June 4, 2010 --- Review assets and challenges

June 5, 2010 --- Planning

Christian education
- Grow the programs we have; don't add new ones first
   BUT, substitute something more efffective is the existing program is not working
- PROMOTE our programs; AFFIRM positives frequently to the congregation
- The attempt at a Wed. night event this past spring was somewhat successful, but few families with children attended; the program needs a coordinator and better promotion; it will not begin on Aug. 11, but it is still a goal for the future
- Sunday school still needs work: can we do better at getting cherub choir kids to attend?; is it possible to offer transportation?; kids in divorced families may have problems attending regularly; Shirley is planning a college age class
- Use drama more; it's not just for kids

Witness
- Provide help at outside at events; wear shirts identifying us (Delvin will check on ordering shirts)
- Hold a back-to-school event in August the Sunday before school starts; elements - Sunday service, prayer vigil, free food, collect stuff for food bank, band, give out school supplies; link with another organization that provides supplies
- Participate in cookoff event
- Invite motorcyclists attending rallies; assist with services for motorcycle groups
- Provide training for volunteers (Tim)
- Have pamphlets available (Tim)

Outreach
- Renew The Village effort; find out if they still need to feed volunteers
- Help out at UMCOR in Baldwin
- Bunkhouse & New Beginnings – find out how we can help
- Helping at Dulac, Grand Isle, etc. (e.g. VBS)
- How can this church help in evacuations?; Emily will work on a form with information
- Judy will contact MacDonell to see how we can help; going onsite to help will be good
- Do something like Asbury Academy (3rd -6th grades; Laf.)
- Meeting again in June

Nurturing
- Have UMW form another group for working moms (weekend; night ?)
- Reestablish Faith Friends; have mentors (and train them)
- Jeanne will look at the register and delegate contacts
- Have a class for young adults
- Have a UM theology class (Tim)
- Have a big brother program
- Have a game night for adults when kids go to Voices of Light

Jan. 2010 Planning Retreat

Christian Education
Short Term - Seasonal Bible Studies
                  - Sunday School for Young Adults
Medium Term - Mid-Week Program - all ages
Long Term - Youth & Children

Final Analysis to examine one item: Mid-Week Event
Notes: Meals, children, tweens, youth, music, Bible study, young adult & family seminars, college age
           Schedule: 5-5:45 meal, 6-7 program, 7 choir
           Trial run: Feb. 17-Mar. 31; Lenten Services; reevaluate after Lent (Apr. 6-10)
           Start Aug. 11, 2010

Witness Short Term - Professional backdrop with interchangeable panels for events                   - Training for volunteers                   - Pamplets to distribute at events and place at tourist center                   - Advent wreath event Medium Term - Kiosk at the mall                       - Place booth at external events Long Term - Coffee House Also - Publicity in paper/TV/billboards/signage Final Analysis to examine one item: Coffee Shop Notes: Twice annually (weekly/daily would require more resources than currently available)            Create focus groups for target audiences            Booth and Exposition Volunteer Training

Nurture
Short Term - Congregational Care: New member class; Use telephone tree; Contact inactive members
                  - Spiritual Formation Groups: Chapel prayer group; Men's covenant group; Companions in Christ; Agape
Medium Term - Mentoring New Members: Faith Friends
                      - Family Ministry: Mom/Dad's day out; Family activities w/ childcare provided
Long Term - Reorganize Existing Groups

Final Analysis to examine one item: New Members & Visitors/Follow-up
Notes: Cards sent to visitors/new members
           Letters/emails sent to visitors/new members
           Cup, etc. given to visitors/new members
           Implement "Faith Friends" again
               Show them the facilities
               Acquaint them with programs of the church
               Class on church theology
               Call often to check on friends
               Recruit, train, advertise "Faith Friends"

Outreach Short Term - Mission                   - Meals after hurricane/disaster                   - Shelter                   - Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity store Medium Term - Mission: Alaska trip                       - Shelter Long Term - Shelter Also - Elementary After School Care         - Scouting         - Hosting Disaster Workers         - Coffee House

Final Analysis to examine one item: Shelter; Mission
Notes: Mission: Alaska (summer 2011), food banks, Baldwin, Dulac, Habitat for Humanity store
           Shelter: Disasters, link with local agencies/churches, help with weather extremes, feed Village People
           Follow up meeting - Feb. 21 at noon