PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Program & Guiding Ministries Team Action Plans
2015
Goal #1:
Actively Support Ministry Teams
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Execute Nomination Process for 2016
2. Assign Lay Leadership Liaisons to actively support each team throughout the year
3. Plan an annual January event to focus on team member engagement (e.g. Celebrating Service Saturday)
*Goal #2
Institutionalize EVERY MEMBER IN MINISTRY
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Prioritize and complete high priority actions related to Every Member in Ministry from list developed in 2014.
2. Starting in May or June Banner, highlight one team per month
3. Create a Power Point show of volunteer activities to show during Fall team recruitment period. Show in Fellowship Hall during coffee hours or in a kiosk
4. Engage team chairs to develop 2015 volunteer interest survey
5. Expand use of VolunteerSpot.com within Bethany kiosk
*Goal #3
Design a Leadership training curriculum
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Continue to improve ministry team leader training curriculum focused on Bethany administrative team functions
2. *Consider sending Staff and representative leaders to regional leadership training events. (e.g. “Leadership Institute” at Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City)
Goal #4: Develop Position Descriptions for all volunteer leadership positions
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Update Chairperson Position Description as needed
2. Update team member Position Descriptions as needed
3. Refine the team descriptions in the Ministry Plan organizational chart; Review team descriptions in directory, guidebook, or other Bethany resources where they may be described
4. Utilize Position Descriptions in the annual team recruiting process
Staff Parish Relations Team
Goal #1:
Assess staffing needs and plan adjustments in light of 2015 budget, particularly impact of UW Pre-School
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Revisit custodial needs for church as whole
2. 2015 review staff hours and adjust if necessary
3. Longer term – review positions paid vs. voluntary
Goal #2:
Actively carry out liaison roles and report back to team
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Target quarterly contact with staff member(s) assigned
2. Report contact and any issues/ideas/requests at monthly meetings
3. Initiate annual review, set up meeting with staff member and Pastor and participate in meeting
Goal #3:
Plan and carry out at least two Annual Staff Appreciation Events
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Fellowship hour staff appreciation Sunday – May
2. Summer Picnic – Sunday afternoon in August
3. Identify other appreciation opportunities (Such as Bios in Banner done in 2014)
a. Ron Rebholz – last Bio, not done in 2014
b. June 2015 – Greg celebrating 30 years as a pastor!
Goal #4:
Recruit & hire replacement for Mindy, Director of Children’s Ministries before June
Goal #1
Demolition of parsonages
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Obtain proper surveys to submit to the city
2. Work with neighborhood group for approvals
3. Keep congregation up to date on progress
Goal #2
Reorganize preschool area
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Work with UW and Playing Field for transition
2. Make structural changes according to Playing Field's new requirements
3. Keep congregation up to date on progress
Goal #3
Improve the acoustics and update general look of upstairs classrooms
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1.Remove asbestos tile, Install new tile and carpeting
Goal #1:
*Increase young adult opportunities
Plan for accomplishing goal:
• Continue young-adult focused Bible study
• Launch and gain traction with young adult discussion group, ideally leading to an increased “young adult” group identity
• Plan at least one new activity for 2015 focused on a young adult target population (UW students, Eagle Heights residents, Epic employees, etc)
Goal #2:
* Increase parent-focused opportunities
Plan for accomplishing goal:
• Continue parent-infant group coordination and support
• Develop parenting class and parent discussion group, focused on parents of preschoolers
Goal #3:
Increase Adult Enrichment hour opportunities
Plan for accomplishing goal:
• Solicit feedback from the congregation for potential opportunities
• Launch at least two new recurring Adult Enrichment hour ideas
• Maintain existing variety in Adult Enrichment hour options
Goal #4:
Support the implementation of the Adult Ministries components of an integrated vision for improving community race relations
Plan for accomplishing goal:
• Understand the proposal and recommendations from Justified Anger and other community groups for expected cross-faith involvement
• Coordinate and sponsor at least one event in 2015 contributing to the improvement initiatives
Goal #5:
Maintain our current groups and activities
Plan for accomplishing goal:
• Manage our time, budget, and team capacity to appropriately support our existing programs and launch 2015 initiatives
• Work with Pastor Greg/Church Council to ask for help if we need help with our proposed team capacity, time, or budget as we work through the scope of our 2015 projects
*Goal #1:
Implement a program to support caregivers
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Talk with folks who participated in the previous support group to get an historical perspective
2. Consider a variety of ways to obtain input from caregivers to identify and prioritize needs
3. Identify target group for caregivers and plan meaningful ways of support
4. Advertise and implement programming to support caregivers
5. Compile and add a referral list for additional support for caregivers in the community
*Goal #2:
Provide worship opportunities for people unable to be physically present at the church
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Investigate ways to video record the 11:00 am Sunday morning service
