Recommendations
from the Long-Range Planning
Committee
To
the Administrative Council
Of
College Mound United Methodist
Church
(May
18, 2005)
Being that the
sanctuary seating capacity is about 310, and that our current
average attendance is 148, and that on Decoration Day we had 305 in
attendance with seating still available
–
The
recommendation of the LRPC is that we have adequate seating in the
sanctuary for the present time, and that we do not revisit the issue
of the expansion of the sanctuary (or additional space) until our
average attendance is between 200-220 weekly. (At
that point we have video & audio capabilities to other
buildings, or the possibility of additional
services.)
There were 98
responses to our church surveys. The results of the surveys
revealed that 94% felt we should retain the same service format now
in use, two responses wanted a contemporary service, one response
wanted an additional service, one response wanted a Saturday evening
service, two wanted to do away with the snack supper and have just
vespers and choir on Sunday evening, one response wanted the number
of snack suppers reduced, one response wanted the children to lead
or participate in at least one service each month, only one response
referred the pavilion, and only three responses suggested building a
new facility.
The
recommendation of the LRPC is that we leave the service times and
format as is for the time being. The involvement of children,
youth, and others, can be directed by their leaders as they have
opportunity to do so.
The
feeling of the LRPC is that we do anticipate substantial growth over
the next ten years as a result of the growth in the areas
surrounding the church.
Even if this growth were 2% of that projected, that would
potentially equate to 600 new
members.
The
recommendation of the LRPC is that regardless of the short-term
growth, we begin a fund that would be used to meet the future needs
of that growth (i.e. “building fund” or some other such account that
could be set aside or drawn from as needed when the occasion is
warranted).
The
feeling of the LRPC is that our current Church School space is
“adequate” for now, taking into account the new space, soon to be
completed in the pavilion. We also acknowledge that new and
additional Church School classes insure the continued well being,
progress, and growth of the church as a
whole.
The
recommendation of the LRPC is that we can revisit the need for
additional space when our Church School average reaches 120 or more
per week.
The LRPC also
recommends that since the church already has a considerable vested
interest in the pavilion, we should direct the trustees via the
Administrative Council to “protect our investment” in whatever ways
it seems best (the stage, walls, a “minimal” kitchen, railings,
sound & lights, fire protection, etc).
The
LRPC also recommends that the Cemetery Association consider helping
finance the construction of walls on the pavilion, since this makes
their investment and the potential rental possibilities of the
pavilion more attractive.
The LRPC also
recommends that the congregation not be burdened with an enormous
debt for this project, and that they need to fully participate in
all decisions made:
plans, designs, building uses; as well as, funding, including
donations and memorials that would reduce or pay for such
improvements.
(This was made
evident as reflected in the surveys which stated that 23% of those
responded stated they would make a special contribution, 22.8% would
be willing to increase their giving to meet the financial needs of
such a project, and that 19.3% would continue to give at the same
amount they do now.
Others also stated they would be willing to give “a wall” or
other items in “honor or memory” of loved ones. This would decrease or
totally pay for a large part of the projected
improvements.)
