PATH FORWARD COFFEE HOUR CONVERSATION
HOW IT WORKS
During this season of discussion and discernment we will have theme-based worship that will invite us to take us to Spirited conversations on matters that are as practical as rising utility costs, the expense needs to maintain our 60+-year-old parsonage, and how to bring our beloved church into full form to be utilized when disaster strikes our community.
Each week we will have our discussion questions of the week listed in our bulletin and in our newsletter. During coffee hour we will have a variety of speakers taking 15 minutes or less to talk to the questions at hand. We will the data needed to be examined to fully understand the issue of the week, offer up 15 minutes to discuss at your tables, and give each person to respond with one
full sentence of your feedback on the topic of the day. A table facilitator will repeat the sentence to the speaker to ensure it is written as intended and will submit the information for our Trustees and Administrative Council to utilize as we move forward with future planning.
The goal is holy conversation and inspired goal setting. If people would like to speak to a topic that happens on a week they are not able to attend, you can send a response to Pastor Lisa at: pastorlisaconnolley@outlook.com We understand that we may not all be of one mind, but we can all be of one Spirit as we engage in this practice prayerfully and with a great hope for the future of God’s ministry and mission at Coupeville United Methodist Church.
Week of November 24th Questions
1. We have shared what our findings have shown, how do you feel about them?
Responses:
We are impressed in what all your are doing.
When we began this process, I was offended at using our social coffee hour to do this. However, as the weeks have progressed, I see the ultimate benefit of sharing our opinions and learning from each other.
Very impressed
Thanks for doing the heavy lifting!
Good to have the information so we can make informed decisions.
Good-What we have identified can be accomplished.
Very thorough!
See the other side.
Thoroughly trust the Trustees!
I'm glad we have done this process of sharing and discovery during service instead of in meetings.
Hopeful of success in all endeavors.
Optimistic that by working together we can accomplish our goals.
I am comfortable knowing the value of what we have.
I'm happy to be knowledgeable of the project needs of the church.
I'm glad to be a part of the process and I think people will feel more connected even, if it isn't the one they would have chosen.
Optimistic about what the path forward will hold in addressing all the concerns.
2. How will you support our Trustees, Finance, and full leadership in our strategies?
Responses:
It's hard to say you will support the leadership without knowing what that support entails.
I will volunteer when I can help in any way I can.
Pray for discernment.
As I am able, financially, with prayer and other support as needed.
Volunteer where I can, pray for their success an enthusiasm for all of us.
With whatever is needed.
Bigger donations and help as needed
Recognizing their work, trusting in them, and helping wherever possible.
On the Finance Committee on the Trustees and happy with how we have been working together
Choir, Finance Committee back up financial secretary.
I can help with time and money.
Continue to pray for them.
Pledge money.
Any way necessary.
Just call me I will do what I can.
November 17th Questions
1. Gratitude for what we have calls us to care for our gifts, what do you see as essentials to asset management here at CUMC?
Responses:
It is essential for us to catch up on our deferred maintenance and to manage our assets on a timely basis. We can’t let ourselves get so far behind that we can’t catch up – which is where we are now.
To take care of our assets before they are in dire need of repair.
Consider and plan for the lifecycle of the cost of operating and maintaining the church and property. Identify various revenue streams for the church.
Having a strong finance committee
Having an active Trustee committee.
A finance/trustee working group to prioritize maintenance projects and seek service providers and funding sources (grants).
Maintaining our physical building by first developing a priority list.
Someone who understands how to manage finances.
All the information freely and fully is a major help.
Assets management essentials: timely responses to critical issues, clear financial reports including funds in investments and CDs, grant writing to preserve our historical building, and keeping records of work done and when.
2. What are priorities to pray about, to work on, to DO on our Path Forward?
Responses:
The priority now is to raise funds so we can make repairs and acquire replacement or new furnishings and equipment. We need to pray for our congregation’s ability to donate and to find ways to raise funds outside the church.
Many
Getting the parsonage livable, sanctuary support, a new roof for the solar array, and water in the church basement small updates.
Resources and wisdom to prioritize the most important.
That we can come to a consensus on the priorities short and long-term
Stay on the path.
Pray about what our/my part in the path forward could be.
Take our priorities one step at a time and pray for the financial resources to complete.
