The Madison Baptist Church

The Madison Baptist Church Creating the Future Camp Cody Retreat September 10, 2011 Vitality. The word originates from Latin and appears as early as 1385 in the English language. It means pertaining to life. It can refer to the organs that are necessary for life, life force, the power, or principle as manifested by living things. On September 10 th 2011 forty people or more gathered at Camp Cody in Freedom, NH to discuss and dream about the future of our church and to get a sense of who we are as a church and who we are called by God to be. We were led in our discussion by John McCann of CI International, a business consulting firm. Goals of the day were to define The Madison Church as a community, to work on a core purpose or mission statement for the church, to enjoy each others company, and to come out of the meeting with actionable plans for the future. We started off our day with prayer, scripture, and singing. There was a strong sense of excitement and joy over being together and talking about our Christian community. John McCann kept the process fun, exciting, interactive and focused. The purpose of the exercises was to discuss what was right and working in The Madison Church through a process known as appreciative inquiry. We answered several questions, individually and in groups. The answers were presented in a brain storm fashion void of criticism and judgment, the purpose being to get all ideas on paper. What appears below are the questions themselves and many of our brain stormed answers. Following that conversation we turned our thoughts on the words we would want to include in a core purpose statement. We left the actual writing of the core purpose statement to a future committee. We wrote draft purpose statements in small groups to be used at a later time as well. During the last part of our day we began working on action plans. Everyone in attendance was invited to put up something they would like to see our church work on. A number of people identified specific areas of consideration and then we were asked to sign up for the action plans we would like to be involved in. Groups convened around each action and developed a plan for the future. These are listed in the Plans section of this report. What is difficult to get across in this report is the excitement of the day. We had a lot of fun doing important work and left revitalized and excited about the future of our ministry together. I hope you enjoy reading the report. If you were unable to be a part of our day please know that this is just a beginning and there will be plenty of opportunities for your valuable contributions. In Christ, Pastor Sean Dunker- Bendigo

Table of Contents Appreciative Inquiry What s right and working?... 3 Question #1 - What do you value most about the work of the church?... 3 Question #2 - Without being humble, what do you do that contributes to the success of the Church - What are your strengths?... 4 Question #3 As we move into the future, what should not change?... 5 Question #4 - What are your three concrete wishes for the future of the Madison Baptist Church?. 6 Question #5 - What the Madison Church Means to Me?... 7 World Café... 9 Question #1 How do you define success for the Madison Church?... 9 Question #2 What is the core purpose of the Madison Church?... 10 Core Purpose Statement Work...10 Words that were gathered when talking about our core purpose... 10 Core Purpose Drafts from Retreat... 10 Plans...11 Small Group Leaders... 11 Archive Project... 11 Handicapped Access/ Multipurpose Room... 12 Fundraising... 12 Expand Philathea... 13 Missions... 13 Growing Sunday School... 14 Youth... 14 Children s Chime Choir... 15 2

Appreciative Inquiry What s right and working? Question #1 - What do you value most about the work of the church? Intimacy, worship, music Neighbor Helping Neighbor, VBS, food pantry, caring people love Look outward missions, food pantry, Deacons fund, bring in a mix of people, talent, and background Music, massive community talent History Social support at home and abroad Involvement in the community (x2) Philathea Sense of community (x4) Warm greetings upon entering and leaving the church The sense of belonging Christ- centered sermons Friendly (x2) Pastor Sean (x2) Community (x2) Local, national, and international missions Mission and outreach, history, music and talent, mix of backgrounds and beliefs coming together Community outreach (x3) Ministry and leadership Feeling a part of a church family How church helps others at home and far away Friends (x2) Sunday AM services 3

Question #2 - Without being humble, what do you do that contributes to the success of the Church - What are your strengths? Taking pictures (x2) Organization (x2) History and archives Singing (x4) Handbells (x3) People skills Longer view (perspective) Local community knowledge External community experience Business experience Monetary support Philathea (x3) Missions (x2) Pastor support Attend regularly Volunteerism Youth/Christian education (x3) Donation Yard sale Suppers Fellowship Worship Creativity Pies (x2) Rolls Building maintenance Constancy Prayer chain Music (x4) 4

