Brighton First Develops Strategic Plan for Community Outreach

In this blog post, I offer the actions set out in the 3rd Goal of Brighton First's Strategic Plan, adopted September 13, 2016. For more information, refer to my previous blog posts. You will find a description of the process for developing the strategic plan and details for accomplishing the first goal and second goals.

Goal 3-Send People Out into the World to Serve in Christ’s Name

Diagnosis: First United Methodist Church of Brighton has a strong history of service and its mission and outreach efforts have touched many lives by providing improved living conditions, food, gas, clothing, bedding, affordable dental care, and emergency supplies and Christmas gifts for foster care children. Unfortunately, our way of doing mission has not formed strong relationships with those who are served. We have been generous with our money and our time, but not with ourselves. Growth in God’s love happens when we connect with one another. Our out-of-town mission trips have improved living conditions, but personal connections with those we assist are short term. Our mission work in the Brighton area is predominantly transactional, rather than relational. The congregation is not connecting to the community in a way that establishes long-term relationships.

Guiding Policy: Establishing relationships with others allows the love of Christ to grow. The church will move from transactional ways of serving to deepening relationships with neighbors.

Coherent Actions:

1. A Community Outreach Team will be established by September 1, 2016. The Team will be responsible for determining a community outreach focus by November 2016, through study of community demographic information and interviews with community leaders,  and providing training and events that:

1. Build relevant relationships between church members and the selected community members
2. Identify actions to enhance the lives of participants of both congregants and the selected community members
3. Demonstrate the love of Christ for all

2. The Community Outreach Team will connect the church’s existing mission and outreach teams (UMW, Quilters, Men-with-Tools, etc.) to this community outreach focus through information and programming.

3.  The Community Outreach Team will determine the efficacy of the community outreach focus through goals and assessment of whether or not goals were reached. The funds needed to sustain a program that has reached its goals will be presented to the Finance Committee in 2017 to be included in the 2018 budget.

4. The Community Outreach Team, after assessing results, will select a another segment of the population and repeat the process.

Brighton First Develops Strategic Plan for Community Outreach

In this blog post, I offer the actions set out in the 3rd Goal of Brighton First's Strategic Plan, adopted September 13, 2016. For more information, refer to my previous blog posts. You will find a description of the process for developing the strategic plan and details for accomplishing the first goal and second goals.

Goal 3-Send People Out into the World to Serve in Christ’s Name

Diagnosis: First United Methodist Church of Brighton has a strong history of service and its mission and outreach efforts have touched many lives by providing improved living conditions, food, gas, clothing, bedding, affordable dental care, and emergency supplies and Christmas gifts for foster care children. Unfortunately, our way of doing mission has not formed strong relationships with those who are served. We have been generous with our money and our time, but not with ourselves. Growth in God’s love happens when we connect with one another. Our out-of-town mission trips have improved living conditions, but personal connections with those we assist are short term. Our mission work in the Brighton area is predominantly transactional, rather than relational. The congregation is not connecting to the community in a way that establishes long-term relationships.

Guiding Policy: Establishing relationships with others allows the love of Christ to grow. The church will move from transactional ways of serving to deepening relationships with neighbors.

Coherent Actions:

1. A Community Outreach Team will be established by September 1, 2016. The Team will be responsible for determining a community outreach focus by November 2016, through study of community demographic information and interviews with community leaders,  and providing training and events that:

1. Build relevant relationships between church members and the selected community members
2. Identify actions to enhance the lives of participants of both congregants and the selected community members
3. Demonstrate the love of Christ for all

2. The Community Outreach Team will connect the church’s existing mission and outreach teams (UMW, Quilters, Men-with-Tools, etc.) to this community outreach focus through information and programming.

3.  The Community Outreach Team will determine the efficacy of the community outreach focus through goals and assessment of whether or not goals were reached. The funds needed to sustain a program that has reached its goals will be presented to the Finance Committee in 2017 to be included in the 2018 budget.

