Congregational Vitality Survey Report
The results of the Congregational Vitality Survey that we have solicited responses to for the past month are in, and have been summarized in a full-color, bar graph filled, four-page report which you can view HERE. A total of 58 responses were received, both online and entered from hard-copy surveys delivered to the church office or dropped in the survey boxes. Quoting from the intro to the report results:
This survey measured perceived strengths and challenges of the congregation in three critical areas: the congregation’s connections with God, each other and the world. All items range from 1 (poor) to 5 (great). The target score is 4 or higher. An average vitality score was created by averaging all items together. This report is divided into three sections. The first section tells you who completed the survey. The next section shows the average responses to the 15 questions and the average vitality score, and the last section shows details of how each question was answered.
Some notable results from the survey:
- A full two-thirds of the respondents are age 65 or older; 15% of respondents are from age 35-44. No one younger than 35 submitted a survey.
- Two items scored a 4.0 or above (4.1):
- Helps deepen relationship with God
- Helps those in need
- Grace's average vitality score is 3.5. A target score is 4 or higher. This indicates that members of Grace have some concerns going forward. More interpretive information regarding Average Vitality Score is at the bottom of page 2 of the report.
Stewardship Committee Meeting
The Stewardship Committee is participating in a program from BSG Fundraising called "Building a Culture of Generosity," which I explained a bit about HERE. This program includes six Zoom meetings in September, October and November, led by our GSB consultant, Jennie Wolf Smith. GSB provides 75% of the content, as well as coaching on how to best carry out the campaign, which will primarily be by direct mail. In our first Zoom, we listened to Mike Ward, also from GSB, tell us about the imporance of "Outcome Stories," or "Impact Stories." Mike puts it this way:
Unfortunately, most congregations fail to focus on telling these stories of impact. Instead, they tell people what they do and then expect those people to want to be part of it. Bulletins are full of activity, but not impact. We look busy and that feels important. But underneath, people are worn out and uninspired; they’re limiting their participation because activities are just one more thing to do. For impactful ministry to flourish, we need to better articulate what God is doing through that busyness.
Mike says more about Outcome Stories in a 7-minute video that the Committee watched during our meeting, and I encourage you to watch also. You can find it HERE. Our assignment for our next Zoom consult meeting on September 23 is to write one or more "outcome stories." Would you be willing to try writing one? Just email it to me at mark@bogen.org.
Worship Committee Meeting
The Worship Committee met on on Tuesday afternoon. We reviewed the changes that will take effect on Sunday (moving to ELW Setting 4, which will stay in effect until Advent), and reviewed the October Worship Planner. There was some discussion about the communion elements, particularly the difficulty that some members have in finding the cellophone tab to uncover the bread element, and the stickiness of the foil covering the grape juice element. We are well supplied with this variety of elements, and if we use up what we currently have, we are considering moving to a different product that is easier to prepare by worshipers in the pews.
First Spirit Session
The 2021-2022 Spirit season began on Wednesday night with a tasty dinner of pasta, salad and dessert, and with a first try at doing "Dinner Church." The service went a bit longer that what we had originally visioned, so we will be making adjustments as we go. Other activities that got going were Cherub Choir, Voices of Praise, Youth Gathering, Bell Choir, and Bible Study. Maureen's led a S.L.A.M. small group, and I began the course "Healthy Churches Faithful Pastors" in the dining room.
Sunday School Reimagined
I hope that you all will consider coming to our reimagined Sunday School, a cross-generational (that means all ages welcomed and encouraged to attend) Christian education experience that will focus on the stained glass windows at Grace and their many symbols and meanings. This will take place in the Auditorium beginning at 9:00 a.m. The coffee pot will be on. Did you know the first window was dedicated 75 years ago?
Transition Team Meeting
The Transition Team met on Thursday afternoon, a postponed meeting from last week because I was still awaiting my test result (negative!) from my brush with SARS-CoV-2 last week. The Team has decided to revise the plan for the Remembering and Drawing Meaning from Our History event which was scheduled for Sunday, October 10. We have decided to schedule several additional days and times for this event, to include as many members of Grace as possible. Stay tuned for more details as our plans become more definite. Our next meeting is September 16 at 4:30 pm.
Funerals this week and next
The funeral for Kathy Otermat was held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Grace, with Maureen presiding. On Thursday, I, along with many others from Grace, attended the funeral for Pastor Jim Avers, which was held at Faith, where Pastor Jim served for eleven years before coming to Grace to serve as visitation pastor for 13 years. Bishop Daniel was present to bring a message of thanks from the Synod and the ELCA for Pastor Jim's service. Next week, Maureen will conduct the funeral for Jim Auen on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 pm. Visitation will be Tueday from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Herman Funeral Home, and from 3:00 - 4:00 pm at Grace.
Bishop Daniel's latest email
You can read it HERE.
Email from Grace Missionary
LInda received this email from the ELCA missionary that Grace supports, Rev. David Brondos:
Dear Linda,
I pray that you and everyone at Grace are doing well.
I am writing for several reasons. First, this past Tuesday I sent out our most recent missionary newsletter and every once in a while I like to check with our sponsoring congregations and make sure that the newsletter is being received. So I would just like to see if you could confirm that you are receiving it. We send one out every two months.
Second, I think that every once in a while it is also good to express to our sponsoring congregations our thanks for your ongoing support of our work here in Mexico through the ELCA Global Mission Funding program. It means a lot to Alicia and me and we truly thank God for you all at Grace!
And third, I just wanted to remind you that I am always available to do something by Zoom (a greeting, sermon, Bible study, etc.) or to share a brief recorded message for the congregation if you would ever like something like that. It's been quite a while since I visited.
I look forward to hearing from you when you have a chance. Thanks again!
Blessings,
David Brondos
ELCA Missionary in Mexico
https://dbrondos.mx
Check out his website, linked above. You can also read more about Pastor David's work and ministry HERE.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.
We can and must do all we can to help prevent suicide. Take some time to learn more HERE.
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