November 10th Questions
1. Do you see our building as essential to our ministry, and worthy of the investment needed?
Responses:
Yes, our building is essential to our ministry. Much of Central Whidbey looks upon us as the historic church of Coupeville; they have a sense of ownership even if they don’t attend. We need to reach out to those people to ask for their support in the repairs we need.
Yes!
OMG of course
I agree
Ya!
Mange Tuesen Tac
Yes!
Yes, without a meeting place or building to use the community would be hard to support.
We need to keep them up now because it will cost a lot more when it needs to be done.
Yes it is not only our place of worship but also a place for the community to gather.
Absolutely! Always worthy our continued ministry needs a building in which to gather pray and be grateful as we reach out to others.
Center point in Coupeville- even for people who don't attend the service people listen to the bells.
Absolutely this building is essential.
Absolutely!
Yes our community depends on our outreach.
Yes, especially because of its location in the heart of the historic section also the history of the building and its beauty.
Yes!
Yes!
Yes! we are stewards of this beautiful historic building.
Yes, I think this church is important as a worship and community center.
I think the parsonage can be a reflection of our ideas and ideals in addition to where we house our pastor.
Yes the tradition and history of our church and building are important part of our ministry.
2. What resources, time, talent, or treasures can you provide in support?
Responses:
I can provide some funding. I intend to increase my monthly tithe and during the year, as I am able, I’ll make larger contributions. I can’t provide much time or talent.
Ideals, some time, fundraising help.
I can help organize projects to do or need upgrades to the church or parsonage.
I can provide time on Saturdays and some Sundays to assist as an extra hand or on projects/workdays.
I can bake and sew for fundraisers, coffee hour, and prayers.
I volunteer for various things.
We used to give lots of time in our 80s we could not do much.
Volunteering provides money to support other efforts.
I am still do some things for the church I do it but not as much as I used to.
I can make refreshments I will do whatever is need time/food.
I am a writer at heart, I can work on grant applications.
As the Lord has provide for me, so I can provide for the Lord's house.
Same as above.
I can help with cleaning and setup. I have an open schedule.
As an empathetic ear, and a willingness to help.
I can provide my mental and physical energies towards the support of the path forward as well as my financial resources limited as they may be.
Time and financial support
All the above.
Im on the Trustees
Time and resources
Time and man power
Time and Critical Thinking
Many-
November 3rd Questions:
1. How do you see energy efficiency as part of our asset management?
Responses:
Energy Efficiency costs, better for the environment, and reduces CO2 emissions.
Energy cost is part of the lifecycle expense. The more efficient the equipment is the less it will cost over the life cycle.
Isn't it a moral obligation not to waste basic resources that sustain humans and other creatures?
We should always be looking for ways to use less energy as long as we are also researching the environmental issues of creating and story that energy.
Clean Air Ducts
Drain hot water tank
Change filter in the furnace
Turn off the light and heat down
We need to be good stewards-have trusties let us know other ways to save.
A large part
The heat pump saves us $ and electricity.
So important to focus on assets on items that will last for the next 100 years
Reduce our overhead.
As a way to help our mother, the planet.
Saving money by updating different objects.
Very Important!
Energy efficiency is being a good stewards
Solar panels if feasible.
2. What ways to save energy do you think are crucial to implement ?
Responses:
Key
Being conscious to turning lights off always. Winterizing the small cracks.
Turn off all lights after using them
Do not leave lights burning all night.
Proper insulation, lighting, heat, hot water, and transportation.
Insulation, hot water and lighting .
Don't prop the front door open in the church.
Cooling
Insulation, efficient windows.
Tankless water heater
Heat pump as in the church building
Water softener w/ heat pump.
Keep lights off when gone.
Check over and stove are off.
Lighting, heating, Water heater.
Smart home technology to conserve heating and energy use.
CUMC need a generator
Let's plan for solar power not or humongous battery but or system size for our operations.
Get rid of all of the baseboard heating
Today's space hearers are better and don't need to heat a room from the windows in.
October 27th Questions:
1. How do you see the topic of options in building decisions related to our path forward future?
Responses:
I see our building decisions on the parsonage as influenced by emotions – we are attached to it. But the cost to repair the unrepairable parsonage would be a very poor use of our meager funds.
I am glad we do have options. Yay for Carmen!
We learn as we go.
Sam as the marina is facing in Oak Harbor.
Love the inclusion and welcoming more informed.
It's a way for us to make informed decisions about the church property.
Good presentation by Carmen with good options.