2. Determine implications related to CCLI license and confidentiality
3. Identify budget and consider sources of funding
4. Pilot DVDs with those unable to attend to get input
*Goal #3:
Discuss and consider developing a program to provide care in times of crisis
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Brainstorm target groups for crisis support (e.x. unexpected, severe accidents, injuries; natural disasters; unexpected, tragic death
2. Discuss possibilities for financial support (e.x. gift cards to take out restaurants and/or shops/grocery stores)
3. Identify potential ways of emotional and spiritual support (e.x. identify a congregation contact to be the connection between the church family and member in need;
assure their needs are on the prayer list; enlist help of members to write cards – include Sunday School children when applicable)
*Goal #4:
Assess and provide for needs of retired members
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Hold focus groups with retired members
2. Brainstorm and prioritize ideas (e.x. driving issues, wellness, nutrition, taxes and finances, end of life)
3. Provide at least 1 program in 2015 that addresses these needs
Goal #5: Continue to provide and support current programs
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. *Bethany Friends: Continue to assess Bethany members in need of a friend and plan additional recruitment and training in the fall of 2015
2. *Care Bus: Ask Carl to run a list from the service survey of those interested in volunteering a few times a year. Ask Caring Ministries team members to personally invite person to be a Bus Host to increase volunteer base
3. *Prayer Chain, organized and led by Kristi Baker: Implement new ways to advertise the service and its purpose. Consider connecting weekly joys and concerns in the service to the prayer chain
4. *Coffee and More: Meets first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 AM in Room 228, led by Pastor Brad
5. *Back to School with Brad: Content to change based on needs/interests of congregants
6. *Pastor’s Tea at Oakwood: Led by Pastors Greg and Brad
7. Baby blankets and prayer shawls: Coordinated by Ann Sowaski
Goal #1:
*Increase Youth Group participation, especially attendance for Middle School Bible Study/Confirmation on Sunday mornings
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Invite 5th graders to attend on Unified Sunday to get them excited to join next year
2. Continue annual middle school retreat, mission experiences, community outreach, and other activities to build their community and keep them engaged in the life of the church
3. Recruit new youth by asking current participants to invite friends and exploring new ideas for community outreach
4. Increase parent involvement as chaperones, drivers, and other volunteer opportunities
Goal #2:
*Increase Youth participation in 9 am and 11 am services, including music participation
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Dedicate the month of March to youth participation
2. Work with Taras and Lori to develop interest in music participation from within the youth group
3. Encourage youth to take advantage of free guitar lessons provided through a memorial bequeath
Goal #3:
*Create a Youth Mission Trip Fundraising Committee to support current fundraising activities (i.e. Italian dinner, rummage sale, etc) and explore new (preferable low-effort) ways to raise money
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Develop a brief job description for the committee listing goals and responsibilities
2. Advertise the opportunity in the church bulletin insert, Banner and e-banner
3. C&Y team to make asks to individuals with potential interest and expertise
Goal #4:
*Continue to recruit and train Sunday School teachers and other volunteers for Children’s ministry activities
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Make Good to Go training modules more available to volunteers (e.g. links sent directly, hosted on the Bethany website, etc)
2. Continue to highlight volunteer opportunities in church communications – including bulletin inserts, Banner and e-Banner. Update C&Y section of website. Explore handouts or other targeted communications to parents
Goal #5:
*Continue to build a connected community among families with young children
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Explore starting a toddler-parent fellowship group and continue supporting the infant-parent group
2. Continue special activities for 4th and 5th graders to “Bridge” them to Bridget and the youth group. At least 1 special activity per year
3. Explore more effective ways to communicate with parents about programs and special events
Ideas include targeted e-mails, stand-alone websites (such as Shutterfly), or a more dynamic section of the Bethany website
4. Continue the All-church Retreat at Pine Lake (scheduled for Labor Day weekend 2015) and increase participation
5. Work with Adult Ministries on joint small group formation, and events
Goal #6:
*Create a logo and brand for the Children and Youth Programs to help identify, distinguish and unify programs
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Form a workgroup to initiate and oversee the project
2. Engage a marketing firm or individual willing to work pro bono or low cost
3. Ensure the logo is implemented in church communications
Goal #7:
*Ensure building of a new child check-in center outside Fellowship Hall
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Discuss with the Pastor, finance committee, and/or trustees about the need for a permanent check-in station and explore modified plans based on current budget constraints.
2. Follow-up to make sure the plans are implemented by the end of 2015
Goal #1*Focus on cost-effective ways to make Bethany visible in the community
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Order more T-shirts and regularly encourage groups to wear T-shirts while serving at community events (e.g., DAIS booth at Madison Restaurant Festival, Road Home, Luke House, Porchlight, Mission Trips, etc.)
