Mission & Outreach Listening Session Minutes

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

Sunday, May 15, 2005 ~ 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

1.       What do you appreciate most about the current SMAAC program and content within this ministry?

•         The diversity of programs was recognized. There are big and little mission trips, outreach in the city and places for giving. We are not really sure that the congregation realizes the diversity that is already in place.

2.       What would you most like to see changed in the current program?

•         Our Outreach should be “seated” more in Theology. So often we head out as a group of “haves” because we feel we need to share out of our bounty, but we are missing the message that everyone is our brother or sister in Christ and that God has told us to care for one another. There must be a justice element as we are all God’s children. Proverbs tells us that the poor and the wealthy are to work together – not to just give charity. We should concentrate more on helping people from ‘falling down’ instead of helping them ‘up’ after they have fallen.

•         Start educating our children about outreach earlier in life.

•         Make on-going commitments to projects. Don’t just go in and then be finished with the project or the recipients. Make relationships. Make long-term commitments and have accountability – perhaps having the recipients keep in touch with us. (For example, have the children of Amistad write letters to us).

•         Have more self-contained days for all ages (singles, children and families). Spend a day working at Jubilee or St. Phillips. More focus on mission in the city and getting broader representation of the parish involved.

•         Need more of an in house, parish support mechanism around the trips and projects.

•         This is a big church. Communicate about our existing programs and the larger picture and get “by-ins” from more people.

•         More opportunities for young families are needed. This includes making the trips more affordable. It is important for the families to get away and have quality time.

•         Plan family projects and trips into confirmation class. Have work days for the confirmation classes and include their families sometimes.

•         Be specific in defining time commitment, financial commitments, etc. so the missionary or pilgrim knows what they are getting into. People would be more apt to sign up if they know the parameters.

•         Open up trips around Holiday times for single adults.

3.       What are the most exciting, fulfilling experiences you have had with past programs, ministries and activities at SMAAC?

•         The packing trip for Honduras was the most organized day ever and was the highlight of the trip. The teens helped too. It was a wonderful way to get others involved even if they were not going. It was sacramental. We shared time with others that we did not know (this was done at Transfiguration).

4.       Can you name some truly excellent programs or initiatives at other churches which you’ve experienced or heard about from others?

•         Incarnation has good communications to it parish and prayer teams for missionaries and pilgrims.

•         Thanksgiving Square has a program to study other religions.

•         Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church has great programs.

•         Check with Temple Emmanuel regarding their outreach programs. They are very active in the community.

•         Midway Hills Church has a great after school program.

5.       What initiatives or program changes at SMAAC would cause you to increase your participation and to be excited about doing so?

•         Have Sunday School Classes on current issues. For example, one Sunday on Domestic Violence, Suicide, Jubilee, St. Phillips, Bolivia, etc. People might find an area that excites them.

•        Put out our fundamental message and why we are doing what we are doing.

•         Get a watch dog group. Ask Tom Dunning to come talk to us.

•         More emphasis on social justice Issues: families, hunger, and education.

6.       What “trial balloons” would you like to float?

•         We may need to narrow our focus. Perhaps were should select a theme – hunger, abuse, habitat, etc and go from there.