Need French drains on the west wall
After we have settled on the parsonage we can focus on the tasks in the community.
Nothing is cheap. A decision needs to be made and work needs to be done.
It's a part of our future and worth of discussing.
Each option has positive and negative factors attached to it. However, I'm inclined to lean towards selling the parsonage and build a new one.
Years ago I noted to sell. Now I'm inclined to keep and improve our present parsonage.
I thought all options with great amount of info was very helpful.
2. Do you have any ideas for asset options that were not presented, please share?
Responses:
We are in an excellent financial position to build a modern, safe, utilitarian parsonage that will last us for another 100 years. We have the lot, the sale of the parsonage lots will pay for the building, and the leftover funds can go into a repair fund for timely upkeep of the church and the parsonage.
No but if there are other options I am opt to listening to them.
Have we considered if we remodel to add a rental unit to the present layout or property to create income?
The congregation should be made aware of what the church has in CDs.
No
Not yet. I need to know what the asset are.
Drainage fix the parsonage is great, but where does the water go, down hill to the neighbors?
We need to think of where the Pastor goes when the building is worked on if we choose that.
I like to see the parsonage and the adjacent lot sold. I'd like us to consider building a new parsonage on the last lot across from the church.
Ditch with crushed rock at the parsonage.
Try to figure out who comes here next we need to look forward.
Not a good ideal but just a thought. Sell the parsonage and put money in to fixing the water issues in the basement and build a residence down there w/ street access.
I appreciated Carmen's new option to remove propane and convert it to electric.
Week October 20th Question
1. What have you learned from our congregation's pattern around buildings?
Responses:
We haven’t been able to maintain our buildings adequately because we haven’t had the funds. We need to find ways to increase cash flows, to build a cash supply against future needs.
When the building needs too much maintenance we sell the building and build another one.
We let our buildings get in pretty rough shape before we fix them or sell them.
God is in control, and we can move forward with confidence.
We wait until the last minute to fix the issue once it is a dire situation and when it is a dire situation, we either sell or tear down and build new.
Sell and rebuild or tear down and rebuild.
I believe there will be some strong feelings about selling the parsonage
To keep up with repairs as soon as possible when funds are available.
There are many valuable options all based on looking out for the church, rather than building new, but God provides for the remodel.
Many are willing to help.
We are a family with so many different talents.
2. Where do you see us moving forward in meeting building needs?
Responses:
We need to move right now: The parsonage is too damaged to try to repair; we should sell the two lots it sits on, take the money from the sale, and build a new parsonage across from the church on our lot. Now.
Having plenty of fundraisers.
I hope that we will begin to take care of our problems right away instead of delaying care until things seem dire.
Help with low-income housing and repair parsonage.
As to the parsonage, my inclination is to look at the parsonage with a realistic view and I think we should seriously consider selling the parsonage.
We need to look at the future and keep ahead of what is needed ahead of time.
I think we need to take care of our buildings to serve the community.
I want our church and parsonage to be a safe place.
With the knowledge of the church's pattern of waiting until the last minute to fix the issue. And my hope is we break this pattern and handle issues as they come up.
We need to find a healthy solution to the parsonage and the weak area of the church.
We need to do the necessary at the parsonage for safety and also move ahead with the options for funds and affordable housing.
We should purchase a trailer/modeler home and place it on the lot across the street. Sell the parsonage and lot to pay for it.
We should sell the parsonage and lot next to it to pay for a new modeler home on the lot across the church.
Week October 13th Question
Responses:
1. How do you envision the parsonage as a mission asset?
It houses the leader of our mission
It is a way for the congregation to contribute to the pastor's housing needs.
Make it duplex-able -use ADU to generate income while providing affordable housing.
Pastor Lisa is such an asset. Our parsonage is a haven for folks who need to feel needed.
I think it's very important that we make sure the parsonage is up to the best affordable living standards. Our pastor is awesome. She needs an enjoyable and updated home. Solar, warm, etc.
It allows us to house the pastor and visitors. There have been dinners, bible studies, and other events there. It is an extension of the church. Rather than selling it we can renovate and repair it. Keeping the parsonage connected to the church and won't need to take out a 360K mortgage.
I agree with the above.
The parsonage seems to be changing. Before a gift to the pastor. Now changing.
The parsonage is a two-edged sword. Fine for the pastor at the time but no house for later in life.
It is more of a church asset.
It is a mission asset for the pastor to live.
