (focus is on outreach) AIDS in Africa, Metropolitan Mission Distribution Center, etc. Discussion centered upon the concept that more information needs to be given on the various projects. No one knows how much money was collected or how the money was used. Diane is going to put together a flyer with this information. It was suggested that we have another meeting to just organize Rainbow.

5. PADS: PADS has an open house on Friday to show people their new home. There is a $30 (single) and $50 (couple) donation to be used to buy washer and dryers. Mary, Alyson, and Pastor Newhouse will be going. This is a permanent facility.

Thomas the Train - volunteers are needed on August 17, 18, 19, 25, and 26th. Volunteers may work from 9-5 or 10-6. Money that would be paid as wages is donated to the PADS program. This is at the Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. They hope to get 20 volunteers per day. Doris

(secretary for the PADS program) said that they made almost $9000 on this program last year. Lunch is provided for the volunteers and there are several jobs to choose from including: ticket sales, admission gate, the store (replace inventory), storytelling, tattoos, crossing guards,

line attendant, photo line attendant-with Thomas, assistant car hosts, etc. See Alyson for more details. It was decided that we should do a call list to see if we could get several volunteers. This might be a good project for the youth group also.

6. Meals on Wheels is set for the end of August. We don't need any more volunteers for this month.

7. There is $300 in the Mission budget. $50 was voted on to send Pastor Newhouse and his wife to the PADS reception.

The next mission meeting is August 19th between services.

Notes by Alyson

Education Minutes-7/17/07

Attendance: Carol Leeson, Amy Zapata, Ginny Comings, Marcia Larsen, Carlene Kellenberger, Debbie Engel, Penny Ball, Jay Rager, and Kelly Akemann

The meeting was opened with a prayer.

• VBS: Kelly reported that it was a huge success. We planned for 30 kids max and had a total of 42 kids over the five days! The decorations will be left up downstairs until late fall as painting has been postponed until the new budget year.
• Summer Sunday school: Attendance has been about 7 kids usually – with 12 different kids coming at times. The age range has proven to be difficult as we are missing the 2^nd thru 4^th graders that the curriculum is geared for. The curriculum is also outdated for us as it does not apply to the second service at all. Carol will be looking for a new one for next year.
• Adult Education: There is some confusion as to whether Keith Paskiewicz is meeting as a small group or as part of Education. There is a need to expand on the Adult Ed offerings as to not make people fir into a certain class. We will need to recruit teachers for either all-year long classes or short term classes. Debbie said she would like to see a couple’s class offered, but perhaps not on Sunday morning as then some of would not be able to attend due to teaching.
• Young Adult/Youth: Mollie and Wally have been teaching the junior high class, not Liz and Mollie as thought. Due to Safe Sanctuary, another teacher needs to be there while they are teaching. Stan Weas has offered to be a part of the class. Mollie and Wally were informed and are supportive of the idea. Discussion was held regarding Safe Sanctuary and its impact on the classrooms. It was also questioned whether Greg Cherry and Dan Hahn were to return teaching the senior high next year. Carol has not spoken to Beth yet to find out. Per Debbie, she had spoken to Greg in passing a while back and he was undecided at that point. Carol will contact Beth to see about an update.
• Fall: Amy relayed that we are looking into getting new programs for the kids this year to perform. Also she would like to try to offer a mid-week kids class – perhaps tying into the Wednesday night dinner. She will be looking into different new curriculum to offer with it. She is awaiting the catalogs to come to review with the young children’s teachers at our next meeting. Also, Carol mentioned that any of the teachers who would like to look for new updated curriculum may see her as there is money in the budget for that.
• Rally Day: We discussed the need to move the food out of the closet downstairs so we may move the Children’s SS props/costumes in there. This will clear out one room downstairs for another class to utilize. Also, the small closet will be made into a supply closet for paper, scissors, markers, glue, etc. Amy mentioned that we could use an idea from VBS to raise funds/supplies for SS. We have people “buy” a bull picture for $5 or what is written on there (i.e. 3 pairs of scissors) and then upon the return of the money or the supply, we have a display of the many bulls that different families have purchased. It could save us from having use the budget on just supplies. Rally Day discussion started and it was discussed that perhaps we change the name and the way it is presented. In talking of the planning of Rally Day, Debbie had a brief presentation from the Healthy Church Committee. We reviewed the vision of Epworth, as well as the mission and ministry. The Ministry Guide Sheet was started to be filled out. Carol reminded each small committee to fill one out for each of its goals. The name was changed from Rally Day to Education Round-up Day. It was decided that we would have a SS fair of sorts in the Community Room on that Day – September 9^th. It will be mentioned to the Hospitality Committee that perhaps we can have treats available as people wander from booth to booth. Carol will contact Allison, Diane and the Hosp Committee. To attract new teachers, Marcia suggested doing a Witness during service regarding being a SS teacher. Carol will speak with Pastor David as she has thought of that as well. Much discussion was held on how to handle the Roundup Day activities as parents will want to able to peruse the Adult offerings but we don’t want kids just wandering the church. It was decided that the Children’s teachers will provide an activity for the kids while parents are invited up there. Perhaps we can check with the new music director upon their hire if they can help us by leading some songs as well. The Ministry Guide was finished and will be provided to all that are mentioned on the sheet and presented at Ad Council. Kelly will contact Kara Berg as she is now the Communications Leader as to her role and if she can help us as well with this.

