United Methodist Church of Hudson

 Long Range Plan

Years 2008-2013

Created November 2006

Updated November 2007

Adopted December 4, 2007

Prepared by the Long Range Planning Committee

Introduction

Purpose

“We believe our call is to joyfully share God’s love so that all might become faithful disciples of God.”

Recognizing and embracing this vision, the charge to the Long-Range Planning Committee is to update the five-year long-range plan that gave purpose and direction to the fulfillment of the mission of the church.  The Long Range Planning Committee will facilitate an annual review of the five year plan.

In order to integrate this plan into the fiber of the church, the committee that met in 2000 constructed a format based on the components found in our mission statement: evangelism/ outreach, worship, fellowship, education/discipleship, stewardship, and missions and service.  The committee later added music/creative arts and supporting facility, as these components are also crucial elements in the life of our church.  In 2006, the committee added Youth ministry, the Building committee and Staff/Pastor relations committee.  In 2007, the long range plan section for Stewardship/Finance was split so that the Stewardship committee and the Finance committee could maintain their own plans.  The Long Range Plan will also show some accomplishments/successes that we as a church community have had this past year.

As a guide for reading the Long-Range Planning Report, the committee offers the following information.  Each component of the church mission statement has its own section in the report.  Below the mission statement component, a brief paragraph outlines general statements regarding the individual component and may touch on current activities of the congregation.  Below this paragraph, in bullet format, are ideas expressed by both the committees and the congregation regarding objectives and ideas for the next five years..

The Long Range Planning Committee is thankful for the effort expended by all church committee members, staff and pastoral leadership of our church to keep this plan updated.  Through the gracious sharing of ideas, this committee believes it has succeeded in identifying the procedures necessary to fulfill our mission.  We humbly submit this plan in hopes that through its use, our church will further advance its charge “to joyfully share God’s love”.


Outreach / Evangelism

Purpose
“To invite and welcome all into our congregation so that they may hear the story of God’s love in Christ and grow in body and Spirit.”

Ministry

Our church is blessed to be located in a growing community.  We recognize that about sixty percent of the people currently living in our community and newcomers who arrive daily are not active in any church.  There is a window of time during which new people are willing to change or try a new church. We believe that God has called us to invite and welcome those new in our community into the life of our church.  As we seek to minister to those outside our church, we do so mindful of the following action plans.

Action Plan

  • Continue to develop and maintain the church web site by adding additional content specifically tailored to spreading the Word to our community.  Add related links to our webpage (i.e. Upper Room, Caring Bridge, General Board of Church & Society, etc.).
  • As new material/literature is ordered, continue to add website information.  This would also include any promotional material that we use.
  • Explore starting a satellite worship center outside of our community such as Houlton, Somerset, and Roberts.
  • Develop and administer an active public relations plan for our church, creating innovative and interesting options to publicize our church to the community.  Investigate the need for/establish a publicity group/person to provide information to outside publications.  Explore participation in local parades to provide visibility for our church and hand out promotional item.
  • Continue to broadcast our services via cable to the local community.
  • Continue leading services for CCH and Wintergreen by pastors and trained lay speakers.
  • Strengthen our ties with the Chamber, using their network to promote our church and its ministry.
  • Use welcome packets for visitors, send post cards to visitors, phone contacts with visitors and give a church mug to frequent visitors.
  • Train members to identify and welcome visitors.
  • Distribute to the community invitations to worship with us on Easter, Rally Day and Christmas.  Explore distributing these invitations through newspaper flyers and/or bulk mailings.
  • Develop new strategies of outreach cooperating with Membership/Nurture and Education committees.

 

 

 

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Missions and Service

Purpose

“Accept the challenge to serve beyond ourselves, to address the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of others in our church, our community and our world.”

Ministry

Our congregation is growing in its mission outreach and ministry to our community.  Newer ministries in mission include the  Highway Clean-up (Badlands Road), monthly loose change mission offerings, a church sponsored Cub Scout and Boy Scout troop and Girl Scout troop, and mission Sundays.  These ministries now compliment existing mission programs such as our chaplain/music/worship program at Christian Community Homes (known as CCH), Wednesday food distribution, participation in the community food pantry, and our United Methodist Men and Women’s outreach.   As needs continue to grow in our community and world, we anticipate expanding our mission outreach.  The following action plans seek to achieve our service to others.

