Congregational Growth Ministry Team minutes

Last meeting: Aug. 12, 2008

Attendees:

Bob Heil

Dale Hershfield

Shannon Howard

Jen Wageman

Staff:

Pastor Dismer

Jan Sommerfeld

Guest:
Bob Damon

Excused:

Gary Akgulian

Rich Flamang

Collin Goldschmidt

Lance Schmidt

Important items of information:

FELC Connection Center: The Connection Center, which is being designed and constructed by FELC members, is in the design phase. Among the elements the team is considering is what informational materials to make available in the unit. After the June ministry team meeting, Jan Sommerfeld asked Bob Damon to consult with Ross Larson, who was offering his expertise on the computer aspect of the project, in order to address any technical issues relating to computer security and the infrastructure of the North Site facility to support the Connection Center. After speaking to Ross, Bob reported that since there is not an infrastructure for a wireless system at the facility, they are recommending a stand-alone system in which our Web site could be featured without being connected to the Internet, making all the inside FELC informational pages available, with the exception of the online calendar and registration forms. He and Ross will continue to research ways to include computer components to the Connection Center. However, he said that in lieu of the church’s current budget shortfall (refer to budget print-out in ministry team folder) it may not be feasible to purchase Connection Center materials and computer components at this time. Bob and Ross will continue to research ways to “make the system work.” The team will concentrate on staffing the Connection Center, which does not have a specific roll-out date.

Hospitality materials: Bob Heil purchased a 3-CD set: “The Assimilation Seminar,” that covers strategies on hospitality. He will view it and burn copies for the team. The team agreed on the importance of offering training for greeters, ushers and welcome hosts. Jan reported that training sessions will be offered this fall for volunteers.

Name tags: The team discussed the importance of wearing name tags during worship to strengthen our community of faith. We should wear them and encourage others to do the same! Jan reported that white plastic baskets have been purchased and alphabetized to contain name tags for Downtown Site worshipers. Two stations will be set up: one near the City Park entrance and one near the Ida Street entrance. Jan will create table-top signage, encouraging people to create a name tag. Verbal and printed announcements to that effect will be made on Aug. 24 and 31 and Sept. 7. The effort will kick off on Rally Sunday, Sept. 7. Jan will ask greeters and ushers to encourage folks to create their own name tags that Sunday. The team suggested clip-on name badges be purchased, along with some lanyards as an option. It also was suggested that ministry team members create and wear name tags during ministry team meetings, beginning Sept. 9.

New Member Sessions: begin Sept. 24 and continue Oct. 1 and 8. Jen will touch base with Bob Heil after tonight’s meeting.

Next meeting: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the North Site.

Submitted by:

Jan Sommerfeld