The Reformed Church



The Reformed Church

of

Linden, N.J.

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Self Study

September 2012

THE COMMITTEE

Eric Seebergh, Chair

Valerie Boyle

Bob Kastner

Dana Kidd

Ginny Pine

OUTLINE OF CONTENT

PAGE

I. Introduction 1

Mission Statement 1

II. Who We Are 2

A. Our History 2-4

B. Our Context 5

(1) Community Demographics 5

(a) Racial and ethnic composition 5

(b) Economic and employment situation 5

(c) Services needed in the “target” community 6-7

(d) Special factors 7

(e) Predicted changes 7

(f) Local community churches ministries 7-8

(g) Significant programs and emphases of Linden

churches 8

(2) Implications for Ministry 8

(a) Intra-church programs shared by

The Reformed Church of Linden 8-9

(b) Implications for The Reformed Church of Linden 9

(3) Our Church Membership 10

(a) Current demographics 10

(b) Nine year history 10-11

C. Our Resources 12

(1) Our Church Building 12

(2) Our Finances 13

(3) Our Leadership 13-14

D. Our Ministry Focus 15-16

IV. Where Are We Going 16

A. Our Vision 16

B. Our Goals 16-17

C. Our Next Pastor 17

IV. Daring to Be Bold As We Let God Lead Us 17-20

I

I. INTRODUCTION

In the fall of 2011 Rev. David Groeneveld informed the Consistory of The Reformed Church of Linden of his intention to resign from his position as minister of the church effective October 30, 2011.

It became necessary to begin a process to locate a new minister. The self-study provides an opportunity to review many aspects of current church life, to assess the needs and goals of the congregation, to make good decisions about the future ministry direction of the church.

A self-study committee was formed and includes five individuals ranging in age from 26-90. Data for this document has been collected from a variety of resources. The congregation has been involved in both small group and larger group workshops during Visioning Meetings and have been actively involved in the process. Those individuals who were unable to participate in a meeting were provided with an opportunity to participate via written format.

II. MISSION STATEMENT

We, the members of The Reformed Church of Linden, believe our mission and purpose to be the following:

To bring the message of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to all within

our reach.

To be a united, loving and caring church family.

To be progressive without losing sight of tradition.

To reach out to our members, friends, and community and minister to their

spiritual, emotional and physical needs.

III. WHO WE ARE

A. OUR HISTORY

After a few years of discussion, petitions being circulated, and attempts to organize a Sabbath school by the Presbyterians, Methodists and others, Ferdinand Blancke, a large landowner with great influence in the community of Wheatsheaf (now Linden) made contact with the Dutch Reformed Church in North America. He deeded property to the Church and with a loan from the RCA Board of Missions; a call was extended to the Rev. Oscar Gesner. He accepted, and the Reformed Church of Linden was organized on May 10, 1871. The total membership of the Church was eleven and its first Consistory was composed of 2 elders and 2 deacons along with Rev. Gesner.

There was much dissention in early church life and, in spite of the fact that attendance increased to between 50 and 75 for Sunday worship, there was an exodus from the church, including Consistory members, resulting in Rev. Gesner’s resignation in February 1873, less than 2 years after the church was organized. Rev. Gesner remained a faithful friend of the church and served many times as supply pastor until his death in 1918. Until 1936, the following installed ministers served the church:

1874-1877 Rev. Howard H. Van Vranken

1904-1906 Rev. N. Manning Sherwood

1907-1912 Rev. Ernest B. Saure

1914-1917 Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte

1917-1920 Rev. William Schmitz

1921-1926 Rev. Andrew A. Burkhardt

1926-1936 Rev. Frank A. Langwith

The time through 1936 was a difficult period with few bright spots because the church suffered much dissention, defection and had little hope. Church attendance fell to new lows, debt piled up and the membership failed to provide financial support. While Rev. Gesner, in 1891, donated property and the manse on the corner of Wood Avenue and Gesner Street to the church, it was not until 1907, 16 years later, that the manse would be occupied by a minister. For more than half the time between 1871 and 1936, the church struggled without an installed minister.