Accomplishments

  • Mission of the Month or the loose change offering continues to produce funds for a dozen different projects which are chosen to benefit local, district, conference and international efforts.
  • Support the Special Sunday Offerings by placing envelopes in the Sunday bulletin.
  • Support of a sister church in Krasnodar, Russia through GBGM Russia Initiative continues.
  • Sponsored a team of ten to work a week at Midwest Distribution Center in Illinois. As a result of this experience sewing and desk building projects were brought back and others were encouraged to become involved.
  • Two work teams from Hudson UMC and a Circuit 6 team led by the Hudson United Methodist Church pastors went to Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi in 2007 to assist in rehabbing houses. Prayer Shawls were sent with these teams.
  • Hosted a circuit mission event that featured Rev. Ed Moses from Turkey creek and Biloxi, Mississippi UM Churches. Representatives from Harbor House transitional housing in Superior, UMCOR, Northcott Neighborhood House and local missions were here.
  • Local mission focus was for Grace Place, a local transitional housing facility (supplying household items, funds, occasional meals, Christmas gifts and Christmas party support), H.O.M.E. (Hudson Outreach Meal for Everyone) Community Meal (financial and volunteers to help serve meal), and Christmas for Operation Help (families helping families).
  • Support Christian Community Home by providing lay-speakers to lead a weekly Sunday morning worship service as well as other visiting and other out reach.

Action Plan

·        Develop an annual report and action plan outlining how to strengthen our ministry and relationship with the Christian Community Homes complex and communicate that to Administrative Council and congregation.

·        Continue to offer the use of our facilities to the Red Cross Bloodmobile and Alcoholics Anonymous.

·        Explore feasibility of providing Christian daycare for pre-school children, which might include a Christian nursery school.

·        Continue to develop a yearly plan outlining recipients of our monthly loose change offerings, with those offerings going to United Methodist mission projects, local and global mission programs, and emergency relief projects.  By 2009 pay apportionments in full.

·        Work with the Finance Committee to consider dedicating a higher percentage of the church’s operating budget to missions with continued support for global mission programs, with an increased emphasis on mission projects serving the needs of children.

·        Increase participation and hands-on mission opportunities for the church family including: annual adult and youth mission trips; involvement in the St. Croix Valley Habitat For Humanity;  annual United Methodist Men’s work day at Whispering Pines; and expanded service programs for the United Methodist Men and UMW/ Women in Action.

·        Make mission programs more visible in our church by inviting mission representatives to speak to our church about their programs on Missions Sundays.

·        Look for stewardship and ecological mission projects that take place our county. These projects should be educational and seek to preserve, perpetuate and restore our natural environment and eco system.

·        Develop a Covenant Relationship with a United Methodist Global partner.

·        Continue our six (6) year relationship with the Russian Initiative, supporting a sister church in Russia.

·        Interpret and promote United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

·        Work with Church School on Mission interpretation and support.

·        In 2008, explore the possibility of beginning a Covenant Relationship with Paul Webster, a missionary to Zambia.

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Membership, Nurture and Fellowship

Purpose

“Develop opportunities for creating a welcoming church environment that provides members, friends and visitors a sense of belonging, self-worth and God’s love.”

Ministry

Foster Christian fellowship in the life of the church so that God’s love can be shared throughout the entire congregation.  As a committee, maintain an understanding of our membership status and interests in order to provide fellowship and involvement opportunities.  We must remain committed to sharing God’s love in ways that promote belonging and self-worth.  . 