4. The Community Outreach Team, after assessing results, will select a another segment of the population and repeat the process.

Brighton First Honors Community Educators on October 9

On Sunday, October 9, Brighton First will recognize and honor community educators. We will invite teachers and administrators from area schools and encouraging congregation members to invite educators they know. During worship we will recognize educators and pray for them and their important work. We will also host an educators' breakfast. In the month of September we will collect classroom supplies that we will make available to educators on October 9.

There will be more information available in the church newsletter, the website, Facebook, the church bulletin and in the Community Room in August and September. Susan Snow, Director of Music, is heading this project. Please contact her for more information here.

In 2015, Brighton First made a commitment to follow the recommendations of the Vital Church Initiative Consultation Team (see full consultation report at the "documents" link found on the upper right corner of this blog page). Among the tasks listed in the report was the charge to host two community-wide events per year. These events serve several purposes. First, our church is able to honor or assist a group of people in our community. Second, our church becomes more connected and aware of the needs and gifts of our community. Third, people of the Brighton area are invited to come into relationship with our community of faith.

Inviting area educators to be honored goes toward fulfilling the mission of Brighton First to Know God, Love God and Serve God. We are offer the love of God and serve in the name of Christ as we honor and help others. We also give others the opportunity to know God through our outreach.

Brighton First Honors Community Educators on October 9

On Sunday, October 9, Brighton First will recognize and honor community educators. We will invite teachers and administrators from area schools and encouraging congregation members to invite educators they know. During worship we will recognize educators and pray for them and their important work. We will also host an educators' breakfast. In the month of September we will collect classroom supplies that we will make available to educators on October 9.

There will be more information available in the church newsletter, the website, Facebook, the church bulletin and in the Community Room in August and September. Susan Snow, Director of Music, is heading this project. Please contact her for more information here.

In 2015, Brighton First made a commitment to follow the recommendations of the Vital Church Initiative Consultation Team (see full consultation report at the "documents" link found on the upper right corner of this blog page). Among the tasks listed in the report was the charge to host two community-wide events per year. These events serve several purposes. First, our church is able to honor or assist a group of people in our community. Second, our church becomes more connected and aware of the needs and gifts of our community. Third, people of the Brighton area are invited to come into relationship with our community of faith.

Inviting area educators to be honored goes toward fulfilling the mission of Brighton First to Know God, Love God and Serve God. We are offer the love of God and serve in the name of Christ as we honor and help others. We also give others the opportunity to know God through our outreach.

Brighton First to Connect with Residents of Local Apartment Complex

Brighton First is taking on an exciting new ministry in community outreach. We are preparing to partner in ministry with the residents of a local apartment complex. Suzanne Everett and Myrna Henderson are leading efforts to connect our congregation to the residents of Brighton in a meaningful way. They are in conversation with apartment management and are planning an upcoming event for apartment residents.

In the coming weeks, the Community Outreach Team will offer more information about this relationship-building effort. Our goal is to be in intentional relationship with residents of Brighton, to learn their stories and to share our stories. It is our hope that this program will allow members of the congregation to use their gifts and skills to enhance the lives of community members.

Possible ministry opportunities include hosting meals, birthday parties, game nights and craft events. We envision developing listening, education, and transportation ministries, as well. It is also our goal to effectively link neighbors for mutual assistance.

This project began with a small group conversation about choosing a population in Brighton that our congregation could effectively serve. In a meeting with a representative from Livingston County's United Way, the group learned about the needs of specific groups in the county. They determined that by partnering with the residents of a local apartment complex, we could connect with our community.

The first step is to host focus groups with the apartment complex residents. The first event is being planned for late August. If you are interested in serving on the Community Outreach Team or in serving in this brand new ministry, please contact Pastor Sherry or Suzanne Everett.

