50 Attendance Challenge
We started the year 2023 with a vision of “Be a welcoming community for all, worshipping together at God’s house” set by our church leadership board (ALB: Accountable Leadership Board). This vision came up as ALB discerned, prayed and discussed how we can implement the Mission Statement of UMC “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” in our life setting of today.
In line with our 2023 vision, ALB set “to have more than 50 at each service” as a strategic goal. It was not too long ago when the Centenary congregation had two times of worship services with worshippers around 100. As we went through the Covid pandemic, we found ourselves a little estranged from church & worship life as a community, while we so missed in-person worship and gatherings.
“50 Attendance Challenge” came along in this background as we prepared for 2023 Easter.
· Our “50 Attendance Challenge” was sending cards out to our friends and family members inviting them to join us for our Sunday Easter Service.
· Going over 50 itself was not our real goal. Making our congregation a more welcoming and inviting community was our real goal.
· We were encouraged to invite our loved ones and friends to our Easter Breakfast & Worship on Apr. 9. Free invitation cards were available at our church information desk.
· Fellowship group stepped up to resume Easter Breakfast before Easter Sunday worship.
· Leaders were encouraged to draw up a list of names of persons whom they were planning to invite and share with Pastor Maria. Pastor Maria sent them invitation cards to them as well.
· On Palm Passion Sunday, Sunday School children and teachers were part of worship. They led an opening song as children entered the sanctuary with waving palms to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
· On Easter Sunday, we had 48 guests, friends and family members being part of a family of faith and worshiped our risen Lord together. Special thanks to church leaders and all who worked together to make our Easter service welcoming and inspiring: the Fellowship group (Chair: Pam Harker) and ladies for wonderful Easter breakfast, Sunday School (Superintendent: Danica Diedrich, Sunday Class: Pam Harker), Adult Choir (Leader: Jeremiah Diedrich), the Re-Awaken Band (Co-leaders: Rodney Stewart & Jeremiah Diedrich) and all of us who were there!
We will keep reconnecting with you, inviting you and welcome you as we work toward the goal of “50 Attendance Challenge” and will appreciate your joining us in this challenge!
In line with our 2023 vision, ALB set “to have more than 50 at each service” as a strategic goal. It was not too long ago when the Centenary congregation had two times of worship services with worshippers around 100. As we went through the Covid pandemic, we found ourselves a little estranged from church & worship life as a community, while we so missed in-person worship and gatherings.
“50 Attendance Challenge” came along in this background as we prepared for 2023 Easter.
· Our “50 Attendance Challenge” was sending cards out to our friends and family members inviting them to join us for our Sunday Easter Service.
· Going over 50 itself was not our real goal. Making our congregation a more welcoming and inviting community was our real goal.
· We were encouraged to invite our loved ones and friends to our Easter Breakfast & Worship on Apr. 9. Free invitation cards were available at our church information desk.
· Fellowship group stepped up to resume Easter Breakfast before Easter Sunday worship.
· Leaders were encouraged to draw up a list of names of persons whom they were planning to invite and share with Pastor Maria. Pastor Maria sent them invitation cards to them as well.
· On Palm Passion Sunday, Sunday School children and teachers were part of worship. They led an opening song as children entered the sanctuary with waving palms to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
· On Easter Sunday, we had 48 guests, friends and family members being part of a family of faith and worshiped our risen Lord together. Special thanks to church leaders and all who worked together to make our Easter service welcoming and inspiring: the Fellowship group (Chair: Pam Harker) and ladies for wonderful Easter breakfast, Sunday School (Superintendent: Danica Diedrich, Sunday Class: Pam Harker), Adult Choir (Leader: Jeremiah Diedrich), the Re-Awaken Band (Co-leaders: Rodney Stewart & Jeremiah Diedrich) and all of us who were there!
We will keep reconnecting with you, inviting you and welcome you as we work toward the goal of “50 Attendance Challenge” and will appreciate your joining us in this challenge!