Accomplishments

  • An interest/skills survey was developed and sent to all church members. We received approximately a 30% response to this survey. With data already available we have a good start on this goal. Data is now available to all committees.
  • Hosted church wide activities centered on the new confirmands and new members at Sunday Fellowships.  Worked with Family Ministry team to develop concepts.  A member of our committee is working with Family Ministries.
  • Hosted a membership committee table at Rally Day that promoted small group activities to help the membership of the congregation develop a sense of belonging.
  • 27 of the 38 Shepherding groups are active.
  • Assisted the pastors on New Member Sundays and hosted a “Welcome” fellowship for new members.
  • Membership information is now very current and maintained on a regular basis through the efforts of our Membership Administrator.  Inactive members have been contacted to determine interest level and offered various options for helping them become more active.  Currently 85% of all church members attend church during the year.

Action Plan

·        Develop appropriate methods to allow members to participate in the life of the church through skills/ interest matching.

·        Foster church-wide fellowship activities and events for the congregation.

·        Encourage our congregation to participate in small group activities so as to develop a sense of belonging.

·        Explore ways to develop family ministries and a strong Shepherding program.

·        Work with the Pastors regarding new member classes and assimilation of new members.

·        Maintain an accurate database of all members, friends and visitors.  This database will provide needed information to identify experiences, skills and attendance.

·        Identify in-active members and take steps to help them become active in the life of the church.

·        Publish a new church member directory by the end of 2008 to replace the last church directory that was published in 2004 and is out of date.

·        Organize new member activities and mentors during 2008.  Work with Pastors to determine appropriate activities and mentorship.

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Worship

Purpose

“Welcome all who seek to glorify God through Christ, to participate in worship that provides challenges for spiritual growth and renewal and inspires each to put God’s Word into daily living.”

Ministry

Worship is central to the life of our local congregation.  Through worship, we experience God’s love and joy.  In worship we learn about the discipleship, experience fellowship in community and challenge ourselves to grow in our spiritual journey and faith commitment.  Our congregation embraces a rich diversity of worshipful experiences.  The following action plans will help us be sensitive to all worshippers.

Action Plan

  • Offer and support a variety of worship experiences and styles.
  • With the help of the Holy Spirit, create a worship atmosphere at every service that inspires, energizes, uplifts, teaches and convicts while bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
  • Provide a vehicle that is easy to get into and out of for older and less agile folk who need a ride to worship.
  • Make worship a place youth want to be.
  • Through education and study, develop the congregation’s understanding of worship, its components and symbols.
  • Encourage more worshipers to participate in fellowship or education between worship services.
  • Continue to offer Holy Communion weekly at one worship service (in addition to monthly at all services).
  • Develop the acolyte program to enhance the worship experience.
  • Incorporate quality technology to enhance worship.
  • Expand and strengthen the music program – specifically, draw more members of all ages into bell and vocal choirs.
  • Develop a strong children’s music program that would support musical productions (also see Creative Arts).
  • Recruit and train a large pool of lay people to serve as ushers, communion stewards/servers, liturgists, greeters, sound board operators, video tapers, PowerPoint operators, coffee hour helpers, and members of the worship design team.
  • Place more emphasis on special seasons and Sundays by:

1.      Highlighting seasons of the church year Advent, Christmastide, Epiphany, Lent, Eastertide, Pentecost, and Kingdomtide.

2.      Celebrating Children’s Sunday, Aldersgate Sunday, Wesley’s Covenant Service, Remember Your Baptism Sunday, Confirmation, Pentecost, College Sunday, Blessing of the Animals, All Saints Day, United Methodist Women’s Sunday.

3.      Continuing to explore new ways to enhance the visual impact of worship (e.g., banners, altar arrangements, colors, technology).

 

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Creative Arts

Purpose

 “Use the creative arts to empower our church family to embrace God’s call to Christian discipleship.”

Ministry

Our mission is to express our faith in and love of God in a variety of ways through creative art in its many forms.  The exposure to and teaching of visual and performing arts touches our hearts and connects us to God.  Diversity calls for the sharing of God’s message in formats that speak to each of us.  Our diverse expressions of creativity have included the following:  vocal and handbell choirs; the praise team for the contemporary service; the preschool children’s choir; liturgical dance, drama, and puppetry; “dressing the altar” and church, banner designing, knitting and crocheting prayer shawls; displays of artwork during the seasons of Lent and Easter; elementary and youth musicals, Lenten and Christmas drams, “Journey to Bethlehem” and more!  We will continue to use and appreciate the unique tools God has given us to worship through the creative arts.  We will be committed to exploring new ideas to help deepen the faith of our congregation and of the larger community.  The Long Range Planning Committee proposes the following action plan:

Action Plan

·        Name a Creative Arts Committee by the fall of 2007 to oversee and help implement the groups and ideas included in our list.

