From the Pastor 8/4/06

Last night (Wednesday) we had a meeting to discuss our contemporary worship services. We spent some time talking about our worship and I wanted to share some with the whole congregation. We had a very good representation, around 40 people in all at the gathering.

We defined worship a number of ways. For most, worship was a time of coming into the presence of God. It involved music, praises, prayer and the Word of God.

We talked about the elements of contemporary worship and how they help/hinder person’s worship of God. Most greatly appreciated the Praise Band and saw them as an integral part of contemporary worship. Some wanted more, some wanted less music. Some wanted it louder. Some wanted a service not bound by time or order/bulletin. Some wanted to make sure the pastors had time to preach what God had laid on their hearts. Some wanted children more involved in the service and with their families; others wanted activities for the children during worship. And I could go on and on. It was a great meeting for people to open up and share.

After this time of sharing we presented a FAQ sheet with some thoughts about moving the two contemporary services offsite. There was again great discussion. It was stressed by several persons that our Sunday morning education time has suffered since we placed a service at the same time as our main education time. A two fold purpose was presented a number of times, reminding us that we not only need to draw persons to Christ through our worship services but we need to disciple them as well through our Sunday and weekly education opportunities. A reminder that parents ought to be the primary trainer of their children in religion brought a reminder that most parents do not do this for various reasons. A reminder was shared with those gathered that in order to train and equip children/youth/adults many volunteers are needed, not just the paid staff. We really want a dynamic children and youth program but do not at this time have the volunteer base we need.

A consensus was reached to further investigate moving the contemporary services offsite until other arrangements could be made. Below is a revised FAQ sheet, much like what was shared at the gathering with minor adjustments resulting from the gathering. Future discussion meetings will be held (next will be August 10th at 7 pm) and at some point we will have a congregational vote (on Sunday mornings so everyone attending can vote instead of only those who attend a meeting).

No timeline was set but in a discussion this morning with Pastor Tony we both agreed that some time this fall was the ideal time because of people looking for a church when the children go back in school and we’re moving toward Christmas. But, we’ll move in God’s time on this issue.

The denomination has also expressed interest in our developing an offsite contemporary service and has promised some financial assistance as outlined below. Your prayers and thoughts are vital and your help as well.

When you look at the two plans for our proposed Sunday mornings, plan A was trying to keep the largest service at the same time and plan B placed the main education time between the services. Both proposals tried to end our mornings around noon. We also tried not to affect the traditional service at all, leaving their time alone and providing adult education for those who attend that service.

Moving Contemporary Worship Offsite FAQ Sheet

1. Why would we consider this move?
Our vision is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Most experts report that a neutral meeting place attracts more people than a traditional setting. (Comment: If our goal is to reach more folks for Jesus the hardships of this move might need to be placed on the back burner.) In talking to those who lead/participate in worship the idea of a larger setting and one contemporary service has always been appealing. Joining the two contemporary services together with room to grow is not possible on location at this time. The denomination is supportive of this move. They would like to see a contemporary setting in South County. MZ and Cedar Grove have done a good job of developing contemporary worship at traditional settings. If the United Methodist Church wants to have a presence in South County in the contemporary worship arena, something new needs to be done.

2. What are some of the pros of this move?
- Contemporary setting that allows for outreach and growth
- More welcoming and inviting place, more visible place to the community which enables us to reach more people, people who would not come to MZ for historical/personal reasons
- Opportunity for both pastors to teach on Sunday mornings
- Two services instead of three – which is less work for volunteers and staff in worship

3. What are some of the cons of this move?
- Added expense for the rental of Southern Middle
- Travel to and from this offsite location
- Setup and takedown of the worship setting each week
- Equipment sharing with traditional service or purchase of travel equipment
- Some may not travel between locations
- Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers

4. What will our Sunday morning schedule look like?
- Plan A
8:00m Traditional Worship in Sanctuary
8:00am Education at MZ – Adult classes
9:30am Contemporary Worship offsite at Southern Middle
9:30am Education at MZ – Adult classes and children/youth classes as needed
11:15am Education at MZ – SonBurst and adult classes
- Plan B
8:00am Traditional Worship in Sanctuary
8:00am Education at MZ – Adult classes
9:15am Education at MZ – SonBurst and Adult classes
10:30am Contemporary Worship offsite at Southern Middle cafeteria

5. Volunteers needed?
Of course all of our ministries need volunteers – especially SonBurst, Youth, Cribbery/Nursery. The new setting would need volunteers too, like parking lot greeters, welcoming teams, ushers, setup/takedown teams, hospitality teams, ministry fair persons, information directors and more. Currently, volunteers for SonBurst are affected by the 9:30 worship & SonBurst happening at the same time.

6. Denominational Involvement?
A grant will be applied for that will have two components. 1- A portion of the grant would bring us $15,000 a year (renewal as needed and approved) for rent. 2- Another portion of the grant would bring us $12,000 a year (renewal as needed and approved) for a worship leader 10-12 hours a week to work with the pastor to design the contemporary service, work with the band and lead worship, taking us to the next level in worship.

7. Long range plans?
Multiple choices:
- Stay at Southern Middle – will hold 600, no mortgage, no repairs, no use of building during the week. $1,500,000 worship center at 5.75% for 30 years is $2,020.06 a week. Three hour rental & fees for SM will be under $600 a week.
- Return to MZ and build new worship center (old Sanctinasium plan?)
- Buy land else where and build new worship center

I hope this helps the whole church grasp what we discussed at the gathering August 2nd. Our next discussion time will be August 10th at 7 pm. I hope you can attend.

Your Friend and Pastor,
Rev. Ray