Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016 Our Mission Strategy is now six years old and our pastor of twenty years has retired. The purpose of this Strategy update is to celebrate our progress towards goals set in 2010 and to plan our future ministry emphasis areas. This is a critical time as we work to embed a missional posture in our community, as we call a new pastor and as we welcome new members and ruling elders.

History of Our Mission Strategy Our congregation undertook a Journey of Discovery in 2005 through 2009 to discern God’s purpose for our church. During the Journey, we considered some vital questions:    

What is God calling this church to be and do? How can we enter more faithfully together into the reign of God? How will we learn together from the Bible what it means to be the Church? How will we more faithfully and effectively practice Christian community in our life with one another?

Ministry Work Accomplished Since 2010 We practice new ways of relating to one another and working together. We work to discern God’s Will before starting new ministries, and in planning our ongoing work. We consciously try to include spiritual growth opportunities in all our various meetings and events. To address the 2010 Emphasis Areas, we have added a youth leader to the church staff, completed a leadership transition for our Christian preschool, and have completed a fellowship hall building addition. We held several new member fellowship events and a spiritual growth mini-series in 2010-2011.

2010-2013 Ministry Emphasis Areas       

Youth Ministry Task Force Church Facilities and Use Task Force Preschool Task Force Integration of New Members Matching People with Mission Opportunities Leadership Development Spiritual Growth Seminars and Mini-Series

2016 Mission Strategy Update We believe we are called to continuously discern God’s Will for our mission. The work of discerning God’s Will begins with evaluating our progress towards the goals set in 2010, and “re-visioning” who we are and what we are to do as a congregation. We believe it is important HOW we go about ministering – how we highlight God’s Word, how we work together, and how we relate to people outside our church. Our updated strategy will discern anew WHAT we are to do – which ministries to continue, which ministries to emphasize, and what we will not do. Finally, we will promote awareness of our Mission Strategy among the congregation and ruling elders and will revitalize our ongoing discernment work as we consider the future of our mission.

Document Roadmap The next three pages -- Vision Portrait, Role and Mission, Key Result Areas, Ministry Participant Groups, and Core Beliefs – are unchanged from 2010 and confirm our core vision for the mission we are called to do. The following sections present our current ministries’ work, and our goals for the future. Community | Worship | Spiritual Growth | Witnessing

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Vision Portrait

Let It Be Said…. Good and Gracious Lord,

Let it be said that:

As a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, a stranger never enters our church; all are welcomed with warmth and love as a child of God and a member of our family. There is no judging or condemning; there is only openness and welcoming. MSPC reaches out to the needs of all, and encourages anyone who desires a relationship with Christ. In love and giving, we reach out with a strong back to labor, an ear to listen, a warm meal to nourish, or a silent prayer to comfort. We expect nothing in return except the expectation of serving again. We reach out to members of the congregation, of our local community, of our country, and all people of the world. We share our faith and love of Jesus to those whom we encounter.

Let it be felt that:

MSPC is a safe place where we can share our successes, faults, sins, and burdens without fear as we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. Through this we are a part of the family of God within our church and within our world. We aim to provide a place of PEACE, COMFORT, GROWTH, EXCITEMENT, and JOY.

Let it be known that: We are striving to live a life worthy of our calling, knowing that we have been called by God to walk with Him. We choose to be obedient to the Spirit, to let the Spirit fill us, guide us, and counsel us in thought, word, and deed.

Let it be said that:

We strive to increase our knowledge and understanding of God’s word. We are open to our own learning and we seek to help in guiding others on their own paths of spiritual growth. We read His word, discuss its application, and apply it to our lives today.

Let it be known that:

We believe that God has blessed each one of us with gifts and talents to share freely, cheerfully, and generously with all. Through this, we glorify God and serve His purpose. We understand that gifts and talents unknown or unseen by an individual may be visible to others.

Let it be known that:

Each person’s gifts are used to glorify, encourage, and lift up the church. Our gifts are used to fulfill God’s Kingdom in Earth and point to His Kingdom yet to come. Let our work demonstrate love and forgiveness, let our fellowship comfort and enlighten.

