Church Council Corner
February 2010

Here we are at the start of a new year. Wow! How the years slip by. It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating the turn of the century.

We are hopeful of continuing to implement strategies defined as part of our strategic planning effort. But, first a brief review of 2009.

During 2009 we identified nine objectives for implementation from our strategic planning survey and the resulting planning document developed in 2008. Our dedicated volunteer lay staff accomplished all nine along with their routine activities. Additionally, a major re-alignment of our ministries and Church Council structure was undertaken. We transitioned the focus of our ministry resources to an age based ministry: Children, Youth, College and Young Adult, Adult and Senior Adult. Many of our traditional ministry areas are incorporated under one of these five umbrella ministries. The latter is still a work-in-process.

During 2010 we face major challenges financially. We will need to work diligently to stay within the constraints of our much reduced income stream. This will result in continued reductions in outreach and program resources. We ask for your prayers, understanding and patience while we go through this period. The Finance Committee has been reporting details regularly; contact the office, if you want more information.

In 2010, following years of challenges with building and moving to a new church, and the current financial crises, we think it is appropriate to address one of the major and far reaching strategic initiatives identified in the Strategic Plan. It could be called a “Congregational Unity Project”. More about the initiative can be found in the Strategic Planning Detailed Report under the Focus area Membership Dynamics, Strategic Initiative II, page 13. Any costs associated with this effort WILL NOT come out of the church operating budget. Further information about this initiative follows:

Background

As a result of the Natural Church Development Assessment and the Strategic Planning surveys conducted throughout 2008, one of the strategic initiatives defined was to “Develop programs to facilitate a transformation within the congregation to an environment of openness, dialogue and being of one body and one spirit”. There is a number of action steps also defined as part of implementing this initiative with the responsibility for execution being assigned to the Church Council.

In exploring various avenues for addressing this initiative, we talked with our District Superintendent, Bob Stillwell asking for any guidance he might have. He, in turn, consulted with the Bishop. Both recommended involving a United Methodist sponsored organization named JUSTPEACE (www.justpeaceumc.org). They have a unique expertise in this field and were founded by the United Methodist Church for the purpose of helping to strengthen the interaction within congregational bodies.

What is the Purpose?

The objective of the project is to draw on an outside, professional resource, to learn about us, to engage and gather perspectives from a broad cross-section of our total congregation. They will serve as a facilitator with a special expertise for us. Then, taking what they have heard and employing their expertise, we will outline together directions to consider taking in our interpersonal relationships in order to be a more cohesive Christian community in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is intended that this will be a congregation-wide, participative effort.

Many of the details are still being explored, but we wanted you all to be aware of our thrust for this year in response to your feedback and in a continuing effort to move our church forward in Jesus Christ. We will continue to inform you as details unfold.

God Bless Clemson United Methodist Church,
Brett and Gary

PS - Email requests for reorganization plans or the Church Council report will be quickly honored for inquiring CUMC members.