Help connect organizers with T-shirts if more are needed
2. Continue to advertise 3x per year by distributing flyers to nearby neighborhoods
Consider rotating neighborhoods for each distribution to reach a wider range of households with the same manpower
3. Make use of free methods of advertising such as neighborhood newsletter articles, craigslist, press releases, etc
4. Evaluate website to ensure it is up to date and effectively conveying information about Bethany
Goal #2:
*Host at least two “easy entry” events which help Bethany connect with the wider community and to which members can easily invite friends
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Annual Community Block party will take place in August again this year. Key features to include are a) bus to Eagle Heights, b) cooking outside, if possible, c) bouncy house(s), d) popcorn and snow cone machines
2. Host “Bring-a-Friend” Sunday in conjunction with a Pancake Breakfast (Men’s Group?). If feasible, lead up to this with video highlights during service and/or forum on inviting methods
3. Explore hosting events at Eagle Heights as outreach to that community. One idea might be hosting Vacation Bible School at the EH Community Center just before/after the Block Party
Might be helpful if we can recruit members who speak Mandarin to help at these events
Goal #3:
*Train greeters and other members in identifying and welcoming visitors
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Evaluate relevant “Good-to-Go” videos on hospitality and welcoming. Assign these to greeters and/or show highlights during worship service
Make sure greeters are aware of changes in information desk staffing
2. Offer a forum on “Inviting Methods”
3. Regularly involve youth and families in Sunday morning greeting
Goal #4:
*Follow-up with new(ish) members to make sure they still feel welcome and are connected with resources they need to be involved
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Order mugs to replace cookie mix for 3rd time visitor gift. Explore including coupon for Great Harvest Bread
2. Continue to host 3-4 “Bethany 101” classes per year
3. Develop system for following up (by email, phone, or mail) 6 months after attending Bethany 101 class
Talk with Lay Leadership and look for synergies in how information about teams, ministries, etc. is disseminated to new-er members
4. Continue regular “Bethany Birthday Parties” and consider holding them more frequently (4x per year instead of 3x per year)
Goal #1:
*Organize Volunteer in Mission trips for adults (or intergenerational) to regional, national, and/or international locations
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Investigate regional, national, and/or international locations
2. Report back to small group
3. Recruit participants for 2016 trip
Goal #2:
*Develop closer relationships with covenant missionaries through regular prayer, financial support, correspondence, trips, and Skype conversations
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Identify small group to develop action plan for education and opportunities
2. Continue financial support through Simple Gifts
Goal #3:
*With Reconciling Team, work and plan jointly, regarding LGBT reconciling issues
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Provide publicity on Madison PRIDE parade
2. Encourage Bethany participation
Goal #4:
* Adopt a local non-profit to provide varied volunteer opportunities and additional ways to be involved as a supplement to financial support – The Playing Field
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Identify hands on volunteer opportunities for The Playing Field
2. Identify any training needed to volunteer
3. Recruit and train volunteers
Goal #5:
Imagine No Malaria fundraising
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Educate through Forum/posters/
announcements
2. Brief campaign in the Fall
Goal #6:
* Articulate a New Testament vision of a just society
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Form a study group/class to investigate New Testament/biblical vision for a just, peaceful world
2. Follow development of Justified Anger Whitepaper/Plan
3. Work with Worship Team to have occasional congregational prayer for peace in the world
Goal #7:
* Continued focus on hunger and homelessness
Plan for accomplishing goal:
Continue involvement with Luke House, The Road Home, Madison Food Pantry, Allied Drive, Madison Food Pantry Gardens, Habitat for Humanity
Goal #1:
Organize worship supplies
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Work with Walt Holthaus and Trustees to optimize chancel area storage and usage - freeing some of the existing worship storage for other purposes
2. Add banner storage and inventory banners
Goal #2:
* More intentional inclusion of children and youth in worship
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Work with Brigit to include youth on Sunday mornings
2. Include children by using children’s musical instruments
3. Continue developing Children’s Church
Goal #3:
*Support tech improvements for Worship
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Place confidence monitor in back of sanctuary (helpful for pastor and praise team)
2. Work to get sharper signals on projection screen
Goal #4:
Support 8am service
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1.Replace current altar table with a slightly larger and taller altar table in chapel
(Surface area should have enough space for a small Advent Wreath, cross, offering baskets, communion elements, and the baptismal bowl. The height should be enough that people can see it when sitting, and also high enough that people's jackets don't encroach into the area of candles.)
2. Organize Special Music volunteers
3. Place a fire extinguisher in chapel
Goal #5
Continue to encourage acolytes in worship
Plan for accomplishing goal:
1. Adults model the joy of bringing the light of Christ into worship for a while. Ushers or Liturgists serve as acolytes for summer services
2. Reflect on what motivates children and what motivates families to volunteer
3. Possible focus on Children’s’ Church Sundays or Sundays when youth bells or choirs are involved in worship
4. Acolytes and parents sign up through the Volunteer Spot site
Encourage all Bethany members to reexamine and expand the Christian committment to be good
stewards of the Earth's resources.
let the office know and it will be sent to you.