·        Name a group to design banners for the church that teach, inspire and challenge.

·        Name a design committee to enrich worship through visual enhancement of the altar area and sanctuary.

·        Have exhibits of paintings or prints that reflect the seasons of the church (perhaps a slide presentation).  Plan group visits to museums and churches in the Twin Cities to view sacred sculptures and other art.

·        Encourage the development of a Fine Arts Concert Series featuring local and other talent as a way to worship and celebrate God’s love.

·        Invite United Methodist College Choirs to present choirs here.

·        Re-establish elementary and youth vocal choirs, elementary and youth hand bell/chime choirs and plan music productions using these groups.

·        Continue to encourage participation in the prayer shawl ministry.  Offer to teach youth and others how to knit or crochet.

·        Expand use of audio visual equipment as a way of presenting God’s word in worship.  Continue to televise worship services as well as creative arts events on the local cable channel.

·        Recruit a liturgical dance instructor.

 

 

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Education / Discipleship

Purpose

“To guide children, youth and adults as they grow as disciples through informative and transformative experiences.”

Ministry

Through education, we serve God by ministering to the intellectual and spiritual needs of our congregation.  Through the nurturing of our spirit and mind, we followers of Jesus Christ turn ourselves over to his guiding love.  This church has a rich tradition of educating the congregation by identifying and providing educational opportunities to all seeking to know Jesus Christ and God.  Education/Discipleship is one of the five purposes of the church.  Educating at all ages and stages of life is crucial to the formation and equipping of disciples.  As Disciples of Christ, congregation members can go out into the community to minister in God’s love. 

 

Accomplishments

 

Children’s Education:

  • Added six new adult volunteers teaching/guiding Sunday school grades PreKindergarten-12th grade.
  • Added 1st-5th grade worship service to the Sunday school curriculum.
  • An average of 26 PreKindergarten-5th graders participated in Sunday school each week.
  • Offered Vacation Bible School as a cooperative effort with three other Hudson churches.
    • Eleven kids associated with Hudson UMC participated.

o       15 adults from HUMC volunteered in one way or another.

  • Five children participated in the summer Bible Book Marks program.
  • An average of four children participated in Summer Sunday School each week.
  • Produced a Christmas program.
  • Redecorated the Sunday school classrooms and hallway in the lower level to reflect Biblical times (1st-5th grade rooms) and God's creation (preKindergarten room).
  • Raised money and purchased computers, software, and other supplies for a church computer lab.   The committee also established computer and internet use guidelines and began working with the Technology Committee to set up internet.   The lab will open in January 2008.

 

Youth Education:

  • The Confirmation program was evaluated by the new Director of Youth Ministries and the pastors.  The format from 2006 was used for 2007 and will be used for 2008.
  • Had a 6th grade Pre-confirmation class.
  • Had 7th and 8th graders in the two year confirmation program. Worship was a critical part of the Confirmation program and was a way to encourage youth to take worship leadership.
  • Continued the confirmation mentor program, an important part of the overall Confirmation program.
  • Confirmed eleven 8th graders.
  • An average of 19 kids (grades 6-12) participated in Sunday school each week.

 

Adult Education:

  • An Adult Ministry team has been established with a goal to develop an Adult Education team.
  • Working with Membership Data person to record attendance at education classes.
  • Education classes are offered at various times during the week, day and evening. 
  • Discipleship 3 and Jesus and the Gospels (second generation Disciple) classes are in progress for 2007/2008.
  • The Library has new acquisitions and newsletter articles have been written to promote the churches library.  A team has been set up to move and reassess library books.

