Gethsemane's Vision to Action
Our Vision to Action Priority Goals
“Making Dreams Come True” has been the theme of the Vision to Action process since it began. Four priority goals are driving our planning and decision-making for the next three to five years. These are the dreams we plan to “make come true.”
Why is it crucial that all members understand the goals?
- Because they clearly state what our congregation will focus on in the upcoming months and years.
- Because everyone’s help, involvement and support will be needed if these goals are to be anything more than words on paper.
To email your comments to Donna Anderson, Overall Vision Keeper, click here.
I. Dynamic Worship
By September 2004 Gethsemane Lutheran Church will have worship experiences that blend Word and Sacrament and Music in ways that will uplift and energize our faith community and the larger community we wish to reach with the Gospel, resulting in an ever increasing attendance in worship by persons of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
This we will do by:
1. the PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD OF GOD in a way that
- is a winsome invitation to respond in faith,
- is intellectually stimulating for all levels of faith maturity,
- is applicable to daily life,
- reflects an on-going dialogue between preacher and people,
- frequently utilizes the rich resources of the whole Church to share in this proclamation.
2. reflecting the SACRAMENTAL NATURE of our life together as the “Communion of Saints”
- in the public reception of members through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the rite of Affirmation of Baptism, and
- the regular and frequent offering of the Sacrament of Holy Communion as central to our life as the Body of Christ, and
- by creating education in the meaning and mysteries of the Sacraments in worship.
3. providing for a rich MUSIC AND FINE ARTS environment that includes
- congregational singing that is uplifting and energizing, relates to all ages, and inspires us to share our life and mission with the diverse community in which we live,
- encouraging the sharing of the special artistic talents of our members and the community,
- increasing the resources necessary to ensure excellence in the music and fine arts program.
II. Growth in Faith Maturity
By September 2005, Gethsemane Lutheran Church will have developed and implemented a comprehensive plan to welcome and challenge all people in our community of faith and the wider community to engage in life long learning experiences leading to personal and collective growth in faith maturity.
This plan will:
- Provide opportunities within all learning styles and be developmentally appropriate for all ages.
- Include multigenerational programs.
- Focus on opportunities at all life transitions.
- Include experiences in church, at home, and in the community.
- Be helpful to all persons in applying their faith to daily life.
- Result in a tripling of participation in congregational learning programs in this three year period.
III. Developing and Sharing Our Gifts
By May 2005, Gethsemane Lutheran Church will have accomplished the following:
- created a culture that invites, encourages, and supports each member in becoming an active participant in the life and mission of the congregation;
- identified, recruited, and supported persons to provide the leadership necessary for existing, expanding, and new ministries;
- increased financial support for the congregation’s mission by:
- increasing our giving to the general fund by at least 10% yearly,
- increasing by 25% (from 400 to 500) the number of those making a financial commitment to the general fund,
- emphasizing proportionate growth giving,
- encouraging individuals to support other opportunities for special giving,
- encouraging members to leave a legacy for the continuing ministry of the church.
IV. Sharing the Gospel with Our Community
Goal #1
By May 2005, Gethsemane Lutheran Church will have developed and implemented an intentional evangelical outreach program characterized by:
- Welcoming and inviting to membership all persons in our community, reflecting its rich diversity and with special emphasis on the unchurched,
- Assimilating and incorporating these new members into the life and mission of the congregation,
- Encouraging and equipping every member to participate in this welcoming and invitational task,
- Resulting in a net growth of at least 300 members.
Goal #2
Because we recognize that God’s love for us teaches, motivates, and enables us to care for and serve one another and that we are a servant congregation, by May, 2005, we will have developed and implemented a plan which strengthens or initiates four to ten social ministry projects that are effective in meeting needs and making a difference in our worldwide community.