Very good one. Beat living in your car.
On-going revenue if it is an accessory dwelling and parsonage.
We need one, the money from the sale of two lots should be used to build a new one on the other lot across the street.
I agree with selling the two lots to build a new house across the street from the church.
We think it is our responsibility to have a comfortable healthy place to live.
Ditto to the above.
Sell it.
Katherine Parker was about to stay at the parsonage.
Two foreign exchange students were able to stay.
2. What do you think of the options, do you have others?
Not @ this time.
I think the best option if it is possible, is a place across the street.
I like the idea of dividing the current property into 2 and build new on property across from the church.
I would like to see a place located away from the present church so that the pastor can retire daily for a sense of peace.
Makes sense, pick one.
Sell the parsonage and build new one on the lot next to it.
Sell the parsonage and the vacant lot adjacent to it and build on the lot across from the church.
Sell the parsonage use the funds to give a loan to the pastor so she can buy a home.
Build a tiny home across from the church, but do not sell parsonage lots. Gut and remodel or tear down and build new homes that can be for the pastor to use as rentals. Tiny homes can be used for rentals or custodian groundskeepers.
I agree with the above statement.
Have no others.
Sell as is and build new.
Support the consciences.
Use the extra property for ADU affordable housing
Build over parking lots like other churches do.
Week October 6th Question
Responses:
What would you do if this was your home?
Prioritize, look at the resources, and look for a loan, grant, and pledges.
So much is needed to bring to livability. Perhaps demolition and rebuilding are the answer.
Prioritize so that the cause is addressed mold, drainage is a priority. What is most important to the Pastor to keep a parsonage on the CV is important now and into the future.
Make sure that is safe for all concerning air quality (no Mold) Also plenty of supportive bars, and railings. We have the chairs and tables now which I think are great.
For safety make repairs as soon as possible. Would it be more financially effective to just take down and rebuild?
Do whatever to make it safe-prioritize and raise funds to really fix it.
Make it safe and take a loan out if needed.
A car garage, minimize stairs.
Welcoming
The parsonage is always a problem due to the drainage of the water around it. Sell it. Then how do we house the Pastor?
Move the propane tank? Sell the vacant lot and fit the Parsonage or sell both lots.
Sell the parsonage.
I would fix it as much as possible.
I would sell it and find a home that was a better financial investment. Good brick home in a great location.
Can the basement be turned into a rental income to recover the cost of renovations and repairs?
Also is there enough room on the lot for another small-income place (tiny homes)?
I would be checking on staying with friends.
I would fix it.
Fit it
Valuable piece of real estate
Fix electric first
Fix mold first
Start from scratch and replace with prefab.
Analyze the total project of the problems and then decide.
Tear down and start over. Pray
Sell and build a new one on the lot next to the Church.
Select kitchen-bathroom dehumidifier and fix drainage gutter and minor problems.
Think safety and preservation first.
I would attend to and fix some of the more immediate problems and then prepare the home to put on the market.
Stop putting off repairs focusing first on immediate health and safety problems. Consider current and future Pastoral appertains before committing to selling.
Stop kicking the can down the street and fix everything in the parsonage.
Trust God.
How do you feel about the information presented?
Responses:
It brought the urgency to the forefront.
I am very concerned about the health and safety of residents living in the parsonage in the current conditions.
Feels terrible about the condition of the parsonage.
It is good that the information was laid out plainly for the congregation, though I am concerned about the necessary work to bring up to standards.
Frustrated that we keep letting it get worse and worse instead of fixing it.
We need more faith in God and this congregation to get it fixed.
Very well presented. I felt I should give more.
It was perfect!
We done Great!
Great.
Informative.
Clear.
Good Speaker.
It makes me sad, but hopeful for a good resolution.
Sounds scary but not unexpected considering the age of the home.
I did not know of some of the issues, but it is overwhelming.
Can't separate this from all the years I dealt with the problems of the parsonage.
Not a surprise.
I feel that this is a big problem, especially the mold issues.
It is great to be transparent in presenting the correct information.
Disappointed about all we needed to fix but presented well.
Excellent information, Thank you, Trustees. The start of a plan.
Looking forward to implementing the proposed plan.
A bit daunting. I will help as much as I can -This is my HOME!
Well-presented and informative, easy to see the program.
Very important to be educated so we all become invested in the solution.
I think it is awesome that we are informed of what needs to be financed to make our church a happy, safe, healthy place for all.