 

Action Plan

 

Children’s Education:

  • Evaluate the Sunday school curriculum on a yearly basis to offer the best material to those attending.
  • Continue to involve adults of all ages and backgrounds in children's educational/spiritual programs.
  • Continue to offer summer discipleship and spiritual experiences to children (e.g. Vacation Bible School) and have 75% of the children of Hudson UMC participate in summer discipleship and spiritual experiences by 2013.
  • Increase Sunday school participation by 20% a year through 2013.  The goal is an average of 64 children in Sunday school each week by 2013, based on average attendance of 26 PreKindergarten-5th grade in 2007.
  • Offer a Wednesday evening educational/spiritual program for children (complementary to Sunday school).
  • Offer a Christmas program involving children, as well as other age groups, every-other-year (2009, 2011, 2013), alternating with an All-Church Christmas event.

 

Youth Education:

  • Review the current confirmation program, middle school and high school Sunday school classes, and high school youth group in the spring.  Make necessary changes to the programs by the following September.
  • Increase involvement of middle school and high school youth and their adult leaders in the educational programs and events for the younger grades.  Participate in at least two events or programs per year that encourage children to continue in church education programs as youth.
  • Continue to facilitate confirmation mentor program in order to foster deeper relationships between youth and older members of the congregation.
  • Continue to evaluate space needs for growing youth classes and communicate those needs to the building committee.  Reaching our goals would require larger meetings spaces.
  • Increase attendance in Sunday school 25% per year (55 youth in high school Sunday School and 75 in middle school Sunday School by 2013 (based on 2006 average attendance of 15 in high school Sunday School and 20 in middle school Sunday School).

 

Adult Education:

  • By spring of 2008, develop an Adult Education ministry board that would assist the Director of Adult Education in choosing study materials, recruiting teachers and participants, and promoting of classes.
  • By 2012, have 75% of our adult members, (who are physically able to do so) participating in at least one bible study per year. 
  • Provide Bible studies that meet the varied backgrounds of adults: very little or no Bible knowledge and group study experience; little to some Bible study experience;  and moderate to many years experience with Bible studies and groups.   Evaluate and categorize current adult Christian Education materials in a similar manner to college classes, i.e.: 100, 200 and 300 classes.  Purchase new materials that will complement the needs of each of the three categories.
  • Increase the number of Disciple Bible Studies offered each year, and begin to implement the Second Generation Disciple Studies over the next five years with two goals in mind: 1) to add one Disciple and one Second Generation Study each year for the next five years, and 2) to have at least one participant from each class go on to facilitate another class.
  • Develop and offer spiritual formation groups for those who wish to deepen their faith journey, with a goal of one new spiritual formation group per year.
  • Develop social action studies/ forums, and invite outside speakers to encourage participants to enlarge our understanding of needs in our local community, county, state, and world.
  • Provide spiritual life one day seminars, and /or weekend retreats; and recruit any needed outside resource persons.  Begin with two per year in 2007, with a goal of six per year by 2012.
  • Encourage the continual acquisition of quality Christian books and studies to add to our church library of books, magazines, commentaries and videos for adults and children.  Encourage the publication of book reviews in the monthly newsletter. 
  • Increase the number of book discussion clubs.  In 2006 one group meets monthly to read and discuss secular books.  The goal is to have four book groups by 2012, discussing secular books as well as books that inform our faith journey.

 

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Adult Ministry

Purpose

“Provide opportunities for the spiritual growth, social, and educational needs of adults in the Hudson United Methodist Church.”

Ministry

The purpose of the Adult Ministry Team is to study the needs for specific adult ministries, to recruit leadership for such ministry needs, and to be a resource and support group for said ministries.  Our top priorities are: (1) establishing a Young Adult or Young Adult Singles Ministry. (2) establishing an older Adult Fellowship program; (3) establishing an Adult Education team to assist the Director of Adult Education in choosing study materials, recruiting teachers and participants and promoting classes.

Accomplishments

·        Teams have been set up to work in Older Adult Ministry (JOY), Young Adult Ministry, and “College Age” Young Adult Ministry (Director of Youth Ministry).

·        An adult education class follows the Wednesday night meal and worship service.

