Long Range Plan

  

 

 

 

2012 LONG RANGE GOALS

Goal #1 –

Develop and implement a comprehensive ministry for children,

youth and young families including young adults.

 

Goal #2 –

Provide, strengthen and expand the ministries of the church to

support the care and fellowship of the congregation and community.

 

Goal #3 –

Pursue intentional faith development opportunities for all age levels.

 

Goal #4 –

Commit to making missions at home and abroad an ongoing

priority in the lives of our church family.

 

Goal #5

Based on our Mission and Vision, continue to evaluate the church facilities

to meet the future needs of the ministries of the church.

 

Goal #6

Share the good news of Christ's love by extending an invitation to all people

to experience the welcoming, caring community at Bethlehem UMC.

 

Goal #7

Offer passionate worship services that connect people to God and one another.

 

Goal #8

Strengthen the resources of the church by developing,

implementing and sustaining a comprehensive stewardship program.

 

Goal #9

To invite, welcome, include and support new members and visitors

to Bethlehem through radical hospitality.

 

Goal #1 –

Develop and implement a comprehensive ministry for children, youth and young families including young adults.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.            Assess needs of local area youth – 6th grade through high school – for youth center (after school initially). Include assessment of space in current facilities and staffing numbers required for Safe Sanctuary and supervision.N

 

A common concern of our youth is the lack of a Christian-based place to hang out afterschool. May include organized activities e.g. sports, informal coffee-house atmosphere, Bible studies, homework corner, etc. A larger, “flexible” facility would enhance these anticipated activities.

 

2.            Develop a series of informational, Bible-based programs relevant to young parents.N

 

Continue to include Wednesday night or weekend series for young parents; include invitations to MOPS, Preschool, Scouting and other parents in the community. Possible topics: marriage (Fireproof), finances (Good Cents), parenting issues, etc. Search local colleges for speakers/experts in field.

 

3.            Continue to expand frequency of community outreach events.N

 

These events may include VBS, Easter Egg Hunt, Rainbow Tea, Zoo Fest and others.

 

4.            Develop a community children’s choir.N

 

Need to find choir coordinator/leader to bring together children of all denominations in an informal, enjoyable atmosphere. Suggested rehearsals from January to April, culminating in a community performance on or around Mother’s Day.

 

5.            Seek out additional opportunities to bring together young adults in Christian discussion and/or fellowship. N

 

Encourage the young adult Sunday School class to continue studies and fellowship events. Include specific topics in Wonderful Wednesday and Sunday School programs for young adults. Evaluate the need to develop a young adult Singles Ministry for the community.

 

6.            Support efforts to develop a contemporary service/incorporate contemporary music in worship to attract young adults as related in Goal #7. N

 

 

Goal #2 –

Provide, strengthen and expand the ministries of the church to support the care and fellowship of the congregation and community.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.            Strengthen our ministry to homebound and shut in church members to include regular visitation and communication through calls, cards, Sunday bulletins, meals as needed.N

 

One of the strengths of our congregation is its genuine concern and care for other church family members.  Needs are often met for those who are homebound or shut in through our Circle of Christian Friends.  A greater effort would improve support to those in need of assistance.

 

2.            Expand our response to families/ spouses in times of grief, including funeral assistance, follow up during various stages of grief, etcN.

 

Given the number of those retired in our congregation, the occasion of widowed spouses is high.  Initial support for those grieving is sufficient; continued follow up would extend this time of caring and concern for their loss.

 

3.            Extend homebound/grief care to the community including support to caregivers, etc through programs such as the Stephen Ministry.N

 

4.            Provide fellowship opportunities throughout the year to strengthen church family

relationships with special consideration for those attending separate services on Sunday    

morningsN.

 

The warmth and friendliness of this congregation is a strength most often commented on by

first time visitors and friends of our church.  However, as the church grows in number, this   

familiarity will become more difficult to maintain, especially with two services on Sunday

mornings.