To be informed of the facts makes it easier for everyone to be on the same page and address the issues.
Week September 29th Question
1. How do you see yourself in our ministry going forward as an aging congregation?
Responses:
think we do a good job in spite of being senior – we come to church, we participate in the services, and we are active in the community on behalf of the church. If there are physical limitations, we just ask someone a little more able-bodied to step in and help.
It's important to include the aging members and don't leave them out.
Dead
There is less to give less energy and more aches and pains.
Continue to contribute as I can.
That I have learned to appreciate what I have.
Using My talents to contribute where I can.
Visiting and sending cards.
Let go of what we can-embrace new paths
To be a support to whoever needs it.
Able to help wherever I can.
Continuing to serve especially after retirement in 5 years.
Staying involved.
Volunteering where needed.
Visiting, calling, and sending, cards.
VFW-bazaars-planting seeds to work smarter raising monies.
As a younger churchgoer, I have more opportunities to volunteer and serve. Bring fresh new ideals.
Continue to make items for the bazaar and coffee hour.
I am happy to be part of a family.
I am older and wiser.
Volunteering and being part of a group
Volunteering until I can no longer do so.
See themselves in a good place in the church as they age.
Just enjoying, praying, and extending friendship.
When I retire I will be more active in crafts.
I will continue to be a part of the church and the wonderful community of people in the church.
I will serve as I am asked to within my scope of abilities.
As an example, it is never too late to change.
2. How do you envision the path forward reflecting our combined wisdom and physical limits?
Responses:
I envision us maintaining all our programs in church and in the community. We may be slower than we were, but we’re still active in the ministry in and out of church.
Serving God and the community in surprising new ways.
As we age in our church we will continue to volunteer and be good stewards of this church we love.
Working as a team to reach our goals.
Volunteering in the church and community.
Supporting issues that are in line with our doctrines.
Ask for help.
Communicate - God grant me the serenity to accept my disability to ask for wisdom when to ask for help.
We should put more effort into becoming a community center for Coupeville.
Outreach to the community non-church folks to help volunteer with some of our church events. -Strawberry festival, Christmas Bazarr, Meals for kids, sewing/craft groups.
Sell the parsonage and make a deal with Habitat to build a home on the property across the street as a new parsonage. The church members can volunteer our labor and maybe cover some of the cost with the monies for the sale of the parsonage.
So blessed her to have people including elders leading us and with varying talents.
To be compassionate and helpful to others with physical and mental disabilities and listen to them tell their stories.
Put in more ramps.
Grab bars in bathrooms
Space and accessibility for walkers and wheelchairs.
Receiving new people with an introduction to a "veteran" to introduce them and offer local insight.
Then we will need to come to some jobs/committees to simplify the work that needs to be done.
We will have the same/similar needs, with fewer able people to fill jobs.
Asking God to help me be more useful to someone.
My wisdom is to maintain silence and listen.
To discover what we should let go of and make room for what will work with some of our physical limits.
Keeping open to new ways of doing things.
Maintaining our current building. Continuing to be welcoming community gatherings.
Rely on our experiences.
Be open to new things (technology) and younger people and their experiences for answers.
Being open to outsourcing due to physical limitations.
Week September 22nd Question Responses:
1. How do you envision the church building as a mission for God through emergencies? Did you know the Administrative Council and Trustees approved this?
Responses:
Yes, there should be a church first to show love to all.
I see this as a center of community with a building with assets that can be used in an emergency.
I see the church as providing heating and cooling centers as well as for shelter in other emergencies, providing water, food, restrooms, etc. No, I didn't know the Admin Council and Trustee approved this.
Yes, this is definitely can be a mission and ministry.
We need to be prepared to do all we can.
We need to offer shelter and care. We are blessed with a large building.
I am very happy the church is a part of the NET and will help our neighbors in emergencies.
To continue to be an emergency shelter
I believe our church is a perfect hub for emergency shelter.
It is good to be the heart and soul of the community.
It seems that we are directed to help neighbors, and this is what it means to be a good neighbor and do all we can whenever we can for whoever we can.
Some knew about the AC & T approval.
We have ramps and spaces, bathrooms, and a kitchen.
Would be irresponsible not to share our resources.
Church members may be willing to provide support to the emergency members
Soup Kitchen and Shelter
Shelter for all emergencies like heat/cold advisories.