This effort has been inspired by our Vital Church Initiative Commitment (see the VCI Consultation Report at the link in the upper right of this blog page). We celebrate that our congregation has the willingness and skills to be connected in this community in meaningful ways. Our commitment through VCI is to host relational events in our community.

Brighton First to Connect with Residents of Local Apartment Complex

Brighton First is taking on an exciting new ministry in community outreach. We are preparing to partner in ministry with the residents of a local apartment complex. Suzanne Everett and Myrna Henderson are leading efforts to connect our congregation to the residents of Brighton in a meaningful way. They are in conversation with apartment management and are planning an upcoming event for apartment residents.

In the coming weeks, the Community Outreach Team will offer more information about this relationship-building effort. Our goal is to be in intentional relationship with residents of Brighton, to learn their stories and to share our stories. It is our hope that this program will allow members of the congregation to use their gifts and skills to enhance the lives of community members.

Possible ministry opportunities include hosting meals, birthday parties, game nights and craft events. We envision developing listening, education, and transportation ministries, as well. It is also our goal to effectively link neighbors for mutual assistance.

This project began with a small group conversation about choosing a population in Brighton that our congregation could effectively serve. In a meeting with a representative from Livingston County's United Way, the group learned about the needs of specific groups in the county. They determined that by partnering with the residents of a local apartment complex, we could connect with our community.

The first step is to host focus groups with the apartment complex residents. The first event is being planned for late August. If you are interested in serving on the Community Outreach Team or in serving in this brand new ministry, please contact Pastor Sherry or Suzanne Everett.

This effort has been inspired by our Vital Church Initiative Commitment (see the VCI Consultation Report at the link in the upper right of this blog page). We celebrate that our congregation has the willingness and skills to be connected in this community in meaningful ways. Our commitment through VCI is to host relational events in our community.

Brighton First and Intentional Community Outreach

In 2008, Brighton First made the strategic decision to offer affordable dental
 care to the people of Livingston County. (The VINA Community Dental Clinc
pictured above.) Our congregation has resources, skills and the passion to
minister in life-changing ways in the Brighton area.

In 2008, Brighton First made a critical strategic decision. They "gave away" building space to house the VINA Community Dental Clinic. The first floor of the church annex was remodeled by volunteers and the dental clinic opened in the fall. Volunteers, both dental professionals and those who offer administrative support have changed the lives of thousands with this ministry. Residents of Livingston County who cannot afford basic dental care now have a dental home.

Brighton First is capable of life-changing outreach in the community of Brighton. We have proven that we are capable of strategic decisions that impact lives. What if Brighton First was to take the bold step of reaching out to be in intentional relationship with members of our community? What if we were to reach out, not to get people to join our church, but because we want to give the gift of Christ's love? Our vision is to offer outreach that not only shows the love of Christ to those we serve, but strengthens the faith of those who are serving. 

However, there are so many needs that can be addressed, that deciding what to do is a challenge. If our church tried to reach out to assist every community need, the task would be overwhelming. Our resources would be stretched and our impact reduced.

Recently a group of Brighton First members met to take a "30,000 foot" overview of populations that may have needs in our community. Our initial resource was the findings of a demographic study generated by MissionInsite, a tool to help churches to connect with their communities through outreach, marketing and worship. It was not the group's intention to create or dismantle programs, seek solutions or prescribe process. They came together to ask, "Who can we serve and be in relationship and what are the needs?"

Based on the MissionInsite data, the group noted that the growing populations are young adults who are beginning families and older adults who are in the later years of retirement. The populations of school age children and adults between the ages of 50 and 65 will continue to decline over the next five years. The Brighton area is more economically prosperous than the state and national average. In fact, the majority of the population within 15 miles of Brighton is financially well off, when compared to the national average.

The group agreed that different populations in the Brighton area offer both challenges and opportunities for the church to be in ministry. The list of potential areas for outreach included: youth, young families, people working in the service industry, the deaf community, the LGBT community, those who live with mental illness and their families, the married and divorced, elders in the community, commuters who leave the area for work and commuters who work in Brighton but cannot afford to live here.