 

5.            Extend spiritual awareness to the homebound through Sunday sermons communicated by live or recorded Podcast via church website.M

 

6.            Explore the need for programs for all families in the community e.g. support to military families, respite for caregivers, adult day care, meals on wheels, lunch, etc., possibly partnering with social services, health care and other professional resources.N.(see also Goal #6 on Evangelism)M

 

7.            Encourage the Circles of Christian Friends to welcome new families and visitors to the area.N

 

In addition to communicating church announcements, the members of each Circle should be encouraged to participate in greeting new families, and including them in church activities and events.

 

Goal #3 –

Pursue intentional faith development* opportunities for all age levels.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.            Continue to offer informative, dynamic Sunday School programs for all ages including preschool and Kids Korner. N

The Sunday School series involves children from age three years old through high school. Adult classes vary in size, but are close knit and offer a variety of studies to suit every need. Support and resources are critical to continue this successful venue for Sunday education. Kids Korner provides Scripture lessons and related activities for children up to 1st grade during the Worship Service.

2.            Offer in-depth  Disciple Bible Study programs, and/or additional  Bible study programs through existing or specially formed groups.N

 

 

3.            Continue to grow the Wonderful Wednesday ministry as an outreach for all ages to include fellowship, study, and worship.N 

 

 

4.            Utilize internet/web computer resources to access on-line Bible studies and other education programs.

*Based on “Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation” by Robert Schnase

 

 

Goal #4 –

Commit to making missions at home and abroad an ongoing priority in the lives of our church family.

Recommendations:

 

1.            Continue to seek mission partners around the world needing the prayers, support and

resources of our congregationN.

 

While financially supporting our missionary in covenant, we should continue to be available to other missionaries (like those in Africa encouraged by the UMW) and offer support and encouragement as they struggle to carry the message of Christianity throughout the world.

 

2.            Encourage every church member to participate in local mission programs in the communityN.

 

One of the many strengths of this congregation is their willingness to serve in charitable organizations e.g. Lake Christian Ministries, SML Good Neighbors, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in Action, Society of St. Andrew, The Henry Fork Service Center, and other organizations to help the less fortunate.  The impact of having every member of the church involved in some form of mission work would be a phenomenal testimony to this congregation’s commitment to serving others.

 

3.            Enlist volunteers for Disaster Relief (Early Response Team), as well as other mission teams needed locally and nationallyN.

 

While some members are eager to provide prayers, funds and specific resources, others have expressed a willingness to serve on work teams, to give hands-on aid to victims needing disaster relief.  These individuals should be recruited and prepared to go when needed. 

 

4.            Involve families in annual mission work teams.  Encourage youth mission teams. N

 

 

5.            Continue to support the Good Samaritan Program. N

 

The Good Samaritans are organized with volunteers within the congregation to provide help to members of the congregation, as well as the members of the community, with routine home repairs that they are unable to perform for whatever reason.

 

6.            Continue local mission work with ecumenical bonding through periodic meetings amongst local churches. N

 

 

Goal #5-

Based on our Mission and Vision, continue to evaluate the church facilities to meet the future needs of the ministries of the church.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.            Maintain an ongoing assessment of the facility needs of our church ministries. N

 

2.            Pursue the purchase of properties adjoining the church in anticipation of expansion needs such as additional parking, cemetery space, new facilities, etc. M

 

 

Goal #6-

Share the good news of Christ's love by extending an invitation to all people to experience the welcoming, caring community at Bethlehem UMC.

 

Recommendations

 

1.            Develop the skills and abilities of the evangelism team and the congregation to share our

faith with others. Through training programs, tools, and opportunities, strive to help everyone fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus as described in Matthew 28:19-20.N

 

2.            Pursue media and other avenues for evangelism such as weekly news column, radio, billboard announcements, bulk mailings, etc.; increase presence at community events N

 

Embracing our vision to be “Outward Bound” we should take every opportunity to reach out to the community at local events such as the Chamber Expo, Chili Festival, Wine Festival, etc.