Question #3 As we move into the future, what should not change? Sense of community (x2) Outreach (x2) Church suppers (x2) Prayer focus Mission support (x2) Format of services Openness Sean should stay forever (x4) Missions that look outward Food pantry Deacons Music (x4) Physical shape of the church (historical preservation) (x2) Youth group and Sunday school Traditional activities (x2) Sense of community Volunteerism Welcoming environment Focus on helping people in the community Christian atmosphere Willingness to try new ideas Two services on Sunday 5

Question #4 - What are your three concrete wishes for the future of the Madison Baptist Church? Monthly fellowship groups for all ages at homes/handicapped access to the bathrooms and the undercroft/young couples night out and babysitting Larger space for activities, i.e. suppers Local outreach/music program Parish house/more young families/more ways for youth to be involved Missions, both more local and involving youth, and those outside the community Multi- purpose room/ Seek the lost /Growth in attendance Not to get heavily in debt be frugal/expansion of physical space/expand youth programs Improved handicapped access/function hall and/or kitchen for church suppers or dinner bell type event/improved promotion of all we do to attract people Continuation/increase of personal spiritual growth A program like a Friendship House that can provide further community resources & bring in new people More togetherness beyond church suppers and coffee hours/a spiritual church togetherness/what is your spiritual gift? Be frugal in spending (over- indebtedness)/expand women s group and bring in younger women More orientation and support for potential new members/new crop of young people/new space or multi- purpose room, all church meetings, Sunday School, etc./administration archives Continue to grow/pastor Sean/No debt/youth group/bible study More involvement with what Camp Sentinel has to offer Teen service Bring in more young families Church will continue to do the Will of God Children s music choir and bell choir Generation mixing 6

Question #5 - What the Madison Church Means to Me? (list) Openness, peace, security, worship, celebration, community, learning, growing (list) (What the church needs from me is:) prayer, fellowship when possible, financial support The Mad. Church is an extension of my family. Assisting in raising my family to care about community & love God & keep them centered in our lives. It s also a place to meet & grow in our faith. (list) Security, grounding device, support, help in looking outward (self + children), community, PURPOSE, laughter, HOPE, expansion of self Friendship and a place where I belong to. A place where it is safe for my family to turn to when we need help. A place where I feel that I can give back to when they need something. (list) Friends, belonging, and purpose A place to worship God and a place to exercise my spiritual gifts. It also gives me an overwhelming sense of community. A place to retreat to from everyday life. The one constant in my life. A place to think, put things in perspective and renew my faith and know that God is really in charge and knows what he is doing even if I don t. A place to be refreshed, reenergized, redirected, and even gently reprimanded. It is a place to feel and be closer to God. It is a foundation that brings different people into my life and experiences I would not have without it. It is a safe place for my family and lays a foundation for the faith of my children. A place to go where I don t feel judged and can share my love of Jesus with others. A place where I feel comfortable and welcome. (list) Worship. Community, grow, new things, ability to fail and try again, grace, follow Christ, study Bible, develop spiritual gifts. What the Madison church means to me is family. The church is a community (not just a place) that supports me in all areas of life. (faith, parenting, etc.) It means to me a Christ- loving community. A feeling of being welcomed into something bigger than yourself. (list) A place to worship in community, a caring place, a place I can share my talents, a place to grow (list) Warmth/fellowship with friends, prayer group support, Biblical education, recharge my battery (list) Spiritual growth, sense of community, chance to serve God, a means to forgiveness, a plan to praise and worship Is that there are always people who care and are always there for each other as well as being there for people in the community. It is a safe place where all are welcome. It is a place to let your hair down and a place to hold others up. Is 1. a place where prayer needs are shared and prayers repeated, 2. a place where I have been welcomed and accepted, 3. a place where Christ is the head of the church, 4. a place where Pastor Sean is willing to shepherd all in his flock, 5. a place where ideas can be shared and discussed without fear of ridicule. Belonging to a loving, caring community of faith. 7

