VCI Implementation Team Hits Its Stride

The Vital Church Implementation Team met on March 8 to review the progress of our VCI implementation plan and to determine areas that need celebration and/or encouragement. The team has been meeting for nearly a year and there were several key factors that added to the energy of Tuesday night's meeting.

First, the VCI Implementation Team has worked hard for clarity of purpose. The Team does not function like any administrative team elected by members of the church. The team's specific purpose is to oversee the implementation of the five prescriptions presented to our church by a consulting team that visited and assessed our church in March 2015. (You'll find a link to the Consultation Team Report on the right side of the screen labeled "Documents").

The second reason for the present energy on the team is that after months of working together, we are comfortable sharing our opinions and hearing each other out.

Finally, the team is beginning to see changes in the church. Our shared vision is taking hold in members. Chris Attarian, a leader in our VCI process since January 2014 commented that our church is leaving the wilderness and getting a glimpse of the Promised Land.

The Team has a time line and the specific tasks that need to be accomplished. Over this last year, we have either celebrated tasks accomplished or adjusted deadlines and found ways to assist those projects to go forward.

While some of the changes taking place are not quite "measurable" and reflect culture change. Here are examples of movement:

• Bright First has restructured its staff. We have expanded in the areas of marketing. We have hired a full time Director of Discipleship. We have hired a Director of Children's Ministry and redefined the role of the director. Our Music Director is taking on more responsibility for worship design and production and we anticipate hiring a Worship Leader in the coming month. This person will redesign our 11:00 worship service.
• The Hospitality Team is intentionally creating a culture of hospitality on Sunday morning and we are seeing an increased number of people before and after worship in conversation.
• A report from Deb de Lasksi Smith, a member of the Mission Alignment team, recommended more training in the area of mission awareness and how that influences the work of committees, boards and events at Brighton First.
• I have begun an intentional journey toward improving in personal leadership skills. Specifically, I am working on deeper connection with staff members, team building in the church and nurturing leaders.
• Our worship service, with the help of our worship consultant, is intentionally designed and is bearing fruit. We have a higher percentage of visitors returning for 2nd and 3rd visits.

There is much work still to be done and much to celebrate. The VCI Implementation Team is committed to seeing our church through to the "Promised Land", implementing the prescriptions that we agreed to nearly one year ago.

VCI Implementation Team Hits Its Stride

The Vital Church Implementation Team met on March 8 to review the progress of our VCI implementation plan and to determine areas that need celebration and/or encouragement. The team has been meeting for nearly a year and there were several key factors that added to the energy of Tuesday night's meeting.

First, the VCI Implementation Team has worked hard for clarity of purpose. The Team does not function like any administrative team elected by members of the church. The team's specific purpose is to oversee the implementation of the five prescriptions presented to our church by a consulting team that visited and assessed our church in March 2015. (You'll find a link to the Consultation Team Report on the right side of the screen labeled "Documents").

The second reason for the present energy on the team is that after months of working together, we are comfortable sharing our opinions and hearing each other out.

Finally, the team is beginning to see changes in the church. Our shared vision is taking hold in members. Chris Attarian, a leader in our VCI process since January 2014 commented that our church is leaving the wilderness and getting a glimpse of the Promised Land.

The Team has a time line and the specific tasks that need to be accomplished. Over this last year, we have either celebrated tasks accomplished or adjusted deadlines and found ways to assist those projects to go forward.

While some of the changes taking place are not quite "measurable" and reflect culture change. Here are examples of movement:

• Bright First has restructured its staff. We have expanded in the areas of marketing. We have hired a full time Director of Discipleship. We have hired a Director of Children's Ministry and redefined the role of the director. Our Music Director is taking on more responsibility for worship design and production and we anticipate hiring a Worship Leader in the coming month. This person will redesign our 11:00 worship service.
• The Hospitality Team is intentionally creating a culture of hospitality on Sunday morning and we are seeing an increased number of people before and after worship in conversation.
• A report from Deb de Lasksi Smith, a member of the Mission Alignment team, recommended more training in the area of mission awareness and how that influences the work of committees, boards and events at Brighton First.
• I have begun an intentional journey toward improving in personal leadership skills. Specifically, I am working on deeper connection with staff members, team building in the church and nurturing leaders.
• Our worship service, with the help of our worship consultant, is intentionally designed and is bearing fruit. We have a higher percentage of visitors returning for 2nd and 3rd visits.