 

3.            In conjunction with Goal #2/Recommendation 6. as determined by an assessment of needs, offer assistance such as after school care, mentoring, breakfast or after-school meal programs, parenting programs, etc.N 

 

This will provide opportunities to the church family to assist in meeting the immediate needs of individuals and families in our surrounding community as well as offering a warm, caring place to worship and fellowship together.  

 

4.            As the congregation grows in number, prepare for the addition of an assistant pastor to assist

with visitation, evangelism activities, etc.N

 

The pastor already is currently fully committed with responsibilities for the spiritual guidance of the congregation. Denomination guidelines suggest when a congregation reaches 500 members with 200 in attendance, an assistant pastor could be hired to share this responsibility and possibly lead an additional worship service in an alternative space such as a Spiritual Life Center aka Fellowship Hall.

 

Goal  #7 –

Offer passionate worship* services that connect people to God and one another.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.            Utilize the worship committee to assist in planning passionate worship services at BUMC.N

Working with pastor and music staff, include the worship committee in planning services that result in a meaningful and passionate experience.

 

2.            Introduce elements in our current Sunday morning worship services to create a more blended style of worship. N

In planning for more passionate worship, the worship committee will retain traditional music and prayers while incorporating new elements to create a worship experience that has a broader appeal. 

 

3.            The worship committee will explore offering an additional worship that is contemporary in style. N

While traditional and blended worship services appeal to many, there are those who are looking for a worship style that is more contemporary.  This service would incorporate more praise and worship music, a more relaxed atmosphere for worship.  It may include the use of a praise band or a variety of musical instruments, and audio visual presentations related to music and the message.  This service may take place in a place other than the sanctuary and may need a worship leader (musician) who would coordinate this service in addition to the pastor and the worship committee.

 

4.            Offer worship services in addition to Sunday morning that are periodic and/ or seasonal. N

Throughout the year, additional services of worship led by guest speakers, music groups, etc. would be offered.  The community would especially be invited and would be shown radical hospitality.  These services could center on seasonal events i.e. Christmas, Lent, Easter or other special occasions.

 

5.            Assess the opportunities for developing an offsite campus, satellite facility or starting a new church. M

*Based on “Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation” by Robert Schnase 

 

 

Goal #8-

Strengthen the resources of the church by developing, implementing and sustaining a comprehensive stewardship program.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.            Develop and present a spiritually based education series focused on tithing and “extravagant generosity.” Determine appropriate timing in the church calendar and coordinate its integration.N

 

2.            Develop a systematic program of ongoing communications to reinforce and educate, utilizing the church newsletter, web page, Christian Education classes, Sunday bulletins, monthly “Ministry Moments during the worship service, and similar media/other opportunities.N

 

3.            Develop and initiate an annual financial pledge appeal culminating with a “Commitment Sunday” and focusing on spiritually based support for the ministries of the church.N

 

4.            Develop a program of estate planning (Wills, Life Annuities, Endowment Gifts, etc.) to provide opportunities for individuals and families to leave a legacy and sustain the church into its future.N

 

5.            Explore the need for a capital campaign drive to provide for the future expansion of church facilities.F

 

6.            Annually update and assess the S.T.A.R.S. (Sharing Talents And Renewing Spirits) survey.

 

Goal #9-

To invite, welcome, include and support new members and visitors to Bethlehem through radical hospitality*.

 

Recommendations

 

1.            Emphasize the responsibility for extending radical hospitality to new members and visitors belongs to each member of the congregation, especially those involved in the worship service.N  

 

Utilize all participants in the worship service – ushers, lay readers, altar presentation, music – to consciously extend assistance to newcomers, making it more comfortable and inviting for them to take part in the Sunday morning service.