2. How do you feel about our congregation being asked to help as a Regional Crisis Center, including having this building emergency ready?
Yes, We want this!
Yes!
I think it is a great idea.
I think this is very important as our chur is highly visible and centrally located.
Consensus- a good idea. We have the facility and space consistent with our open spirit of the church.
I think this is an important way to prepare for ourselves and the community around us.
I will be good for the community and us members of the church.
Go for it-It what we're all about!
I agree our congregation is a wonderful giving group to help as a regional center.
I think we should do all we can to ensure our place as an emergency center.
Yes, I agree
I agree to be an emergency center.
I think we should do all we can.
I think it's an important mission for our church to help.
We need to be emergency-ready. I am glad a feasibility study is in the works.
I think it's a great idea and I would be willing to help.
Week September 15th Question Responses:
Question 1:
How is the impact of rising costs affecting you personally and in the community?
Answers:
Fortunately, rising costs are not impacting me as much as others in the community, thus I feel I have the ability and the obligation to financially help wherever I can – including at the church.
I spend more at the grocery store and more on gas but still have all I need.
I'm more likely to prepare at home than buy food prepared at restaurants.
Help married children some and I am somewhat careful, but have what I need.
We are fine, but I see our community suffering with an increase in rent and food.
Young adults cannot buy a home.
Rising costs for electricity, groceries, and other utilities. Auto insurance
Needs to watch spending.
People are spending more on essentials, and less money for going out to eat or movies.
Wages are increased.
It seems as if I spent twice as much so I now grab nonbrand thins and do not buy as much meets and cheese.
It has slowed my life down doing much less buying less.
Buying less cut out more essentials
I see more people at Grocery Outlet. I am conscientious of my spending and thrift more.
Less dining out more careful grocery shopping less donations.
Going out less.
Saving for emergencies.
More closely monitoring the budget specifically groceries, Amazon, and eating out budgets. These reductions then of course in a very small way affect those businesses with us not using those services to the same extent we were before.
I am using store brands not buying more expensive cuts of meat.
Finding people to perform paid service for a reasonable price is difficult.
Made me more concerned for young families and very thankful that we have sufficient resources.
Finding housing affordable housing.
Less of a desire to travel or patronize small businesses.
Finding contractors, landscapers, or even affordable groceries.
Meat, soda, cereal, and crackers products we are not buying them now.
I have to go to the food bank to supplement my own, especially for fruits and vegetables.
Only buy what's in the ads.
We have to both continue to work rather than retire.
Financially ok but I try to help others with money.
I transferred inheritance from my parents to those in need now.
Sailors and the military can't afford to cover rent.
Question 2:
What do you see are tangible ways to save funds or raise funds for our congregation's ongoing mission?
Answers:
I can’t see ways to save funds for the church; there is too much that has been let slide and now we are faced with serious repairs/replacements. To raise funds, we need more people interested in preserving the church and enhancing our ministry.
Bake sales, volunteering for donations.
Sale of cookbooks
Movie night donations.
parking lot garage sales.
Big springtime clean-out garage sale.
Grant writers-community concerts.
Find a way to rent the basement rooms.
Sell the personage lots. Use profit to build a new one on our remaining lot across the street.
Trustees are working in coordination with other committees and community groups of the church facilities to improve operating cost.
Sale donuts, strawberry social, special pledges, seek grants.
Aging congregations do not get salary raises and are on fixed incomes.
The only way to cut costs is by contributing less to appointments.
Share a pastor with other congregations.
Being aware and prepared as able.
Increasing public awareness of non-religious service to the local community.
Raise awareness that we are a community emergency center. Perhaps have a specific fundraiser for emergency preparedness.
Being aware of our mission.
Ask for donations.
Just like preparing for an emergency make a plan share the plan build a kit. What do we need? What do we already have? What is our backup plan?
Fundraising like selling candies, tulips, bazaars other flowers, and strawberry social goods.
Renting out space to other organizations or to other individual groups like a spring bazaar.
Inviting new organizations to use spaces for meeting celebrations and other activities
Family movie night charging for snacks instead of admission.
Have a bake sale.
Week September 8th Question Responses:
Question 1:
How do you see time, talent, and treasure as means to give to God?
Answers:
This is how we give back to the Lord and support our church.
How we create community in Jesus' name.
When we see the need.
As a way to have a sense of belonging to the church by caring for it.
It is all about everything we give to the church, everything is a gift from God.