Family. Support. Love. Joy of Music. Reaching out to others in need. Celebrating life s experiences. A quiet time each week to reflect and be grateful. Prayer support. Common spiritual interest. A place to grow in faith. A place to offer help to those less fortunate. (list) Love, acceptance, great music program, fellowship, harmony and accord, unity of purpose, helping others, growth, education. (list) Support and caring, love spiritual maintenance and growth, sense of community, outreach (local, national, world), friendship, openness Is Sunday AM worship, sing with choir, handbells, coffee hour, meet friends I have not seen all week. Work with many in church and community in church related events. Feel a sense of belonging to a caring group of people. A place I feel welcome and everyone is friendly and caring and very involved with mission work. (list) Safety and support, friendly, enjoyment, ability to make a difference, collaboration for something greater, sense of belonging. A place to worship God and find friendly people to associate with throughout life. A place to grow spiritually. (list) Fellowship, community, church, family, prayers for anyone, support, spiritual pride and love, friendships, love, feeling close to God, family and home, music and sermons. A spiritual family and home. Group of people willing to be a part of ministry locally and beyond. A place to grow spiritually and be part of something bigger than myself in the community and beyond. A place for solace, caring for others, a renewal of why I am a Christian, a place to learn from Sean the connection between our Christian history and the world today, friendships, peace. (list) Fellowship, friendship, support of all kinds when needed, outreach in times of crisis, multi- talented people. The Madison Church is a community sanctuary where people are not judged by wealth, stature, physical aspects, all are accepted and encouraged to grow and learn. We are all able to share in spiritual wealth and contribute our strength. (list) Love, caring, safety, trust, hope, friendship, fun, peace, helping, giving. (list) Fellowship, stewardship = committees, minister and his sermons. Last but not least, almost like family getting together, a meeting once or twice a week. A welcoming community, of folks who put their Christian faith into action. A place to grow spiritually, mentally and emotionally as well as help others grow. My second home, a place where I am accepted & valued, that has been a constant in my life, and where throughout my life, I have been able to grow & take a few risks, and feel needed. It has been the place where I feel God s presence & where my faith has developed, through the experiences I ve had there. 8

World Café Question #1 How do you define success for the Madison Church? Stable consistent attendance Building appearance/facilities Happy congregation Sharing discipleship Impact on the community Inclusiveness/Ideas widely accepted Helpfulness towards each other Financial solvency Stability Stability of personnel Sensitivity & openness, willingness to share Leadership training Fulfilling community needs Growth physical, mental, spiritual People served needs met Continuing to grow spiritually Willingness to change Increase children s attendance/service Children/adult socializing- interactions Friendly Children involvement Having a membership that cares about and for each other Sending support and care into the local and wider community Having a place that accepts each other for our differences as well as our similarities Providing opportunities for spiritual growth Encouraging the gifts others have and wish to share Parking lot activities 7 days a week Is the church viable, useful, encompassing, compassionate, and making a difference in people s lives. 9

Question #2 What is the core purpose of the Madison Church? Provide support/safety net Discovery of spiritual gifts Learning how to live/apply God s word Bringing people into a deeper relationship with God To bring the message of Christian Love to the world To help each of us learn about what it truly means to be a Christian To learn what God wants us to know To discover how we can be of service to each other here and farther afield To grow spiritually in Christian love and grace as an individual and as a community of faith Core Purpose Statement Work Words that were gathered when talking about our core purpose All ages, know, fun, love, connection, encourage, create, growth, commitment, faith, help, live, relationship, Christ, serve, deeper, community, future, sustain. Core Purpose Drafts from Retreat To develop a relationship with God and learn how to live and apply God s word to our daily lives. The Madison Church s core purpose is to serve community needs encourage commitment to Christ and deepen spiritual growth with our community and beyond. To provide a place to build and strengthen a commitment to Christ through education, example, and community support. Our core purpose is to grow in our faith so we can give to others through God s love. Reaching out to help us to grow and sustain faith. Growing spiritually and helping others grow too. To grow in our faith so we can give to others through God s love. For all ages to know God through Christ and to serve Christ in our world. 10