The next 33 years (1937-1970) was a period of vision for the Reformed Church of Linden. Growth took place with much activity and financial support. The following ministers served during this time:

1937-1943 Rev. G. Herbert Schneider

1943-1955 Rev. Forest L. Decker

1956-1970 Rev. Joseph L. Perry, Jr.

Rev. Schneider was a great enthusiast of young people’s work and was active in civic affairs. He organized the “Couples Club”. This group was very active and supportive of the church.

This positive trend continued under Rev. Decker’s leadership. Some of the accomplishments during his time were increased church attendance and Sunday school growth. The old debt to RCA Domestic Mission was paid off. The choir loft was enlarged, a new organ and stained glass windows in the front of the church were installed, gifts of Fred and Sadie Wood. The new energy and vitality were fueled by the return of servicemen and the end of the war. It was time of economic growth for all.

During the early 1950’s, plans were formulated to erect an educational building for the growing Sunday school. The estimate for construction was $30,000.00, and a commitment of $38,000.00 was pledged to be paid off in 3 years. Just after completion of the new addition, Rev. Decker concluded his ministry in 1955.

In November of 1956, Rev. Joseph Perry arrived as the new minister. His ministry was to last 14 years, and it was a time of stability and steady growth. The mortgage on the new building was paid off in 1959, the old manse was sold and a larger home was purchased. A new campaign was started to renovate the lower hall, and Noah’s Ark Nursery School was started. In July of 1970, Rev. Perry resigned and brought to close the longest ministry in the life The Reformed Church of Linden.

The next 41 years were relatively stable, but evidenced the national trend of declining church membership. The congregation was active and vibrant and continued to play an active role in the community. The following ministers served during this time:

1971-1989 Rev. John Magee

1990-1992 Rev. Kim Donahue

1995-1997 Rev. Gary DeWitt

1998-2011 Rev. David Groeneveld

The Rev. Dan Ramm served as an interim from 1989-1990, and the Rev. Ron Lokhorst served as an interim 1992-1994.

The Rev. John Magee accepted the call to our church in March of 1971. His ministry was to last 18 years, supplanting the tenure of Rev. Perry as the longest serving minister. The years between 1971 and 1989 were essentially stable, but witnessed a slow but steady decline in membership. Many good things were happening during that time period. The church celebrated its 100th Anniversary, started the Memorial and Endowment funds, and subscribed to RCA Capital Funds Drive-Putting People in Missions. A pledge of $45,000.00, over 3 years, was pledged and met. The manse on Harvard Road was sold so the church could buy the property next door, the Glowa house. The original plan was to eventually turn it into a group home, but that never came to fruition. In November of 1989 Rev. Magee resigned. The Rev. Dan Ramm served as our Interim Minister for the next 6 months.

In October of 1990, the Rev. Kim Donahue was installed as minister of The Reformed Church of Linden. Her period of service to the church lasted only 2 years. This was a period marked by much disagreement and conflict. The church petitioned Classis to terminate the relationship between The Reformed Church of Linden and Rev. Donahue. This became effective December 31, 1992.

The years 1993-1998 were a period of transition. The Rev. Ron Lokhorst was our interim minister for an extended time, 1993-1994, and brought a period of cohesiveness and healing to the church.

The Rev. Gary DeWitt was our minister for a short period of time, and his ministry was uneventful. The healing continued under his guidance. He resigned in 1997 and we again started a search committee for a new minister. The church at this time was under the guidance of Rev. John Hart, assigned by Classis.

The Rev. David Groeneveld became the minister in 1998, and served until October 30, 2011. During his tenure we again had a long period of stability. During the time of his ministry, the church began a Capital Fund Campaign to build a handicap accessible addition. The campaign began in January of 2007, with a pledge goal of $350,000.00. The construction was completed in April of 2008, and the loan to Synod was paid off in December of 2011. This was significant to our membership, as this was our 140th Anniversary.