There is much work still to be done and much to celebrate. The VCI Implementation Team is committed to seeing our church through to the "Promised Land", implementing the prescriptions that we agreed to nearly one year ago.

Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team Meets

Brighton First has a team whose specific task is to oversee the implementation of the Vital Church Initiative prescriptions. There are five area of ministry strengthening that Brighton First is working on. See the report PDF to the right of this blog for more information about our ministry improvement prescriptions.)

When the Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team met on Wednesday, October 7, Chairperson Tom Dartt led the team through a series of questions intended to mark accomplishments and address concerns. The team had received reports from various work areas to review before the meeting.

They began with the question, are we meeting our deadlines? The team found that a number of deadlines for developing and implementing programs are have been met or are being met within just a few weeks of the targeted date. Those areas include developing an intentional discipling plan for adults and crafting a new mission statement. The task of creation a Sunday morning Hospitality plan and implementing it has fallen behind and the Team set a new deadline of December 1 for implementation.

The Team also discussed the work of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (S-PRC, human resources for the church) to create new job descriptions. The team noted that the S-PRC is being pressed to fill a position for Director of Discipleship (children through adult). The S-PRC has also been charged with hiring a worship leader for the 11:00 worship service by January 1.

Other questions that the VCI Implementation Team addressed included:

• Have we experienced any communication problems between groups? (It was noted that the Discipleship and Hospitality groups must be in conversation so that their work is not redundant.)
• Are all groups making forward progress?
• Have deadlines been met?
• Are groups on track according to our mission and vision? What should have been happening that is not? What should not have been happening but is?

The VCI Implementation Team answered the questions and addressed issues, making plans and assigning individuals to carry them out.

The Team meets again in early December. Members of the team include: Tom Dartt, Kris Phillips, John Phillips, Karen Wagg, Loretta Job, Sherry Parker-Lewis, Chris Attarian, Bob Fuchs, Sue Urban

Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team Meets

Brighton First has a team whose specific task is to oversee the implementation of the Vital Church Initiative prescriptions. There are five area of ministry strengthening that Brighton First is working on. See the report PDF to the right of this blog for more information about our ministry improvement prescriptions.)

When the Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team met on Wednesday, October 7, Chairperson Tom Dartt led the team through a series of questions intended to mark accomplishments and address concerns. The team had received reports from various work areas to review before the meeting.

They began with the question, are we meeting our deadlines? The team found that a number of deadlines for developing and implementing programs are have been met or are being met within just a few weeks of the targeted date. Those areas include developing an intentional discipling plan for adults and crafting a new mission statement. The task of creation a Sunday morning Hospitality plan and implementing it has fallen behind and the Team set a new deadline of December 1 for implementation.

The Team also discussed the work of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (S-PRC, human resources for the church) to create new job descriptions. The team noted that the S-PRC is being pressed to fill a position for Director of Discipleship (children through adult). The S-PRC has also been charged with hiring a worship leader for the 11:00 worship service by January 1.

Other questions that the VCI Implementation Team addressed included:

• Have we experienced any communication problems between groups? (It was noted that the Discipleship and Hospitality groups must be in conversation so that their work is not redundant.)
• Are all groups making forward progress?
• Have deadlines been met?
• Are groups on track according to our mission and vision? What should have been happening that is not? What should not have been happening but is?

The VCI Implementation Team answered the questions and addressed issues, making plans and assigning individuals to carry them out.