 

2.            Establish a welcome committee to call on visitors at home.N 

 

3.            Find ways to involve new members and visitors in the life of the church. N

 

A deliberate effort should be made to promote ways to enhance visitors’ first impressions and embrace new church family members. Consideration should be given to a regularly scheduled new members class, sponsor-couples to introduce and encourage new members’ involvement in church events, get- to- know- you informal coffee gatherings, etc.

 

 

 

*Based on “Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation” by Robert Schnase 

APPENDIX I

2007-2011 Long Range Goals Completed

 

Goal #1

Hire a qualified director of children and youth ministries.

 

Hire qualified nursery workers to provide childcare for all worship services and programs where needed to encourage greater involvement of families with young children in the life of the church.

 

Goal #2

Provide maintenance and home repair support to our congregation and surrounding community.

 

Goal #3

Develop ….. Sunday School preschool and nursery children’s programs.

 

Offer in-depth Disciple Bible Study program and/or other Bible studies through UMW, UMM the youth, other existing or specially formed groups in the church.

 

Goal #4

Support “our” new church in Mozambique through our prayers, gifts.

 

 

Goal #5

Appoint a committee and chairman to develop this plan (church expansion).

 

Proceed with the building program determined by the plan, architectural recommendations and reasonable monetary projections.

 

Goal #6

Pursue other media avenues for evangelism such as ….. Monthly Pastor’s Corner in local paper, Business Expo.

 

Goal #9

Develop guidelines and training for ushers and greeters and others significant to a visitor’s “first impression.”

 

Create a larger narthex to allow room for visitors to sign a guest book, receive literature about our programs  

meet and greet church members within a space large enough to encourage fellowship.

APPENDIX II

Space Needs Assessment

As detailed by LRP 2007

A.            An expanded fellowship area with adequate storage and adjacent kitchen facility should be given priority focus.

 

a.            Fellowship Hall – Primarily, the existing fellowship hall is inadequate for

functions intended to include our current church families, much less other guests or community groups.  Our church ministries -family, youth, children’s - and others are restricted in their programming by the space inadequacies in the fellowship hall. Seating capacity is limited. The capacity for serving sit-down meals is far below our current membership.  There is no sound system.  There is no elevated “stage” area for special events. Storage within or adjacent to the fellowship hall for tables, chairs and other supplies is severely limited.  Community organizations using the fellowship hall are allowed minimal storage areas for supplies. 

 

b.   The kitchen appliances are not industrial grade and are limited in their

function.  Congregational Care would like to have a large freezer for storing meals or food for unexpected receptions such as funerals, but there is no space for an additional appliance.  Kitchen storage and work areas are inadequate for food preparation, serving and clean up.

 

c.            Ministries Support Space– Mission projects are compromised due to lack of work-area space, e.g. assembling school kits, health kits, mission projects of the UMW, the Silent Auction, Christmas for the children in the community, etc.   A larger area with storage for games, snacks and other supplies is needed for Kids Korner on Sunday mornings.  Evangelism supplies need to be centralized; they currently have no specified storage area and are stashed in various locations.  Similarly, Worship supplies are not centrally located but stored in different areas (e.g.Library, Choir Room, janitor’s closet).

 

d.            Education – Additional classroom space is needed at the present time; expanded classroom space will become an increasingly urgent need. Media storage space for TV’s, projectors, screens, etc. is also becoming a more prominent need.  Increased storage for educational materials and supplies, needs to stay in step with the growth of the program.  An assembly area for education group gatherings could also be utilized by this ministry.

 

e.            Preschool – Already at capacity, the preschool will need larger classrooms, more storage space and an additional bathroom.  A full refrigerator and cooking area for science projects would be fully utilized.

 

f.            Children and Youth – A larger nursery area convenient to the sanctuary will be needed as the congregation grows in numbers. With a revitalized youth program, there will be a need for additional youth rooms, to accommodate separate junior (3rd thru 5th grade level), middle, and high school age youth groups.

g.            Administrative – A common work area adjacent to the secretary’s office is anticipated for copier, storage, supplies, counter space, mail cubicles, additional computer work stations and more.  Additional staff offices will be needed.  An expanded library/conference area should be developed, providing comfortable “easy” chairs in addition to the conference table and chairs, storage, and additional shelving.  A finance office needs to be established with a computer workstation for the treasurer and financial secretary, storage for files, records and supplies for the Sunday morning offering counters.