The Rev. Doug Shepler, who serves as Classis overseer, is presently guiding us. In addition, we have hired the Rev. Wilfredo Rodriguez as a contract minister for 6 months. During this time, much needs to be done. Some of the things we are working to accomplish at this time are the following:

* Discovering our current identity and vision of ministry

* Working through leadership changes

* Preparing the congregation for commitment to new ministry directions

Where do we go from here? Our church’s vision statement for the last several years has been: “Daring to Be Bold, As We Let God Lead Us”. With God’s help, we feel that The Reformed Church of Linden will continue to serve the Lord and provide for the needs of the community.

* In nurturing our relationship with God

* In representing God’s love

* In stewardship

* In our spiritual, physical and emotional lives

* In our outreach to the community

* In providing a loving and comforting environment

B. OUR CONTEXT

(1) Community demographics

The Reformed Church of Linden is situated at the extreme southeastern corner of Union County, within a five-mile radius of eleven (11) other Union County municipalities and five (5) Middlesex County municipalities. The area is generally served with good to excellent local, county and state roads in addition to the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike. Public transportation in many forms is readily available. The primary concern in deciding the “reasonable and effective” area of service or “target” community lies in the realistic amount of resources, which would be available. The capacity of the sanctuary is not considered to be an issue for the long term. From a community outreach perspective, it is likely that activities will center primarily around the city of Linden. Some additional focus will be placed on the immediately adjacent communities of Elizabeth, Roselle, Winfield, Clark, Rahway and Cranford. Population estimates for these areas are:

Linden and adjacent communities

COMMUNITY POPULATION

Linden 40,499

Elizabeth 124,969

Roselle 21,274

Winfield 1,471

Clark 14,756

Cranford 22,625

Rahway 37,346

TOTALS: 262,940

Communities within a five-mile radius of Linden (including Linden)

COMMUNITY POPULATION

Above Listings 262,940

Hillside 21,404

Union 56,642

Roselle Park 13,297

Kenilworth 7,914

Garwood 4,226

Woodbridge Twp. 99,585

Carteret 22,844

TOTALS: 488,852

(a) Racial and ethnic composition

The immediate Linden area consists of 26,167 White, 7,229 Black, and 2,121 residents of Hispanic origin, with 605 residents classified as other. The “other” classification consists primarily of Asian residents. The Linden public school system does not, however, reflect the above statistics. Linden High School is currently in excess of 50% minority enrollment. The Hispanic population has grown significantly over the last five years. There continues to be a steady influx of Eastern European immigrants primarily because of the already existing Polish community and associated support services. This expanding service base, which consists of food outlets, restaurants, churches (primarily Roman Catholic) and bilingual retailers will, more than likely, guarantee that this trend will continue. Another noticeable trend is the expanding Indian influence, especially in the food and convenience store sectors. Adjacent communities of Elizabeth and Roselle contain significant Black and Hispanic populations. In Elizabeth a large Cuban and Portuguese community is located. Clark, Cranford and Winfield are all overwhelmingly White with Clark and Winfield being almost exclusively so. Other significant ancestries include German, Irish and Italian. Italian is the most prominent nationality in the seven-city area.

(b) Economic and employment situation

Our country is currently in a period of poor economy with unemployment rates at 8.2%. Linden’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average with an overall unemployment rate of 9.8%. There are indications that the former strong manufacturing presence in this area is under attack as employers shift jobs and facilities elsewhere. Pockets of high unemployment exist in Elizabeth, Linden and Roselle primarily due to these facts. Growth in the service industries will increase. The education level of the region ranges between 58.5%-87.4% for high school graduates and 6.6%-33.8% for a Bachelor’s degree or higher. On the positive side, is the fact that because of excellent transportation systems the residents of this region will have access to high-level service sector employment in Manhattan. Manhattan should continue to be known as the “financial capital of the world” for a good many more years to come. The continuing ministry of the RCL should recognize the blue-collar slant of Linden and the surrounding communities but also provide for the needs of a stable white collar-commuting workforce.