Let it be known that:

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven; for forgiveness takes the burden off our soul, whether the giver or the receiver. We do nothing in selfish ambition for we wish to clothe ourselves in the likeness of Jesus. We exercise our discipleship with compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience in all that we do.

Let it be said that: We seek to know who each person is now and who each person is striving to become. We trust that all setbacks can be overcome and each day is a chance to show God’s love and to give a little back. Our focus is on the present and His future yet to come. In gratitude, we offer this to you, O Lord.

AMEN

Community | Worship | Spiritual Growth | Witnessing

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Role and Mission We are a Christian community where anyone who seeks peace, growth, comfort, excitement and joy is welcome; and where everyone who desires a relationship with Christ is encouraged. In loving and giving we reach out – with a strong back to labor, an ear to listen, a warm meal to nourish, or a silent prayer to comfort. Through this we glorify God and point to His kingdom now and yet to come.

Key Result Areas Being open to God’s leading WORSHIP - Our worship service(s) will be welcoming and lively. The worship experiences will leave the congregation uplifted and motivated, and with a strong feeling of connection to God. - Our worship service(s) will involve a large portion of the congregation as lay leaders, ushers, members of the choir and bell choir, and in other capacities. COMMUNITY - MSPC will be known as a caring, giving and fun congregation where people feel at home and “everybody knows your name”. - The creation of intentional community will be encouraged and as a result members will engage in activities outside of worship to draw us into better relationships with one another and with God. - Members will be integrated into the life and worship of the church so that all members feel they have a stake in the church. SPIRITUAL GROWTH - The children of the church will grow up knowing and loving Jesus Christ. - The congregation will understand, depend on and engage in personal and corporate prayer to listen to and follow God. - The congregation will know and understand God’s Word, and provide the means to do so. - The congregation will know they are truly growing in their faith, trusting in the Lord and shaping their lives by His teachings. WITNESSING - Members will show the world what Christianity is by our actions, teaching, helping and giving to all in need. - Members will serve the community (our church community and those outside the church) as God wants us to, encouraging and assisting those called to serve. Leading to: All members will be able to communicate the mission of MSPC and their personal mission. Community | Worship | Spiritual Growth | Witnessing

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Ministry Participant Groups We are called to be in ministry with:    

People in the church who desire and practice intentional Christian community. People who are ambivalent about making a commitment to intentional Christian community. People who are outside our church who have needs we can meet. The children and youth of our church and those outside our church community.

Core Beliefs We all fall short of God’s glorious standard but we believe God loves us and wants the best for us; we humbly accept this church as an instrument that actively engages us in God’s plan. We reveal God’s Grace in places of need. Having hope from God’s promise, we see with the eyes of faith. We affirm that the Holy Scripture has both relevance and authority in our lives and sets the boundaries for one’s personal and corporate development. We believe in the Triune God, God the Creator, Jesus Christ the Savior, and Holy Spirit the Counselor. MSPC is an A.C.T.S. church: where our prayers of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication guide our lives.

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Ministries and Teams Session – Ruling Elders Session is comprised of our Ruling Elders, our Pastor (or Moderator appointed by Presbytery), and the Clerk of Session. These positions are filled according to the PCUSA Book of Order, and the role of the Session is intended to follow the guidelines in the Book of Order.

Vision Coordinating Team The Vision Coordinating Team was created to be the “keepers of the vision” in 2010. Team members are The name “Ministry Team” is permanently appointed by Session. This ministry intentionally used in place of evaluates our progress in Key Result Areas, works with “Committee” to recognize that the teams and Session to embed a missional posture in these groups are leading and all our ministries and promotes awareness of our performing the important and Mission Strategy among the congregation. In recent difficult ministry work of our church. years, the Vision Coordinating Team has not been active in the decision making processes of MSPC. We recommend the VCT be revived by Session. The VCT will actively engage with Session at least once to year to review the Strategic Ministry Plan and how it is being implemented. In addition, we recommend that the VCT meet each year with new members of Session to educate them regarding the Journey of Discovery and how the Strategic Ministry Plan is to be used as a decision making tool at MSPC.

