Donegal Presbyterian Church

 

NEXT DECADE TEAM – FINAL REPORT

January 2011

 

 

To the Session and members of the Congregation of Donegal Presbyterian Church:

 

        We hereby submit the report of the Next Decade Team for your review and action as appropriate.  The report is the culmination of our work from August 2010 – January 2011.  During that time, we collected information from the congregation, reviewed the data, and developed these recommendations.  We stand ready to answer any questions and look forward as individuals to help accomplish the recommendations.

 

The Next Decade Team

Linda Campbell              Steve Douple

Tina Enck                       Norene Fessler

Sally Harvey                   Tom McKinnon

Greg Musser

 

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TEAM:

 

A.  Communication ideas

 

*21st-century communication

    - expand church website to include

            > a “draw” to DPC - why would someone want to visit?

            >

    - Add e-mail addresses to directory and create e-mail group

    - recruit younger members to assist with ideas and development

    -develop updated list and publish page for church directory listing contacts within church.

 

*expanded communication methods

    - increase DPC's visibility in the community by exploring an increased web search / result profile.

 

*strengthen Deacon communication with the church by

- establishing a procedure for the Deacons to determine who is ”missing“ and appropriate actions to take and adding it to the monthly Deacon’s meeting agenda.

    - reviewing protocol for Deacon visits

-educating congregation on communicating concerns (personal and of others) to Deacons

    -“meet your Deacon” time during fellowship time early in the year

 

*developing a more positive, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere for group discussions (meetings, committees, and classes) so that all opinions are heard.

 

B.  Church activities/life

 

*Develop Bible study programs

 - Identify and train potential leaders during summer for leadership roles beginning in September

 - Approximately 3 to 4 leaders who will set their own schedule/reading time

 

        *Schedule Sunday night gatherings: schedule a minimum of six evening activities from September through June

                - Kickoff picnic

                - Harvest Day prep

                - Game night

                - Movie night

                - Lenten series / pancake supper (Fat Tuesday)

                Need sign-ups, Witness, bulletins

 

        *Combine services-plan for five services for the liturgical year at 11 AM

                23 Jan 2011 – have the Congregation meeting after the service. (suggest members bring snack food for a “pot luck”)

Palm Sunday 2011

                Late spring 2011

                September 2011 (all people gathered back – have church picnic after service)

                Christmas day 2011

               

        *Request the Deacons re-establish the Transportation Team.

 

        *Establish a new “Church Life” team; the team should

                - Survey congregation for hobbies/interests – Witness, online

                - advertise to set up 3 to 4 per year

                - day trips - bus trips (historical sites, city tours, etc.)  based on interest

-Identify and develop a local mission project(s) that will also include youth participation.

 

C.  Youth

 

*expand age range of CWW to 4 to 10-year-olds.

 

*Form a youth leadership team to include youth members to develop and facilitate youth activities with each other and with God.

-Ask for church members to donate portable basketball hoop, basketballs, and soccer balls so kids can play outside

-youth lounge stocked with games and snacks (donations accepted)

-seasonal assistance/outreach projects for youth

-field trips and activities

 

D. Finances

 

Although there are no specific recommendations related to Finance, the data received from the congregation show a continuing concern in this area.  It is recommended that the Session continue to focus efforts in this area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is The Next Decade Team?

 

The Session of Donegal Presbyterian Church has the responsibility "to lead the congregation continually to discover what God is doing in the world and plan for change, renewal, and reformation under the Word of God." (Book of Order, section G-10.0102j.)

Donegal Presbyterian Church has not performed any long-range studies since 2003. The Session believes it is time for a systematic, thoughtful, and prayerful planning process for the church. Accordingly, the Session, at its June 17, 2010 meeting commissioned a team to be called "The Next Decade Team" with responsibilities of conducting a planning process with the church. The Session has formed a separate team as they feel the need for a planning process, but realize that governance of the church must continue. A specifically designated planning team will have freedom to study and analyze, yet not be bounded by worrying about day-to-day church matters. The Session has called the team considering the needs of the church and the skills and abilities of its members.

The Next Decade Team has these responsibilities:

1) To organize the team for a planning process, including naming its own chairperson.

2) To consider needs of Donegal Presbyterian Church in the next 2 to 3 years.

3) To gather appropriate data related to current conditions and future conditions.

4) To consider and recommend actions, activities, and directions for our church to take.

5) To keep the congregation involved and regularly informed of activities undertaken by the Team.

6) To report back to the Session with recommendations by the January 2011 Session meeting.

 

The Session authorized expenditures of up to $400 for planning related costs. Expenditures exceeding this amount need to be cleared through Session in advance.

Actions recommended by the Next Decade Team will return to the Session for review and action.

 

The Session has responsibility for implementation of recommendations made by the Team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last update: 3/31/11