(c) Services needed in the “target” community

Because of the socio-economic demographics of the area, a varied array of church related social service programs will be needed not only to serve the community but also to attract the type of congregational members needed for a strong and growing congregation. A partial listing is as follows:

* Food Pantry * Services for dual wage families

* Job Assistance * New “American” programs

* Eldercare * Minority programs

* Single Parent Groups * Women’s programs

* Youth and Education * Young Adult Services

* Mobile Ministry * Youth Service Organizations

Some of the above services are currently being provided by the RCL in some form or another as well as the Interfaith Church Council and other community-based organizations.

(d) Special factors

Some special factors exist that need to be taken into consideration. The existence of the following should be noted:

* Community College campuses

* Kean College (12,000 students)

* 3 Hospitals

* Significant number of “project” housing (Elizabeth)

* Significant number of senior citizen housing

* Excellent public recreational facilities

* Well established social service infrastructure (good delivery system)

As an example, Senior Citizen housing presents a significant opportunity for various types of ministry including some of the services listed above. Services for shut-ins as well as ambulatory seniors are not being provided at a high level presently. Interaction with county social service delivery systems has been minimal.

(e) Predicted changes

* Neighborhoods will remain stable.

* Hispanic, Black and Polish populations will continue to grow especially in

Elizabeth, Linden and Roselle.

* Demographics of the “target” area will present unique opportunities for ministry.

(f) Local community churches ministries

The following churches are located within the local community. All of them, with the exception of St. John the Apostle are located in the City of Linden. St. John’s is located in the adjacent community of Clark, just over the borderline:

Calvin Presbyterian Linden Presbyterian

Raritan Road Baptist First Baptist

Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist St. Mary’s Orthodox India Church

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Linden United Methodist

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, R.C. St. George Greek Catholic

St. John the Apostle, R.C. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, R.C.

Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Morning Star United Holy

Reformed Church of Linden Holy Family, R.C.

Congregation Anshe Chesed

(g) Significant programs and emphases of Linden churches

PROGRAMS

Pre K-12th Grade School; CCD; Scouting;AA; CYO; Adult Bible Study; Nursery

School; After School Care; Men’s Group; Women’s Group

Youth Group; Scholarship Committee; Youth Group; Sr. Citizen Program; Day

Care; Before/After School Care; Women’s/Men’s Groups

Food Bank; Clothing Drive; Adult Bible Study; Men’s/Women’s Groups; Youth

Group’s; Adult Fellowship; Scouting; Day Care; Nursery School

(2) Implications for Ministry

These traditional, educational and mission-oriented ministries impact the community by meeting the religious and social needs of the population. They also mitigate and supplement the need for publicly provided services.

(a) Intra-church programs shared by The Reformed Church of Linden

A. LINCS Food Pantry (3rd Monday and Tuesday of month)

B. Common Worship Thanksgiving Service (rotated annually)

C. CROP Walk for Hunger

D. World Day of Prayer Services (1st Friday in March); Women from all Churches

participate in the Service

E. Ash Wednesday Common Service (Presbyterian/Methodist)

F. Good Friday Service

G. Annual picnic with Calvin Presbyterian

H. Participation in Interfaith Counsel

I. Interfaith Lenten Bible Study

The spirit of cooperation amongst the several churches and synagogues is genuine and makes a big impact on the local community. Some of the churches are ethnically distinct while others are racially distinct. The churches in the community are meeting many basic needs. There is a need for additional programs aimed at young adults, senior citizens, and single parent households.