 

h.            Church Library – Additional shelving is needed, with consideration given to the size of the existing conference table. The resources being added to the library through Education, Congregational Care, and other generous donors, have exceeded the shelving availability and are unmanageable to display much less access. 

 

i.    Other – The custodial equipment and supplies need to be centrally located in  

                                      a safe, secured area.

 

B. The anticipated space needs of the ministries and worship programs of the church must be considered.

 

j.            Sanctuary – Anticipating a growth in membership at the present rate, the need for additional pew seating and communion rail space is inevitable.  Subsequently, the chancel area and choir loft will need to be expanded proportionately.  Provisions need to be made for the use of new technology in the worship service such as a sound system control booth in the back of the sanctuary, audio visual equipment, cameras, power point projections, etc.   Ideally, the design of a new sanctuary would also include the following features:  a Cry Room with a glass divider so services could be seen and heard; a gathering foyer space accessible to the sanctuary with coat racks and areas for displays, brochures, etc; a prayer room/meditation area which can be entered from the inside and out; a parlor near the sanctuary suitable for funeral gatherings or a bride dressing area, possibly including a small kitchenette suitable for small dinners.

 

Immediate Recommendation

Sanctuary Chancel Area – The Chancel area should be closely evaluated to determine how it could be moderately remodeled to enhance these worship elements for the congregation. Currently there are 38 members in the choir and seating availability for 33.  The music program continues to develop and attract new members for the church as well as for the choir.  Present arrangement of choir chairs has no capacity for addition of members; attrition is an inadequate option.  The placement of the organ makes it “invisible” to most of the congregation.  Similarly, placement of the handbell choir is inadequate for sight and sound.  Minimal area is available for other presentations such as skits, puppets, drama, etc. 

k.            Music – A music room - soundproof and with a piano - adjacent to the sanctuary needs to be provided for choir rehearsals, Sunday morning warm-up, as well as storage for choir robes and music.  A room for handbell rehearsals, storage and other bell choir needs should be included.  Also requested: an office for the music director(s) and a unisex half bath.

 

Immediate Recommendation

Sound System – A professional overhaul of the sound system including the capability of recording services and special programs needs to be implemented.N

Recently the PA system was enhanced by the addition of two, uni-directional microphones to help broadcast announcements, Scripture readings, etc.  However, the system is extremely sensitive and needs to be professionally balanced i.e. adjusted routinely; it has not been attended to for several years.  In addition, the audio-recording capability needs to be reestablished.

 

l.            Worship – Permanent storage space is needed for worship elements such as communion supplies, acolyte robes, candles, paraments, banners, seasonal decorations, etc. (possibly puppets and stage as well)

 

m.            Grounds – Based on the expansion of the facility, a larger parking area will be needed.  A bigger, covered picnic facility with more seating will be needed.  A larger playground, basketball/volleyball court will need to be developed.

 

APPENDIX III

2012 Summary of Near, Mid and Long Term Recommendations

 

Near Term (0-3 years) Recommendations:

Goal #1

Assess needs of local area youth – 6th grade through high school – for youth center (after school initially). Include assessment of space in current facilities and staffing numbers required for Safe Sanctuary and supervision.

 

Develop a series of informational, Bible-based programs relevant to young parents.

 

Continue to expand frequency of community outreach events.

 

Develop community children’s choir.

 

Seek out additional opportunities to bring together young adults in Christian discussion and/or fellowship.

 

Support efforts to develop a contemporary service/incorporate contemporary music in worship to attract young adults as related in Goal #7.

 

Goal #2

Strengthen our ministry to homebound and shut in church members to include regular visitation and communication through calls, cards, Sunday bulletins, meals as needed.