The meeting was closed with a prayer.

Next meeting has been set for Tuesday August 14th, 2007 at 7pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kelly Akemann

Ad Council Minutes-6/26/06

Minutes from Administration Council Gathering

June 26, 2007

In attendance: Jim Eby, Ginny Becker Comings, Carol Leeson, Keith Paskiewicz, Stan Weas, Gloria Clark, Ron Stout, Carole Burris, Debbie Engel, Paul Burris, David Akemann

Minutes from May Minutes were discussed. Scout mystery trip had been to Wisconsin Dells. The trip went well and the scouts had a very good time. Ginny Comings moved to accept the minutes, Ron Stout Seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The July calendar was passed for review.

Education – Summer Sunday School is underway. Carol Leeson and Jay Rager are teaching the K-6 grade class with a unit on Worship. They have had two parents volunteer to help; more volunteers are needed so that they can rotate. Keith Paskiewicz is holding an adult study on Sunday morning. Patti Floyd is holding a women's study on Thursday nights.

Vacation Bible School plans have been going well. There were few registrations however there have been several calls to the office asking for information. Registration forms have been distributed through Sunday School and they will have a float in the 4^th of July parade.

There is a need for Sunday School teachers in the Fall.

Preschool 3-5's – Two adults needed

Grade Levels 1-3^rd – Amy Zapata and Kelly Akemann

Grade Levels 4-6^th – Jay Rager and one adult needed

Jr. High – Mollie Denman and Liz Binder (?), needs one more adult who is not related. Stan Weas said he might be interested if he does not need to plan lessons.

Sr. High – Greg Cherry (?) & another adult

Adult – Current Events - Mary Van Slyck, Women of Faith – Marcia Larsen and Deb Engel, Men of Faith – Andy Lindstrom

Carol Leeson is willing to teach either Preschool or Grade 4^th - 6^th depending on what other volunteers could be found. Ginny Comings is willing to help in the Preschool room, but not be a lead teacher. We also need a Team Leader for the Children's Education Team. Amy Zapata has been approached but has not made a decision yet.

The Education team will meet on July 17^th to develop a ministry plan for 2007-08 including a plan to recruit teachers. Anybody interested is welcome to attend.

New Creations Preschool – There was not enough enrollment for two classes, so the Tuesday/Thursday class was canceled and those families were given a choice of attending two days of the Monday/Wednesday/Friday class which they all accepted..

Stewardship – Presented their Ministry Plan for Spiritual Gift exploration. The plan includes having all active church participants use an instrument (questionnaire) to determine their spiritual gifts. The committee will then gather that information and develop programming to help people develop those gifts. Finally the plan will include ways to match people to opportunities in the church that will use their gifts most effectively. A motion was made to support this plan, it was carried unanimously.

Scouts – The troop has declined in numbers a little due to a group from within the troop splitting off and forming their own troop. Keith explained that this is his plan to grow the troop to a point where it will split and create more troops. Troop 128 has also developed a Venture Crew. This crew differs from the traditional scouting program by including both Young Men and Young Women. The age group is also different, Boy Scouts is from 11 years to 18 years, Venture Crew includes 14 years to 21 years.

United Methodist Women – Lunch for Diane Berk went well. The Church has received several compliments on our hospitality. George Blankenship passed away this morning (6/26/07). The service will be held here at the church on Thursday, 6/28/07.

Community Outreach – Ginny Comings reported that they are developing a new marketing campaign, entitled “Dancing with The Star.” It will begin at Christmas. The plan is to start small and build to a crescendo in Fall of 2008. There will be a competition for the congregation to come up with a logo of the star.