(b) Implications for The Reformed Church of Linden

1. Strong leadership from within the congregation, led by an installed minister,

will be needed to achieve both short term and long-term goals.

2. Primary short-term need is growth. We must have more people and finances

to support new programs. To accomplish this, there is a need to implement

new outreach programs to:

(Refer to pages 16-20 – V Daring to be bold as we let God lead us)

a. Increase attendance from in-active members.

b. Increase attendance from young people who are members and are

now non-attendees

c. Attract new members, including: young families, minorities, single

parents.

3. Expand current programs and develop new ministries to reach the target

groups. These ministries can be created by the RCL and/or with other local

churches.

4. Long term goals will include developing more programs as indicated by the

needs of the congregation and the community. The long-term goals can only

be achieved if short-term goals are accomplished. (Refer to pages 16-18

for additional information.)

5. Our location on the main street in town (Wood Avenue) and our blend of old

buildings (1871) and modern facilities (new handicap addition with elevator

and bathroom) make our church a highly visible structure. The community

can “see” our programs and be encouraged to join us.

3. Our church membership

(a) Current Demographics

Active Members 66

Inactive Members 14

College 2

Shut-ins 3

Non-attendees 1

Minor attendees 8

Adherents 11

New members last five years 5

Breakdown of membership and adherents

Male 28 4

Female 38 7

Breakdown by age

Members Inactive Adherents

20’s 5 2 0

30’s 2 6 1

40’s 6 3 3

50’s 14 2 2

60’s 16 0 2

70’s 13 0 2

80’s and 90’s 11 1 1

(b) Nine year history

|  |Total |Inactive |Baptized |  |Average Worship |Confessing |

|2004 |209 |61 |43 |33 |74 |105 |

|2005 |165 |56 |11 |25 |70 |98 |

|2006 |158 |52 |10 |24 |80 |96 |

|2007 |163 |55 |11 |22 |70 |97 |

|2008 |100 |6 |10 |17 |68 |84 |

|2009 |100 |6 |10 |17 |68 |84 |

|2010 |114 |12 |9 |16 |60 |93 |

|2011 |114 |12 |9 |16 |60 |93 |

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Five Year History

|  |Total |Adult |Infant |Received on |

|Year |Income |Baptism |Baptism |Confessing |

|2007 |387108 |0 |1 |0 |

|2008 |230861 |0 |2 |9 |

|2009 |230861 |0 |0 |0 |

|2010 |348034 |0 |0 |0 |

|2011 |348034 |0 |0 |0 |

* Information obtained from RCA web sight.

C. Our Resources

1. Our Church Building

Our church’s physical building consists of three entities, the original church built in 1871, consisting of the sanctuary and the lower hall, the fellowship building built in 1954, which contains the church offices, a large hall, a kitchen, a stage and bathrooms, and finally, a handicap accessible building built in 2007-2008, which has an elevator, stairs to the sanctuary and a handicapped accessible bathroom. All 3 levels of the building are accessible with the elevator.

The completion of the new building was the fulfillment of a long held dream of the church membership. We began a Capital Fund drive in late 2006, with the goal of raising $350,000.00 in 3 years. The new building was completed in the spring of 2008, and we paid off our loan from Synod in December of 2011.

1. As is typical of any building, much routine maintenance is needed. An active

Building and Grounds committee attends to these needs. Major

considerations are as follows:

(a) Roof repairs on the flat sections over the office and kitchen areas.

(b) Replacement of the windows in the large hall.

(c) Upgrading of the older bathrooms.

2. The Lower Hall is used Monday – Friday by the Sunshine Academy, an all day

nursery school program, which rents our space. In addition, our church is

used by two other small congregations throughout the week.

3. Periodically, other organizations use our buildings. Most recently, an

after school remediation service.