Worship Ministry Team The mission of the Worship Ministry Team is to provide for a lively worship service where the congregation feels a strong connection to God and feels uplifted throughout the coming week. We work to encourage congregational participation in worship services, serving as communion servers, lay leaders, ushers, candle lighters, greeters, leading corporate prayer, and performing with the vocal choir or bell choir. The WMT coordinates with the Music Director and Accompanist for regular and special music, and also organizes Sanctuary setup and worship supplies, operates the audio/video system, and schedules pulpit supply when needed.

Christian Education Ministry Team The Christian Education Ministry Team strives to increase knowledge and understanding of God’s word, from birth to death. Sunday school includes one adult class and a children’s class with two rooms and two teachers. We conduct a Wednesday evening adult class, a Friday morning women’s Bible study as well as special seasonal study groups. We have a paid youth leader who conducts junior high, high school, and combined activities for our youth and their guests, and some joint activities with West Highland United Methodist youth. Our youth group ventured out on a mission trip this year, and plans to repeat at least annually. The annual Vacation Bible School serves over 100 kids, and employs over 60 adult and student volunteers.

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Mission Team The Mission Ministry Team organizes internal and external fundraising and item donation events and distributes donations to local and national charities. These include school supplies, Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas presents for families at Badger Mountain Elementary School; Gifts of the Heart projects; monthly food donations to the Richland Food Bank, Grace Clinic and Hospice House. We also make handmade shawls and blankets for residents at local elder care homes, congregation members dealing with health challenges or loss, and the CASA/ Guardian Ad Lidem program. The MMT organizes an annual Craft Bazaar with all funds raised for table rental and sales of items we make being used for mission projects. The MMT is also involved in the MSPC Community Garden and all donations received for garden produce are used mission projects.

Facilities Ministry Team The Facilities Ministry Team manages the human, physical, and financial resources employed by all of our ministries in their work. Buildings and Grounds work includes maintenance and improvements of our property, both contracted and volunteer. The team ensures safe conditions, safe work practices, and appropriate insurance coverage. Personnel work includes managing personnel policies and performance for six part time staff as well as the full time Pastor, ensuring that annual training is conducted, and filling vacant positions. Finance work is performed in coordination with the corporate Treasurer, and includes leading the annual Stewardship Campaign, providing accounting, oversight, and management of income, expenses, and loans, issuing timely and accurate financial reports, and conduct the annual audit.

Fellowship and Outreach Team This ministry organizes fellowship activities, sends out follow-up postcards to new visitors, and provides the opportunity for community use of our building.

Board of Deacons The Deacons’ primary mission is ministering to the needs of congregation members and the community. We also provide for fellowship after Sunday worship and for recognition of special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and new babies.

Nominating Committee This committee nominates serving Elders and Deacons, and nominates a Pastor Nominating Committee when required. All of our work is done in accordance with the PCUSA Book of Order.

Presbyterian Women The Presbyterian Women group promotes fellowship, study, mission, and work projects at MSPC, in our community, and through the PCUSA PW organization. We conduct seasonal fellowship and fundraising events such as rummage sales and luncheons, organize a monthly literary circle, and hold an annual off-site retreat. Speakers from local service groups are invited to the Spring Tea, Christmas Potluck, and Retreat to provide information about their organization to our congregation. Community | Worship | Spiritual Growth | Witnessing

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Areas of Emphasis Christian Growth We conduct several adult Christian education classes and prayer circles with regular participation by members. We adopt an intentional approach to our meetings and events to incorporate Christian growth and fellowship into all activities. We design new adult Christian education offerings to attract a wider spectrum of the congregation. The topic of Christian Growth seemed to be a difficult topic for every group to define and quantify. For the most part, people felt that it is the result of studying the Bible, engaging in prayer, or participating in small group studies of religious topics. We also encourage Christian Growth in our youth through our strong Christian Education programs. Only one person directly attempted to define Christian Growth. He felt that it was the result of deep reflection on life’s experiences, rather than from Bible study or academic activities. Christian Growth was seen as depending upon strong support, leadership, and guidance from the pastor. Interest in supporting Christian Growth activities should be a key criterion used in selecting the new pastor.