The Team meets again in early December. Members of the team include: Tom Dartt, Kris Phillips, John Phillips, Karen Wagg, Loretta Job, Sherry Parker-Lewis, Chris Attarian, Bob Fuchs, Sue Urban

Sue Urban, Brighton First Lay Leader, Joins VCI Implementation Team

Sue Urban has joined a team of Brighton First church and staff members to oversee the implementation of the Vital Church Initiative Report. The Team started meeting in May and will continue their work over the next 18 to 24 months.

Sue Urban and her husband, Don, have been members of Brighton First for 47 years.  They have three children – Michael, married to Elena, Donny, married to Heather, and Katie, married to Jon Martin.  They also have 5 beautiful grandchildren.  They feel blessed that their family all live in the area.

Sue and Don have been active in many areas of church life for many years.  They have served on most church committees, in music ministry and on mission trips to Rio Bravo.  Sue also taught Sunday School for many years. They represented Brighton First at Annual Conference this year. 

Sue is currently a lay leader and serves on the Administrative Board, and Staff Parish committee. She looks forward to helping with Vacation Bible School this summer.  She is also active in United Methodist Women and Prayer Quilt Ministry. 

Sue and Don came to Brighton straight from college.  Sue graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in Liberal Arts, and an MA in Theatre.  She worked as a teacher in Brighton for 33 years.  Over the years she has volunteered for many Brighton community organizations.  Her personal interests are music, dance and theatre.  She currently sings in the Livingston County Womens’ Chorus and serves on the Board for the Brighton Center for Performing Arts.

Sue was one of the “originals” on the Vital Church Initiative Committee.  She will now serve as a liaison to the Hospitality Team.   She is grateful for the history of Brighton First and its leadership through the years.  She wants it to continue to grow and remain relevant.  She is also in awe of the talent and energy in our community, and looks forward to seeing this happen.

Sue Urban, Brighton First Lay Leader, Joins VCI Implementation Team

Sue Urban has joined a team of Brighton First church and staff members to oversee the implementation of the Vital Church Initiative Report. The Team started meeting in May and will continue their work over the next 18 to 24 months.

Sue Urban and her husband, Don, have been members of Brighton First for 47 years.  They have three children – Michael, married to Elena, Donny, married to Heather, and Katie, married to Jon Martin.  They also have 5 beautiful grandchildren.  They feel blessed that their family all live in the area.

Sue and Don have been active in many areas of church life for many years.  They have served on most church committees, in music ministry and on mission trips to Rio Bravo.  Sue also taught Sunday School for many years. They represented Brighton First at Annual Conference this year. 

Sue is currently a lay leader and serves on the Administrative Board, and Staff Parish committee. She looks forward to helping with Vacation Bible School this summer.  She is also active in United Methodist Women and Prayer Quilt Ministry. 

Sue and Don came to Brighton straight from college.  Sue graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in Liberal Arts, and an MA in Theatre.  She worked as a teacher in Brighton for 33 years.  Over the years she has volunteered for many Brighton community organizations.  Her personal interests are music, dance and theatre.  She currently sings in the Livingston County Womens’ Chorus and serves on the Board for the Brighton Center for Performing Arts.

Sue was one of the “originals” on the Vital Church Initiative Committee.  She will now serve as a liaison to the Hospitality Team.   She is grateful for the history of Brighton First and its leadership through the years.  She wants it to continue to grow and remain relevant.  She is also in awe of the talent and energy in our community, and looks forward to seeing this happen.

VCI Implementation Team Determines Purpose, Discusses Importance of Communication

The Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team outlined its purpose at a June 9th meeting. The team will keep current with the activities of VCI teams and task forces. It will work to maintain the momentum and integrity of the overall VCI process at Brighton First. The team has determined to lead by example, ensure that the process is led by the church's vision and will offer support to teams and task forces. The VCI Implementation Team has also determined that communicating the purpose and vision, as well as communicating implementation progress to the congregation is essential.

The team also agreed on a covenant among team members and discussed the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. The five dysfunctions are: Absence of Trust, Fear of Conflict, Lack of Commitment, Avoidance of Accountability, and Inattention to Results. The team discussed not only what it meant to function as a healthy implementation team, but also how to monitor other teams who are working on the VCI prescriptions to make sure they are working well.