The nametag program is going well. The hospitality committee will take it over soon.

Staff Parish

The two open positions have been filled:

Director of Communication has been offered to Kara Berg. Her start day will be July 16, 2007. The Communication Team will be Pastor David, David Comings, and Craig Larsen.

Leadership Development has been offered to Keith Paskiewicz. His start date will be August 13, 2007. The Leadership Development Team will be Pastor David, Mary Van Slyck, Liz Binder and Chris Cherry.

The Music Director position is open. Chris Cherry will work with the Staff/Parish committee to re-write the job description so that it includes the Praise Band and other new musical developments in the church. Janis Denman will be asked to help with this as well.

The office needs were discussed. Jackie works 4 hours a day, instead of the 6 hours that Patti had worked. The difference is being felt. The Staff/Parish committee is exploring ideas to fill in the gap, including a work force of volunteers.

Trustees-

There has been difficulty with the well. We failed the bacteria test for the Preschool and the filters have been filling up with sand. The pressure tank, which was worn out, was replaced and seemed to fix both problems. However it is now spitting out iron particles. The cost to fix this is quite high. Investigations have been started into the possibility of annexing into the city system.

The trustees are custodians for the Memorial and Bequest funds. They make recommendations to the Administrative Council as to how the funds should be spent. They have set a policy for this. The policy includes a listing of priorities the top of which are capital needs. The funds should not be a substitute for the regular budget cycle. The trustees will happily consider the first request for unexpected needs, however subsequent requests will be harder to sell. For instance, the Child Care Team was developed after the 2007 Budget had been set. Their request was considered and brought to the council for approval, however they will be expected to follow the procedure to be included in the 2008 budget.

The Child Care Team request $1500 dollars for funds to provide warm, caring and safe child care during Sunday morning services and Sunday school as well as during meetings and events other times during the week. The funds would include purchase of a paging system so that parents could be alerted of a need without one of the nursery staff needing to leave the nursery, as well as a new changing table that could be easily folded out of the way when not in use. The new changing table would also be easier to clean and sanitize than the current table. The request was approved by the Administrative Council.

The formation of a wish list was discussed. This list would include things that are outside of the parameters or our budget at the time. It would be made available as suggestions to families who would like to designate the use of a memorial gift.

The Parsonage search team has recommended a house for purchase. The house is located at 977 Glenmore Lane in Highland Glen. It is close to the church and the construction is brick. An offer is being constructed. The current owners have agreed to hear our offer first and they are aware and have agreed to the contingencies the church is held by. Namely the purchase has to be approved by three different bodies: 1) Committee of the Conference 2) the District Superintendent 3) Charge Conference. Once the offer has been accepted, approvals will need to act upon quickly. A charge conference will need to call outside of the normal council protocol. (Since this meeting this offer has been rejected)

Finance – We are $23,000 behind on the budget. The finance committee is hoping that the Stewardship committee will develop a campaign to close the gap.

Parsonage Committee

A committee is formed to address the maintenance of the parsonage. It is hoped that having a committee dedicated to this task will lead to more proactive maintenance.

The old parsonage has been offered for sale to the church members first. Bids will be accepted through 10:00 am Sunday morning. If no sale is made it will be offered on the general market.

Facilities Planning/Building Committee

At the recent special Church Conference it was unanimously voted to move forward with conceptual designs and elect a Building committee. Ron Stout, David Akemann and Greg Cherry were voted onto the committee. They need about 4 more people on the committee. They are looking for a mix of genders and generations.

Kiwanis BBQ will be held August 18. The contract has been sent to them and we are waiting for them to send it back signed. They will be putting up their tents again this year. Since it costs them more to have it taken down on the weekend it will be left up until Monday. It would be available for our use for a church picnic on August 19. We will plan on this.

There has been much talk about developing the property to the north of the parking lot. Thanks go to Bill Mingus for getting it cleaned up. Bill and Ron will be meeting with a consultant about the possible uses of the property. There is a concern for safety due to the steepness of the surrounding banks.

Joys and Concerns were shared and meeting was closed with prayer

Communications 101

This is the first post on our new communications board! This is a forum for all things communications and ministry related. Hopefully members of Epworth UMC will grow to use these blog posts to find great ways to interact and support each other, and all others in our community. I do hope you will visit often and comment all you like. I will try to post a question or response to a comment I have found in my internet research.
After our Ad Council meeting this evening, hopefully there will be lots to say.