We are, and have been, very active in our community. We host many different functions throughout the year:

1. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner

2. Two rummage Sales (April-Oct)

3. Lenten Covered Dish meetings

4. Various Dinners

5. Annual Christmas Bazaar

6. Family Movie and Game Nights open to the community

7. How to Prepare for Work seminars for young people

2. Our Finances

A. Congregational Giving (5 Year History)

| |Weekly Giving | |RCA Missions | |Other Missions | |Yearly Total |

|2007 |$ 97,541.60 | |$ 646.00 | |$ 509.00 | |$ 98,696.60 |

|2008 |102,301.34 | |587.00 | |485.00 | |103,373.34 |

|2009 |108,822.22 | |964.00 | |2,390.00 | |112,176.22 |

|2010 |112,946.26 | |53.00 | |930.00 | |113,929.26 |

|2011 |106,653.80 | |2,140.00 | |855.00 | |109,648.80 |

|Total |$528,265.22 | |$4,390.00 | |$5,169.00 | |$537,824.22 |

| | | | | | | | |

| |Weekly Givings |= |98.22% | | | | |

| |RCA Missions |= |0.82% | | | | |

| |Other Missions |= |0.96% | | | | |

| |Total | |100.00% | | | | |

B. Capital Fund Drive (New Handicapped Addition) 6 Year History

|2006 |$ 10,200.00 |

|2007 |89,836.62 |

|2008 |52,444.49 |

|2009 |33,836.00 |

|2010 |14,166.00 |

|2011 |3,700.00 |

|Total |$204,183.11 |

Income from Contracted Tenants

1. Assembly of God $ 7,200.00 annually

2. Hope International Ministries $ 9,600.00 annually

3. Sunshine Academy $23,400.00 annually

TOTAL: $40.200.00 annually

3. Our Leadership

1. While we are a small congregation, we do not lack strong leadership. Consistory is comprised of good leaders, as is the general congregation. Since the departure of our minister in October of 2011, the congregation has come together to continue the work of the church. Being small, however, means that most members carry out multiple jobs, which could eventually lead to burn out.

2. Our present contract minister is enthusiastic and willing to assist us as we move forward in our pursuit of a new, installed minister. While only part-time, he has reached out to almost everyone in the church. In addition to visiting the sick and shut-in, he has been calling or visiting all of the membership on a regular basis, and following up with members when they have been unable to attend. Currently, he is conducting an adult class for individuals who are interested in joining the church.

3. The Vision Committee was formed in 2009 under the leadership of Rev. Groeneveld. The purpose of this group was to find creative ways to help the church grow spiritually as well as in membership. The committee has spearheaded many community outreach projects, including Family Fun Night, Family Game Night, and How to prepare for work Seminars.

4. The Self-Study Committee met with the church’s Vision Committee to discuss programs they are currently developing, which, hopefully, will provide more community exposure for the church. (Refer to page 16)

Organizational Chart

1. Consistory

At present, Consistory is made of nine (9) members:

a. Four Elders

b. Five Deacons

By attrition, the Consistory is being trimmed from twelve members (12) to eight

(8) members due to diminishing membership.

2. Officers

President

Vice President

Clerk

Classis Supervisor Team Chairman Rev. Doug Shepler

3. Consistory Committees:

a. Christian Education

b. Finance

c. Parish Life

d. Physical Properties

e. Communication and Outreach

f. Music and Worship

D. Our Ministry Focus

1. Ministry Organizations

A. Senior Choir

The music ministry of the church is a very important part of our

congregation’s life. Presently, there is a core group of 13, who provide a

wonderful ministry for our members.

B. Hand Bell Choir

The Hand Bell Choir has been a part of our church for 15 years. This

choir has 7 core members (adults and teens) who provide a unique and

joyous ministry of music, especially at Christmas and Easter.

C. Sunday School

Sunday school meets 1 hour before Sunday service. Attendance varies

from Sunday to Sunday, but there is an average of 6 children who attend.

Christian education is provided for Elementary and High School students.

The classes are taught by 2 very devoted teachers.