If you're grateful it's a natural thing to do.
Community is important to everyone.
You do not have to give monetarily, to support the church.
All of our giving can be a gift to God.
I am called in response to give all I can give because of my faith.
I am a fisherman and I have shared my catch.
Music play, time, and money are given to help the church that helps others.
As a past bartender and transit operator, my gift is a gift of counsel. I like to drive around and stop and talk with strangers.
Serving for the Bazaar.
Prayer Shawls
Cooking for COA
In the past professions were able to help.
We offer an open ministry-social meeting and coffee hour.
To be used to be of a service.
It is important.
You do what you can with what you have.
When I do something for God among others I feel that I get more out of it.
2nd Question:
Where have you used your gifts in the past, how are you able to share in the future?
Answers:
In years past, I used to be everywhere, but now in limited roles.
I like to be behind the scenes, it is nice to see people grow in their roles.
Manual labor, lay speaker.
Caring and concern.
I have volunteered and continue to volunteer.
To continue to respond to the needs of others.
Youth, Sunday Studies teacher, Choir Bells, Organ & Piano-All Joys.
Volunteer -offer to the cause your gifts-Craft Classes, decorating the church, financial knowledge.
Work with worship visuals, preach when needed.
Being able to share creativity is a spiritual blessing. New ideas will enliven our big community events.
Whatever you have to offer.
All are gifts to be shared, often without being seen.
Share what God has given me back to others.
Drive the prairie and stop and talk to strangers.
Our talents and our time is just as valuable as money
Kind, humble, and nice is a treasure!
Makes me happy doing things for Jesus.
Good investment in our future.
Rewarding to the giver.
We are doing what God would want.
Representing Jesus to the community.
Helping others to find recovery and their spirituality.
I give a lot of my art away.
My service is private.
I have use my gifts in other churches and will continue to serve the church and others volunteer organizations.
Week September 1st Question Responses:
Question 1:
How do you feel about being invited into the discernment process for the Path Forward?
Answers:
I am excited to hear many people's voices and expect to be surprised.
Looking forward to hearing other people's options.
It is nice because I work and I am not able to attend meetings during the work week.
Just giddy
It is a new experience for me to be asked about sermons or anything.
I don't want to think about it, especially at coffee hour.
I am afraid to say anything because I don't want another job- I need to learn to dream.
I am curious about what's going to happen, but I am a slow thinker.
I think I am happy about it being directed at something relevant to my life.
I have issues with using coffee hour for this activity. It cuts into social hour with people.
I understand that we need to have discussions, but concerned that people won't stay for coffee hour.
As a shy person, I appreciate having this time and something to respond to.
Grateful that we are being asked to participate.
Both positive and negative prefer to be asked and told.
My concern is doing it during coffee hour because this is a time to get to know people.
I miss the fellowship time and I am not sure what our goal is.
It a good idea.
I feel like we all will have a state in our future.
I think this will bring us all together as we look to the future.
I am empowered by it.
It's good to have a voice in the future.
It's nice to be heard.
It's good to be valued
Everyone's opinion counts.
Grateful for the opportunity.
No problem.
I like that we are included.
Good input.
I feel welcomed.
Our opinion matters.
I feel like I am under a little bit of pressure.
I feel accepted.
2nd Question:
Why do you think its important to get feedback from everyone in Congregation?
Answers:
Different opinions.
Might get lots of different opinions.
To get to know each other better.
Multi-generational input.
Knowledge is power.
It offers balance.
It helps us understand each other.
It keeps us understanding each other
It keeps anyone from feeling they were left out.
It provides a more well rounded picture as to how the congregation want the future of the church to be.
For a variety of opinions
Because everyone's opinion counts
We are all different. We see things differently
We learn from each other.
We complement each other.
You want to know what people are thinking.
Knowing what everybody is thinking about the future will help in the planning.
Sometimes people are dissatisfied and leave instead of sharing their thoughts.
To learn and grow.
Because we are a diverse people.
We are all part of the congregation and if we don't ask we don't know.
Because we are all unique individuals created by God.
We are diverse.
If we don't get everyone's opinions we can get off on the wrong foot.
Because the church serves everybody.
So you know you are meeting the needs of the congregation.
All God's children have a place in the choir.
We are all in this together.
For all voices to be heard and a part of the process
Allows people to feel included in the process
Because there has been conflict when people have not felt heard.
It makes everyone feel a part of the church.
