The Messenger - November 2011 - (Page 6)

4 The Messenger Making Gentle A Bruised World NOVEMBER 2011 State of the Church, cont. the mobile she created became part of our One Great Hour of Sharing celebration and an enthralling way of engaging our own prayers with the people of Japan who had been affected by the tsunami. A Maundy Thursday service utilized a new play written by Pastor Andrea to dramatize the Passion story and relate ancient events to our present faith journey. 50-year members were honored during a Celebration of Heritage on May 22, marking our 66th anniversary. At mid-summer, local poet Chris Longenecker performed some of her spirit-stirring poems in worship one week. Our 9:30 worship service has received musical leadership from Jeremy Brewer, Steve Burkett, Jeremy Graeff, Liesel Spangler, George Swank, and Austin Wirth in 2011. We were sad when Tony Staherski announced plans to resign as our choir director to spend more time focusing on his full-time work. But we are delighted to have Cindy McGary now heading music at our 8:15 and 10:45 worship services. She is seeking new ways to fully utilize the power of music in our worship ministry. Transitions In addition to Cindy, Jeff Hawkins joined our staff in 2011. He is responsible for caring for the building and grounds, and does so in an extraordinary way. We celebrated with Cheryl Yerkes, as she became a United Methodist Deaconess. Joyce Robinson agreed to step into the role of Lay Leader for 2012. We thank Chuck Gaston for his many, many years of service. Numerical Measures of Health Average Attendance for January-September 2011 is 213 per week, down significantly from 232 (Jan.-Oct.) 2010. Although attendance tends to climb toward year’s end, we are definitely seeing a downward trend in attendance, especially at the 10:45 service. Baptisms and New Members—So far in 2011, there have been 8 baptisms, and 5 people who joined the church by profession of faith, as well as 2 by transfer. We expect to receive 3-5 additional new members before the end of the year. Finances—We continue to experience growth in giving to the annual campaign and, in addition this year, members have given over $350,000 so far to the Building Up, Reaching Out Capital Campaign. ANALYSIS: We are hearing similar reports about attendance from other churches, locally and nationally. (Rev. Adam Hamilton of Church of the Resurrection has said their average frequency of attendance is down from 2.5 times per month to 1.7 times per month.) As we analyze this trend in light of increased giving at Grandview and the fact that we continue to receive a significant number of new members, our guess is that our numbers also represent a change in frequency of attendance among members who remain quite committed. We note the number of active members who winter in Florida, who travel to see relatives out of state, and some who once attended weekly but now are aging and not well enough to come each week. However, we do believe “being here” is important and encourage everyone to come as often as they are able. (See our YOUTUBE video on why folks come to church). 6

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Messenger - November 2011

The Messenger - November 2011
Contents
Council's Corner
Youth Ministry
Mission, Faith & Action
College Connection
Reflections of Gratitude

The Messenger - November 2011