Action Plan

  • By Fall of 2008, establish a college and/or young adult program for study and fellowship.
  • Inform known college and university ministries of the presence of our students on their campuses so outreach can be done for our students away from home.
  • Research current local ministries to young adults and assess the types of ministries needed for this age group.
  • Implement  new outreach ministries for young adults based on the results from the above research
  • By 2008, determine what needs exist in Hudson for an older adult fellowship group.
  • Continue to promote Wednesday Family Night Meal, worship and study.
  • Encourage the establishment of ongoing small groups among the congregation; with a goal of three new small groups per year from 2008 – 2013.

 

 

 

Family Ministry

 

Purpose

 

“Our desire is to nurture and empower all forms of families so they can experience an abundant, Christ-centered family life.”

 

 

Ministry

 

We want to develop spirituality in the home by supporting people in a committed relationship and people raising children.  We want to provide intergenerational activities that include all families in all church activities.  These activities should educate and inform those involved about God’s design for nurturing family like relationships and reach out to include those in our local communities.

 

 

Accomplishments

 

  • Developed a leadership team
  • Developed purposes, a vision, a mission statement, and long range goals
  • Hosted a family bowling event where 19 people participated
  • Developed a plan for accomplishing goals in 2008
  • Provided recommendations for family reading and healthy relationships in the monthly church newsletter

 

 

Action Plans

 

  • Every family will have a family spirituality time each day.
  • There will be a 10% increase in family participation in the life of the church each year.
  • Offer at least two marriage enrichment opportunities a year (study, retreat, resources, etc.).
  • Offer at least two parent education opportunities a year.
  • Establish and facilitate long- and short-term support groups as needed (parenting, divorce recovery, blended families, etc.).
  • Offer at least two faith development options/opportunities a year for couples and families.
  • Offer 4 “adults’ night out” a year.
  • Offer 4 church-sponsored family nights/events a year.
  • Add people with older children to the Family Ministry Team.

 

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Youth Ministry

 

Purpose

 

“Provide opportunities for the youth of the church to grow in their identity with Christ and their faith in God.”

 

Ministry

 

Middle school and High school are times of identity formation as individuals part from parents, siblings, and peers.  It is a time of great learning, growth and change.   During this critical time, Hudson United Methodist Church seeks to nurture youth to grow in their faith and accept the transformation of their lives through the love of Christ.  We provide opportunities for spiritual growth through studies of the Bible and topics pertinent to the lives of today’s youth, teaching them to be Disciples of Christ who minister to the needs of today’s hurting world. These opportunities take place in Sunday School, middle school, confirmation, high school youth group, and activities such as mission projects, fellowship events, and participation in worship. Throughout these activities and events, we foster an atmosphere of safety and openness, and invite others to accept the grace of God and grow in the love of Christ.  To that end, we seek to achieve the following goals within the next five years: 

 

Accomplishments

 

  • A high school youth team of adults is in place.
  • Off-site missions projects are scheduled monthly with groups such as Sharing and Caring Hands, Operations Christmas Child, and others.
  • The high school youth are leading on Wednesday night service a month and providing liturgists at a Sunday morning service each month.
  • An average of 23 high school youth (increase of 8 over last year) attend the weekly youth group sessions and a middle high school youth that has been just started averages 10 youth in attendance.
  • Completed a mission trip for the high school youth to a Habitat for Humanity and a retreat for the Confirmation class.  Many youth also attended the Convo music events.

 

Action Plans

 

  • Continue to grow the Middle School Youth Ministry Team by recruiting and training adult leaders.
  • Plan for the Director of Youth Ministries to attend a national youth ministry conference every other year starting in 2008.
  • By 2009, and every four years thereafter, participate in an international high school mission trip.
  • Hold off-site day-long or weekend-long mission projects in the Hudson area at least once a year.  (Example: Habitat for Humanity)
  • By 2008, form a music group that will practice regularly and perform in worship at least twice per year.
  • Provide Youth leadership weekly in Wednesday night worship during the school year.
  • Increase regular attendance of high school youth group to 85 students per week by 2012 (this is five fold increase of the 2006 average,) and initiate contact with at least 200 high school youth at other fellowship and outreach events.