All Sunday school students attend full church service each week.

D. Vacation Bible School

Every summer The Reformed Church of Linden hosts a Bible School. It is

provided to the public free of charge. It is staffed by members of the

congregation who volunteer their time. Generally, we have about 35

children attend on a regular basis.

Students serve as ushers one time each month and assist in

worship leadership. The Sunday School has developed a Lenten

Litany which they lead during worship services each Sunday in Lent.

E. Women Together

This organization was begun in 2002 with the goal of providing evening

fellowship for women of the church unable to attend the Women’s Guild,

which met during the day. Due to declining membership, the Women’s

Guild disbanded in 2012, and the remaining members joined the evening

group. Activities of the group include; Bible Study, fellowship, planning

supportive activities for the church and outreach. The organizations sends

cards and flowers to sick and shut in members and sponsors a variety of

fund raisers to support mission projects and church projects.

F. There are no other formal organizations within the church; however, there

is one informal ministry that aids with outreach and support. Every

Sunday after church there is a Fellowship Hour hosted by volunteers with

coffee and food. This provides a good opportunity for members to meet

and discus many things going on within the church family.

2. Purpose

All of the ministries provide the opportunity to hear the message of the

Bible and the teachings of Jesus, or to share that message with others

through the word or music. The Vacation Bible School is a particular

outreach to the community.

IV. Where Are We Going

A. Our Vision

The members and those currently attending the Reformed Church of Linden see the church as a warm and welcoming community, based on the word of God. They describe with pride, the fact that the church has worked together between ministers, and feel a sense of unity, a place to worship and serve. A majority believe that although the community views our congregation as positive and active, they don’t know what we stand for, or who we are theologically. There is a desire to reach out to the community to share the message of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, and to see our church grow.

B. Our Goals

1. Interim Process

(a) Continue the ministry of the Reformed Church between ministers

(b) Complete Self-Study

(c) Hire a minister

2. Short term Goals

(a) More contemporary forms of worship

(b) Develop and maintain modern means of outreach

(c) Improve signage

(d) Create more community oriented activities

3. Long Term Goals

(a) Better outreach to our own

(b) Better communication

(c) Emphasis on prayer and Bible Study

(d) Develop new mission programs

(e) Attract more young families and children

C. Our Next Pastor

1. Pastoral Leadership

(a) Good preaching skills and worship leadership

(b) Spiritual leadership

(c) Administrative skills

(d) Good listener/compassionate

(e) Enthusiastic

(f) Good communicator

(g) Outgoing

2. Congregational Expectations

(a) Ability to work with all age groups

(b) Ability to motivate Consistory and congregation

(c) Person with a clear vision that can be acted upon through his/her

leadership

(d) Person who will visit and/or call sick and shut-in members regularly.

V. Daring to Be Bold As We Let God Lead Us

As we reflect upon all of the previous information, short and long term goals, RCL target areas and needs of the community, we propose the following:

1. The Vision Committee has already developed new outreach (neighbor movie nights, High School Career Night) programs that encourage the community to enter our doors and get to know us while engaged in a variety of activities previously mentioned. This committee will be a good resource for our new minister, and Consistory to develop creative ministries for the future.

2. Our new handicapped entry has already enabled individuals in

wheelchairs and with other mobility issues to attend weekly services and other activities on all three levels of the building. Focusing on programs for that target group could be researched;

a. Exercise classes for people with limited mobility.

b. Yoga for seniors.

c. Programs on senior issues, such as estate planning, wills and

nutrition.

3. Demographic statistics indicate a growing minority population,

especially Hispanics. New ministries to reach out to that community are needed, such as:

a. Offering English speaking classes in our building.

b. Some RCL members will attend these classes also to learn

some Spanish and to welcome the “students” and inform them of our church and its teachings.

c. A bi-lingual minister would be an asset; however, any supportive

minister could help such a program achieve success.