Plans Small Group Leaders Start small group leaders training Pastor Sean 1 st of October Exploration of the type of small groups that will be offered based on the interests of the leaders and the needs of the church. Small Group Team Before the 1 st of the year Start small groups Small Group Team After the 1 st of the year Participants: Rick Merrill, Michelle Merrill, Vicky Shubert, Mary Cronin, Beverly Shelton, Susan Brooks, Ron Force, Muriel Hughes, Cindy Petrie, Kim Force Archive Project Organization Meeting October 11th Compile and Preserve Church history and records Develop working guidelines for archives, policy and forms. Establish a computerized finding aid and write a history of the church. Identify space needs for archived materials. Participants: Marty Risch, Mary Cronin, Ken Hughes, Sonny Graves, Heidi Forde, Tammy Flanigan, Eleanor Jones, Henry Forrest 11

Handicapped Access/ Multipurpose Room Group of people to meet and look over blueprints drawn up by Joe Gashott. Needs Assessment/ Space Survey. Determine Potential Costs Participants: Rick Merrill, Marty Risch, Joyce Elliott, Ken Hughes, Beverly Graves, Beverly Shelton, Sonny Graves, Kim Force, Jim Curran, David Cronin, Julie Butler, Susan Brooks, Gail Boucher, Ron Force, and Cathy Marker Fundraising Annual Operations Step up to the next level in annual pledges Trustees and Stewardship November 2011 Soon- Look at new ideas for fundraising activities Trustees 2012 5 Years Establish a building fund for a multipurpose building. Trustees 2012 Participants: Susan Dunker- Bendigo, Jim Curran, Laura Able, Ken Hughes, Sonny Graves, and Henry Anderson 12

Expand Philathea Increase membership, expand devotionals, and shorten business meetings. Look up devotional materials from Judson Press Norma/ Group October 2011 Expand on theme In the Potter s Hands Variety of activities: Crafts, cooking cake decorating, candy making, progressive dinners, knitting, book study. Norma/ Laura/ Susan Dunker- Bendigo Change meeting day. September 22 nd and then 3 rd Thursday. Go over history of the Philathea September 22 Participants: Heather Sherwood, Karyl Kemper, Lisa Curran, Beverly Graves, Michelle Merrill, Julie Boewe, Susan Dunker- Bendigo, Gail Boucher, Laura Able, Norma Alexander, and Joyce Elliott Missions Focus on local missions Transvale Acres Missions Committee ASAP Promote Missions on an ongoing basis in newsletter. Quarterly committee newsletter. Missions Committee 6 Months Emergency Response Team/ Survey Skills Mission Committee Within next year Participants: Heidi, Tammy, David Cronin, Ron Force, Russ Petrie 13

Growing Sunday School Parents in the community: Letter of invitation, email list within the congregation to forward to non- participants Dan Dineen, Mary Cronin Website communication for keeping interest and commitment: learn how to work the website. Develop lessons, games, and challenges that integrate home and Sunday School Things that bring them back Dan Dineen, Mary Cronin, Chris Boewe Children Bring a Friend: Choose a Sunday for children to bring a friend. A fun learning experience. Video, Music, Christian Youtube Participants: Julie Boewe, Chris Boewe, Susan Dunker- Bendigo, Lisa Curran, Jim Curran, Mary Cronin Youth Commitment: Talk to parents Chris and Julie September 25 Involvement: Outside help Chris, Julie and parents September 25 Retention: Split older and younger groups Chris, Julie, Sean, and Karen September 25th Participants: Julie Boewe, Chris Boewe, Susan Dunker- Bendigo, Lisa Curran, Jim Curran, Mary Cronin 14

Children s Chime Choir Get the word out for Saturday morning rehearsals Heather Sherwood October Begin Practice. Cathy will look for music, write and arrange. Need 4 to 10 ringers. Heather, Karyl, Cathy Play a piece at Christmas Participants: Heather Sherwood, Marilyn Murdock, Karyl Kemper and Cathy Marker 15