Journal of
THE EXPLORATORY GROUP
August 28, 2007

MEETING PLACE:  Marcy Community Center

FACILITATOR:       Bill Wiley

THOSE PRESENT: 21 total including:  Amboy four  (4) regular members; East, Five (5) regular and one (1) visitor; First, Five (5) regular members, Lakeview, Five (5) regular members and one alternate.

TOPIC:                     Worship - A review of the meeting follows.

Handouts were provided the group that included Community Profiles for the zip code 44030 which includes an area slightly larger than the geographical limits of the City of Conneaut.  It was also noted that prison inmates are considered residents of the community in such demographic studies.

Included here were financial data on household income, length of residence in the community, breakdown by age groups, ethnic percentages and an explanation of various types of worship including:

Youth Worship
Emergent Church Worship
Contemporary Worship
Traditional Worship
Ancient Future Worship

In addition, members of the group provided more in-depth explanations of the above.

A second hand out was provided which was entitled "WORLD ALIVE INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH" Oxford, Alabama.  This includes a fairly complete outline of this organization.

A general discussion was held concerning the types of services mentioned in the handouts and the need for a variety of services that would need for a variety of services that would need to be considered, adopted and offered in order to meet the needs of our community.  And to be attractive to the different segments of our community.

(A conclusion could be drawn from the information given that in order to have a more effective ministry our church as we envision it, will need to recognize the varying populace of our community and their spiritual needs.  And we should be prepared to offer the resources needed to be attractive to those populations.  And have the ability to meet those spiritual needs.)

A variety of church bulletins were passed to the members for inspection and consideration.

Sally Kenned suggested a monthly meeting/joint service as a combined church alternating at all four churches.

Bill Wiley posed the question concerning what information do we need now?

Rev. Graham asked what services do we want.  World Communion Sunday was mentioned and that perhaps we could come together at that time as a "Methodist community,:

Bill Wiley suggested two services one contemporary and one traditional .

Rev. Marbury stated that she had arranged a speaker at our next meeting who had experienced a "vital merger" and that we should be prepared with questions for him.

Rev. Graham announced that First was going to be involved in the "Natural Church Development" and that the District office will assist as a consultant.  IF all the churches became involved ($150.00) cost per church, the district would waive their administrative fee.

Rev. Graham asked the question of where "the people" (of our churches) are in the process.  Chip Smith said that a meeting of First's larger exploratory group was poorly attended and they asked why the meeting was called.

Bill Wiley said that no one at their church wanted to discuss it.

A general question was raised on how do we spark interest?  Bill Wiley said it might have to come "from the pulpit".

Fred Stuntz commented that the only questions had had received were from Catholic friends who had heard a merger or combination of churches may be in the future.

The concept of a joint service was further discussed with agreement reached to come together on October 7, 2007 on "World Communtion Sunday."

Sally Kennedy suggested it would be good to experience each other and to develop a comfort zone.

A discussion was held by the group.

Location was initially agreed to be at First but Rev. Graham suggested East due to the presence of audio visual equipment record the services and broadcast them on the public access channel.  It will be held at East.

A discussion and vote was held to offer a Saturday evening service.  This idea was defeated by the 12-6 vote.  Two services will be held on Sunday October 7, at 9 and 11 in the morning.  The first will be a contemporary service and the second will be a traditional service.  Choirs will be combined church school and child care will be offered.  A youth service will also be offered in the evening.

Rev. Marbury suggested the UMW groups be approached to help set up.  The pastors will also ask for volunteers.

Rev. Graham suggested approval of the proposed combined services by the respective administrative councils.  But pending any unexpected denials the event is agreed upon and scheduled as outlined above.

Bill Wiley asked Rev. Tami to close the meeting with a prayer.

Next meeting is September 25 with a speaker.

FACILITATOR:  If the original schedule is followed, Sue Starkey will facilitate.

Respectfully,

Chip Smith
Scribe.