Liaisons to other currently formed teams are: Dan Welton will be the liaison with Pastor Sherry. Kris Philips will connect with the Worship Design Team. Sue Urban will be the liaison to the Hospitality Task Force and Chris Attarian will be connected to the Faith Development Team. As new teams are formed, other members of the Implementation Team will become area liaisons.

At its next meeting on Tuesday, July 21, the team will determine specific measurable results that it will be looking for in the implementation of the Vital Church Initiative Prescriptions.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Implementation Team: Tom Dartt (chairperson), Sherry Parker, Loretta Job, Chris Attarian, Dan Welton, Kris Phillips, John Phillips, Bob Fuchs, Karen Wagg, and Sue Urban

VCI Implementation Team Determines Purpose, Discusses Importance of Communication

The Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team outlined its purpose at a June 9th meeting. The team will keep current with the activities of VCI teams and task forces. It will work to maintain the momentum and integrity of the overall VCI process at Brighton First. The team has determined to lead by example, ensure that the process is led by the church's vision and will offer support to teams and task forces. The VCI Implementation Team has also determined that communicating the purpose and vision, as well as communicating implementation progress to the congregation is essential.

The team also agreed on a covenant among team members and discussed the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. The five dysfunctions are: Absence of Trust, Fear of Conflict, Lack of Commitment, Avoidance of Accountability, and Inattention to Results. The team discussed not only what it meant to function as a healthy implementation team, but also how to monitor other teams who are working on the VCI prescriptions to make sure they are working well.

Liaisons to other currently formed teams are: Dan Welton will be the liaison with Pastor Sherry. Kris Philips will connect with the Worship Design Team. Sue Urban will be the liaison to the Hospitality Task Force and Chris Attarian will be connected to the Faith Development Team. As new teams are formed, other members of the Implementation Team will become area liaisons.

At its next meeting on Tuesday, July 21, the team will determine specific measurable results that it will be looking for in the implementation of the Vital Church Initiative Prescriptions.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Implementation Team: Tom Dartt (chairperson), Sherry Parker, Loretta Job, Chris Attarian, Dan Welton, Kris Phillips, John Phillips, Bob Fuchs, Karen Wagg, and Sue Urban

Karen Wagg Serves on the Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team

Karen Wagg, an active member of Brighton First, serves on the VCI Implementation Team. The team's purpose is to oversee the implementation of the prescriptions in the Vital Church Initiative by connecting with teams and task forces, offering encouragement, direction and accountability. The team works to make sure that the mission and vision of the church is at the heart of what Brighton First does.

Karen has also volunteered to be part of the Intentional Faith Development Team, a group that is currently developing a comprehensive plan for growing in relationship and faith through Brighton First.

Karen has been active in the United Methodist Church since she was a young girl.  Karen's path has taken her from a three-point charge in the Thumb of Michigan to Southern California and then to Brighton First in 2011.

A graduate of the University of Michigan's School of Education, Karen has over 30 years of classroom experience.  While living in the LA area, she taught first and second grade.  Since moving to Brighton, Hawkins Elementary has kept her busy as a guest teacher.

Karen and her husband Kevin, recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary.  They have two adult children, Jennifer and Zachary. An avid reader, Karen also enjoys knitting, crocheting, and scrapbooking.

Karen and Kevin attend the 11:00 worship service and frequently serve as ushers. As a member of Brighton First, Karen finds meaning in the personal connections she's made being part of the Prayers and Squares Quilting Ministry, Dorcas Circle, and Cross Roads classes.  That is why she is glad to be working with the VCI Implementation and Intentional Faith Development teams.  She has been excited about the possibilities of VCI since the program was introduced to the congregation. 

Karen looks forward to working with the other team members to create the best possible path to discipleship through intentional faith development.

