Vision Retreat
Jill Sanders, our district Field Outreach Minister, led our church Vision Retreat on Saturday, January 9. Forty-five people braved the cold to participate in this important conversation and process of discernment of God's vision for this congregation. We were challenged to think beyond ourselves to imagine a God sized vision for our place in North Liberty.
The results of our conversation together was given to the Vision Panel for their work of crafting a guiding vision for our future. We also captured several ideas for possible actions in a "parking lot" during the retreat. These ideas were passed to the various ministry teams within the church.
Possible Ideas for Action
Offer "Life Experience" classes
Auto maintenance
Bike ministry expansion
Use of vans to transport people for Sunday morning/VBS, etc.
Mental illness ministry
Discovery of gifts/match with ministry
Transportation
Food & clothing
Break "that side of town" mentality
Stephen Ministry expansion
Pantry expansion
Non-traditional bridged built between church & community (i.e. sports, etc.)
Small group emphasis
Worship opportunities
Welcome wagon activities
Marketing (brochures, programs, maps, donation FAQ's, etc.)
"Buddy up" new member with other member
"Open house"
Beautiful space vs. non-traditional look = form follows function
List of heroes - tell their stories
ELL - speaking the first language of those learning English as a second language
One-to-one listening to people in community
Prayer shawl ministry expansion