Participants: Deb Herlocker, Debbie Butcher, Bonnie Dull, Ruth Ann Burke, Ellie Arnold, Red Arnold, Michael Maletz, Barb Neff, Pastor Neff, Pastor Sherry
1. Topics for discussion:
a. Services for Christmas Eve (Sat.) and Christmas Day (Sunday) 2011. It was decided that we continue with the 3, 7 and 10 services. The 3 PM service has become the largest (201), 7 PM next largest(166) and 10 PM has declined to 54 (this includes worship leaders). We will have three services on Christmas Eve. It was suggested we include a children’s message at 3 PM because it has become a service that young families attend. Christmas morning we will have one service at 10:30 AM with a time of fellowship afterwards.
b. Continue Healing services at both services or alternate times. It was noted last year that some people are uncomfortable during these services, thus last year we offered it at one service and not at both. It was decided to continue to offer the Service of Healing quarterly at either the 8 AM or 10:30 AM service. It was suggested that at the May 6th service, we dismiss the congregation and invite those who want to participate in the Service of Healing remain.
c. Change of times for summer services. Discussion centered around the vision of developing a culture of invitation and how changing times creates confusion for guests(as well as members). It was decided that in 2011-2012 we will have constant times of 8 AM & 10:30 AM (with the one exception being Christmas Day). No change of time for summer. Additionally Easter Services will be at 8 AM & 10:30 AM on April 8, 2012 instead of the 7 AM service.
d. One service – 5th Sunday. It has been demonstrated over the past several years that our lowest attendance Sundays are the 5th Sunday, one service Sundays. Again, to try to eliminate confusion, in 2011-2012, we will offer 2 services at 8 & 10:30 AM every Sunday, including the 5th Sunday. It was suggested we incorporate a Christian praise group or vocalist in these services.
e. Role of acolytes. We discontinued the use of acolytes during the summer because many youth had asked not to be scheduled due to vacation plans and not being available. We discussed the role of bringing in the light of Christ and carrying it out into the world as something people of all ages can and should do. It was noted that the robes are not something most young people enjoy wearing. The group agreed it was good to continue their involvement in this way from Sept. through May and to look into different robes.
f. Worship at a time other than Sunday. Conversation about offering worship at other times during the week to attract a specific audience and to identify what population we are not serving by Sunday services. No specific plans at this time. Identified as a goal to formulate a plan in 2012.
2. Budget Request for 2012
Worship Supplies — $400
Substitute Organist/Accompanist — $1000
Choir Recognition — $100
Supply/Guest Preacher — $300
Choral Music — $1000
Music Licenses — $500
3. Worship Core Team 2011-2012: Red Arnold, Debbie Butcher, Bonnie Dull (Council Liaison), Michael Maletz and Barb Neff