Karen Wagg Serves on the Vital Church Initiative Implementation Team

Karen Wagg, an active member of Brighton First, serves on the VCI Implementation Team. The team's purpose is to oversee the implementation of the prescriptions in the Vital Church Initiative by connecting with teams and task forces, offering encouragement, direction and accountability. The team works to make sure that the mission and vision of the church is at the heart of what Brighton First does.

Karen has also volunteered to be part of the Intentional Faith Development Team, a group that is currently developing a comprehensive plan for growing in relationship and faith through Brighton First.

Karen has been active in the United Methodist Church since she was a young girl.  Karen's path has taken her from a three-point charge in the Thumb of Michigan to Southern California and then to Brighton First in 2011.

A graduate of the University of Michigan's School of Education, Karen has over 30 years of classroom experience.  While living in the LA area, she taught first and second grade.  Since moving to Brighton, Hawkins Elementary has kept her busy as a guest teacher.

Karen and her husband Kevin, recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary.  They have two adult children, Jennifer and Zachary. An avid reader, Karen also enjoys knitting, crocheting, and scrapbooking.

Karen and Kevin attend the 11:00 worship service and frequently serve as ushers. As a member of Brighton First, Karen finds meaning in the personal connections she's made being part of the Prayers and Squares Quilting Ministry, Dorcas Circle, and Cross Roads classes.  That is why she is glad to be working with the VCI Implementation and Intentional Faith Development teams.  She has been excited about the possibilities of VCI since the program was introduced to the congregation. 

Karen looks forward to working with the other team members to create the best possible path to discipleship through intentional faith development.

VCI Implementation Team Determines Purpose and Covenant

The Vital Church Implementation Team met on Wednesday evening, May 20, to determine both the purpose of the Implementation Team and the covenant that would guide their work together. Members of the VCI Implementation Team are: Tom Dartt (chairman), Sue Urban, Bob Fuchs, Chris Attarian, John Phillips, Kris Phillips, Dan Welton, Loretta Job and Sherry Parker.

The Team began their meeting with a look at the Apostle Paul's letters in the New Testament. They looked at ways that Paul praised the church's for their work and how he held church's accountable if they were straying from the teachings of faith. The team also talked about times in their professional and personal lives when they were held accountable by a leader.

The Team agreed that it has one specific task, to oversee the implementation of the prescriptions outlined in the Vital Church Initiative Report. Dan Welton agreed to be the liaison to Pastor Sherry, reviewing and encouraging her as she works to fulfill her tasks as outlined in the VCI report. Sue Urban will be the liaison to the Hospitality Team that is led by Larry Job. Chris Attarian will be liaison to the Faith Development Team. As more teams are formed in the fall, the Implementation Team will seek to be connected with team leaders.

If you are interested in progress through the Vital Church Initiative prescriptions, you are invited to contact Implementation Team members.

VCI Implementation Team Determines Purpose and Covenant

The Vital Church Implementation Team met on Wednesday evening, May 20, to determine both the purpose of the Implementation Team and the covenant that would guide their work together. Members of the VCI Implementation Team are: Tom Dartt (chairman), Sue Urban, Bob Fuchs, Chris Attarian, John Phillips, Kris Phillips, Dan Welton, Loretta Job and Sherry Parker.

The Team began their meeting with a look at the Apostle Paul's letters in the New Testament. They looked at ways that Paul praised the church's for their work and how he held church's accountable if they were straying from the teachings of faith. The team also talked about times in their professional and personal lives when they were held accountable by a leader.

The Team agreed that it has one specific task, to oversee the implementation of the prescriptions outlined in the Vital Church Initiative Report. Dan Welton agreed to be the liaison to Pastor Sherry, reviewing and encouraging her as she works to fulfill her tasks as outlined in the VCI report. Sue Urban will be the liaison to the Hospitality Team that is led by Larry Job. Chris Attarian will be liaison to the Faith Development Team. As more teams are formed in the fall, the Implementation Team will seek to be connected with team leaders.

If you are interested in progress through the Vital Church Initiative prescriptions, you are invited to contact Implementation Team members.