Leadership Development Our Pastor and many of our current leaders are either retired for soon to retire, and new leaders, not yet identified, will need to be equipped and called to serve. We will begin an intentional effort to develop future leaders for our church buy equipping them to be spiritual as well as “working” leaders. A new strategy for identifying mentoring, and equipping leaders may need to be created. Clear descriptions of leadership roles, including the responsibilities of the role and the time commitments required, would be helpful to those people deciding whether nor not to participate in leadership positions. Opportunities to get to know fellow congregation members better and develop trusting relationships may be helpful to encourage new leaders.

Youth Ministry Our Youth Ministry is thriving under the leadership of Beth Randle. Youth are involved in Sunday worship services as well as Youth worship on Sunday Evenings, Friday “Funtivities”, Wednesday “Coffee Crew” and mission trips. Beth is an inspirational structural and spiritual leader who endeavors to encourage the spiritual growth of our youth. Additionally, Vacation Bible School (VBS) has for several years been a successful Youth endeavor, including younger children in the program and older ones as leaders. Beginning in 2017, VBS will have new leadership. MSPC commits to continuing to support this vital program. The MSPC congregation will continue to support our youth activities to encourage their activities and growth both financially and by volunteering to help with activities as needed. Additional emphasis will be placed on communicating Youth activities to the congregation, and additionally, we will continue to emphasize using social media to communicate to our youth and potential new members.

Communication and Technology We need to continually and effectively communicate information that informs, involves and empowers, both within the church and to the local community. A new staff person or dedicated volunteer would update the church web site, add a mobile web site, create and maintain various social media pages and streams, coordinate video recordings of events, and evaluate the needs for updating our technology equipment. Community | Worship | Spiritual Growth | Witnessing

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Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church Mission Strategy Update October 2016

Fellowship and Visitor Retention MSPC is a small, close congregation where everyone is on a first name basis. Members find comfort in their friendships with each other, in the Worship service, and in the offerings of the church. Sunday morning fellowship is flourishing and very well attended. Participation in small groups needs to be encouraged with topics of interest to our members. Specific attention needs to be placed on attracting and ministering to young adults and young families. While there are numerous groups available to members, more church-wide events are requested where all generations can participate and contribute. These events may be strictly social focused on simply socializing with fellow Christians. Outreach to visitors needs to be more deliberate and focused. A specific approach to first time visitors should be implemented which may include introductions to members or a token of their visit to take home. Once a visitor has been attending routinely, a personal visit by the Pastor, a Deacon, or member should be made.

Mission Opportunities Our Mission Ministry is very active with work involving small groups and individuals and making mission opportunities available to the congregation. We will communicate with the congregation to make them aware of any community wide mission projects that invite MSPC to join them in community service. There is a strong desire to support our youth in mission projects here locally and on mission trips outside our area. This will be an opportunity to teach our youth the meaning of service to others and as they learn how to serve they can pass this on to their children and others they encounter in life. Supporting our youth by serving alongside them or financially will benefit everyone.

Church Facilities and Use The new fellowship hall is being utilized by groups for many activities including Sunday fellowship, VBS, meals, PW rummage sale, Christmas Bazaar, and youth group. A few outside groups use the facility (Elijah Family Homes, 4H) but there is more opportunity to reach out into the community by inviting outside groups to use the building for meetings and events.

Outreach MSPC reaches out to the community and acts as a witness through its Vacation Bible School, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Mountain View Christian Preschool, and Women on a Mission Group. Facebook, Twitter, and other mean of communication and technology can be used to help Outreach when implemented. Our members also encourage and support individuals who have the talent and call to reach out and share the truth of Jesus Christ.

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