After a 1 1/2 hour discussion the group asked the questions, "What's next?" They determined that they needed input from several sources including: representatives from institutions that work with needy populations in Livingston County and people who are in those populations. It would be arrogant of us to presume the needs of a group of people without asking.

The group also noted it is essential that any outreach efforts fit with the passions, skills and resources of our church. So, as discussions continue we will survey the heart of the congregation in order to get a sense of where God is calling us to serve.

In the coming months, Brighton First will be developing a strategic plan for ministry to the community and the world. Included in that plan will be community outreach. This is essential because Christ calls us to be a people who reach out beyond our doors.

If this article has peaked your curiosity, God may be nudging you to be part of the larger discussion or part of a new community outreach program. If so, please contact me.

Brighton First and Intentional Community Outreach

In 2008, Brighton First made the strategic decision to offer affordable dental
 care to the people of Livingston County. (The VINA Community Dental Clinc
pictured above.) Our congregation has resources, skills and the passion to
minister in life-changing ways in the Brighton area.

In 2008, Brighton First made a critical strategic decision. They "gave away" building space to house the VINA Community Dental Clinic. The first floor of the church annex was remodeled by volunteers and the dental clinic opened in the fall. Volunteers, both dental professionals and those who offer administrative support have changed the lives of thousands with this ministry. Residents of Livingston County who cannot afford basic dental care now have a dental home.

Brighton First is capable of life-changing outreach in the community of Brighton. We have proven that we are capable of strategic decisions that impact lives. What if Brighton First was to take the bold step of reaching out to be in intentional relationship with members of our community? What if we were to reach out, not to get people to join our church, but because we want to give the gift of Christ's love? Our vision is to offer outreach that not only shows the love of Christ to those we serve, but strengthens the faith of those who are serving. 

However, there are so many needs that can be addressed, that deciding what to do is a challenge. If our church tried to reach out to assist every community need, the task would be overwhelming. Our resources would be stretched and our impact reduced.

Recently a group of Brighton First members met to take a "30,000 foot" overview of populations that may have needs in our community. Our initial resource was the findings of a demographic study generated by MissionInsite, a tool to help churches to connect with their communities through outreach, marketing and worship. It was not the group's intention to create or dismantle programs, seek solutions or prescribe process. They came together to ask, "Who can we serve and be in relationship and what are the needs?"

Based on the MissionInsite data, the group noted that the growing populations are young adults who are beginning families and older adults who are in the later years of retirement. The populations of school age children and adults between the ages of 50 and 65 will continue to decline over the next five years. The Brighton area is more economically prosperous than the state and national average. In fact, the majority of the population within 15 miles of Brighton is financially well off, when compared to the national average.

The group agreed that different populations in the Brighton area offer both challenges and opportunities for the church to be in ministry. The list of potential areas for outreach included: youth, young families, people working in the service industry, the deaf community, the LGBT community, those who live with mental illness and their families, the married and divorced, elders in the community, commuters who leave the area for work and commuters who work in Brighton but cannot afford to live here.

After a 1 1/2 hour discussion the group asked the questions, "What's next?" They determined that they needed input from several sources including: representatives from institutions that work with needy populations in Livingston County and people who are in those populations. It would be arrogant of us to presume the needs of a group of people without asking.

The group also noted it is essential that any outreach efforts fit with the passions, skills and resources of our church. So, as discussions continue we will survey the heart of the congregation in order to get a sense of where God is calling us to serve.

In the coming months, Brighton First will be developing a strategic plan for ministry to the community and the world. Included in that plan will be community outreach. This is essential because Christ calls us to be a people who reach out beyond our doors.

If this article has peaked your curiosity, God may be nudging you to be part of the larger discussion or part of a new community outreach program. If so, please contact me.