4. Current RCL attendees indicate the need for better intra–congregation

communication and support.

a. It is recommended that the Consistory reorganize the calling

chain and that the status of that form of communication be reviewed on a monthly basis. Non-Consistory people can assist in order to make this effective.

b. Consistory, specifically the Elders, need to re-instate the

ministry of bringing communion to the sick and shut-ins in the congregation. This ministry is currently not functioning and should be re-established. Since the size of Consistory is smaller, Greater Consistory members could assist in this ministry.

c. RCL contract minister is visiting and calling all attending and

non-attending members, as well as bringing communion to sick

and shut-ins.

d. Women Together regularly contact sick and shut-ins through

cards and flowers.

e. Congregation can be better informed about church process and

have opportunity to ask questions at Congregational meetings. It is suggested that such meetings be held more frequently, perhaps even quarterly to keep the congregation up to date.

5. Expansion of signage and modern means of communication.

a. Consistory is exploring a new signage for the outside area of the

church to better convey “Who we Are” theologically and

historically. (Refer to IV A. Our Vision)

b. Information about our church is now presented at most events

(on placements mats, menus, flyers) to inform people of our history (RCA) and our beliefs. Expand this to all events taking place at the church, including Rummage sales and hall rentals.

c. Enhancement of the Web site is in process, and Facebook is

being developed.

6. Need for Bible Study/Prayer Groups.

a. Women Together currently conducts a short Bible Study at

monthly meetings.

b. There is a need to re-establish Adult Sunday Bible Study class.

c. Other Bible Study is planned. There is currently a Bible Study

class planned for the Sundays in December and Lent.

7. Attract more young families and children.

a. Recently developed outreach programs by the Vision

Committee are aimed at this demographic. Results not yet

determined.

b. Bible School families are invited (verbally and through letters) to

attend Sunday school and other events during the year. Additional outreach to this group could be:

1. In addition to the end of Bible School program (Friday

evening) have a program during the worship service on the Sunday after the closing of VBS.

2. Hold a Bible School worship service during the church

year in which most of the music is based on Bible School programs. This service could be led by the RCL Sunday School students. Although small, they are willing participants.

3. Flyers to immediate neighbors to invite them to church.

This would include all, not just young families

8. Contemporary Worship Service

a. Worship and Music Committee of Consistory will include several

praise songs at worship service each Sunday.

b. The choir is currently singing many upbeat anthems

9. Other Important Developments

a. Contract minister is conducting a new member’s class with 4

attendees. They will be received into membership before Christmas. Since our present membership is listed at 66 active members, this represents a 6% increase in membership. These are the first new members in several years.

b. Two young adults (members, but non-attendees) recently joined

the Bell Choir’.

c. One young adult, currently not attending, has volunteered to

teach VBS.

d. Although current manpower and finances could not support an

independently sponsored Soup Kitchen style mission, consideration could be given to allowing other groups i.e.; Elijah’s Promise, to use our facilities. A resource such as the N.J. Food Bank in Hillside, NJ could be contacted for more information.

10. Special Outreach Programs

a. Sunday worship service dedicated to Veterans

b. Sunday worship service dedicated to Healing

c. Post election prayer service

In Summation

While our church is small, there is a vibrancy in the membership that embodies our Vision Statement “Daring to Be Bold, as we Let God Lead us”. We undertook a long time goal of making our facility handicapped accessible. Between inception of the idea and completion of the project we raised over $400,000.00 and paid off a Synod loan of $190,000.00 in 3 years. The entire project was a leap of faith, we were bold, as we let God lead us.

Now we are faced with a new challenge! If our church is to survive, we again must adhere to our vision statement. We must dare to be Bold:

1. In Preaching the Gospel

2. In Teaching the Word of God

3. In evangelism

4. In Community Outreach

There is strength and spirit within the congregation. With leadership, working hand in hand, we can move forward as We Dare to Be Bold, As We Let God Lead Us.

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