 

Expand our response to families/spouses in times of grief, including funeral assistance, follow up during various stages of grief, etc throught programs such as the Stephen Ministry.

 

Provide fellowship opportunities throughout the year to strengthen church family  relationships with special consideration for those attending separate services on Sunday  mornings.

 

Extend homebound/grief care to the community including support to caregivers, etc. 

 

Explore the need for programs for all families in the community e.g. support to military families, respite for caregivers, adult day care, meals on wheels, lunch, etc., possibly partnering with social services, health care and other professional resources.

 

Encourage the Circles of Christian Friends to welcome new families and visitors to the area.

 

Goal #3

Continue to offer informative, dynamic Sunday School(SS) programs for all ages.

 

Offer in-depth  Disciple Bible Study programs, and/or additional Bible study programs through existing or specially formed groups.

 

Grow the Wonderful Wednesday ministry as an outreach for all ages to include fellowship, study, and worship.

 

Utilize internet/web computer resources to access on-line Bible studies and other education programs.

 

Goal #4

Continue to seek mission partners around the world needing the prayers, support and resources of our congregation.

 

Encourage every church member to participate in local mission programs.

 

Enlist volunteers for Disaster Relief, as well as other mission teams needed locally and abroad.

 

Involve families in annual mission work teams.  Encourage youth mission teams.

 

Continue to support the Good Samaritan Program.

 

Continue local mission work with ecumenical bonding through periodic meetings among local churches.

 

Goal #5

Maintain an ongoing assessment of the facility needs of our church ministries.

 

Goal #6

Develop the skills and abilities of the evangelism team and the congregation to share our faith with others. Through training programs, tools, and opportunities, strive to help everyone fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus as described in Matthew 28:19-20.

 

Pursue media and other avenues for evangelism such as weekly news column, radio, billboard announcements, bulk mailings, etc.; increase presence at community events.

 

In conjunction with Goal #2/Recommendation 6. as determined by an assessment of needs, offer assistance such as after school care, mentoring, breakfast or after-school meal programs, parenting programs, etc.

 

Goal #7

Utilize the worship committee to assist in planning passionate worship services at BUMC.

 

Introduce elements in our current Sunday morning worship services to create a blended style of worship.

 

Explore offering an alternative worship that is contemporary in style.

 

Offer worship services in addition to Sunday morning that are periodic and /or seasonal.

 

Goal #8

Develop and present a spiritually based education series focused on tithing and “extravagant generosity.” Determine appropriate timing in the church calendar and coordinate its integration.

 

Develop a systematic program of ongoing communications to reinforce and educate, utilizing the church newsletter, web page, Christian Education classes, Sunday bulletins, monthly “Ministry Moments during the worship service, and similar media/other opportunities.

 

Develop and initiate an annual financial pledge appeal culminating with a “Commitment Sunday” and focusing on spiritually based support for the ministries of the church.

 

Develop a program of estate planning (Wills, Life Annuities, Endowment Gifts, etc.) to provide opportunities for individuals and families to leave a legacy and sustain the church into its future.

 

Goal #9

Emphasize the responsibility for extending radical hospitality to new members and visitors belongs to each member of the congregation, especially those involved in the worship service.

 

Establish a welcome committee to call on visitors at home.

 

Find ways to involve new members and visitors in the life of the church.

 

Summary of Mid Term (4 – 6 years) Recommendations

 

Goal #2

Extend spiritual awareness to the homebound through Sunday sermons communicated by Podcast via church website (see also EVANGELISM goal).

 

Goal #5

Pursue the purchase of properties adjoining the church in anticipation of expansion needs such as additional parking, cemetery space, new facilities, etc.

 

Goal #6

As the congregation grows in number, prepare for the addition of an assistant pastor to assist with visitation, evangelism activities, etc

 

Summary of Far Term (7 – 10 years) Recommendations

 

Goal #8

Explore the need for a capital campaign drive to provide for the future expansion of church facilities.