Mission & Outreach Listening Session Minutes

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 ~ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

·     We all appreciate the fact that we have a Jubilee. Churches get within themselves and just send money. Would like to involve more people, but understand that it is not for everyone. Other things are very important to other people. What is unique about Jubilee is that many are involved and give many hours. Jubilee and other M&O programs need more push from the pulpit.

·     Diversity of offerings

·     Whatever the area, outreach gives us a chance to grow our faith, to change inside.

·     M&O has strong lay leadership in every area, e.g. Meals on Wheels, North Dallas Shared Ministries. Exceptional staff leadership contributes to that.

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

·     More people involved. Need to be more inclusive -- open up doors, step out of bunker mentality. Publicize menu of opportunities – personally invite them so they feel needed and wanted, touch people. A database of parishioner’s interests, skills, experience would be very helpful in being able to ask for involvement – stewardship of time and talent. Must be actively encouraging of people and their ideas.

·     Why do we not have active AA, Alanon, Alateens and if we do, why aren’t they publicized as such? Employment support? Marriage support? Seems these have not been clergy driven. Impetus needs to come from Rector and Clergy.

·     We do not focus on leveraging our M&O grant funds. We give to other worthwhile organizations although we have needs where we have initiatives i.e. Rosebud, Amistad, and Honduras where we are developing long-term relationships.

·     Amount and percentage of stewardship dollars committed to M&O getting smaller. M&O called “soul and heart” of SMAA, but has least funding, smallest staff. Budget and staffing for M&O could be bigger. There are probably some parishioners who would give more if they better understood the need, or felt they were really a part.

·     Consistent education around mission and outreach – spiritual side and why important. More from the pulpit, Sunday School classes.

·     Scholarships for mission trips and trips that are less expensive.

·     Lots of energy around the area of M&O – need to cultivate it. So many possibilities!

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

·     Jubilee Sunday was an upper for the church – a celebration.

·     Mission trips

·     Summer program at Jubilee

·     Cursillo, mission trips, serving as acolyte and chalice bearer

·     Tutoring at O.M. Roberts Elementary in Jubilee neighborhood

·     Hope I haven’t had my most exciting, fulfilling experience yet!

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

·     Highland Park Methodist in many programs, including middle school in-town service opportunities.

·     Stewpot

·     Park Cities Presbyterian – southeast Asia

·     Lovers Lane Methodist

·     Preston Hollow Presbyterian

·     Highland Park Presbyterian – in lifting up people to go into the mission field.

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

·     Would be more willing to say yes if more people were willing to help -- to prevent burnout.

·     Occasional 10:00 option for doing something that is a service project, e.g. bake cookies.

·     Sorry to see van ministry cut back to 2 times per month. This is confusing to our seniors who use this service. This needs to be publicized. Maybe we have someone in the parish that can help out with a van or two, etc.

     6. Overall, how effective is the current program at SMAA?

·     Not as effective as it could be with more funding! Maybe there has not been a clear message about mission. Need to increase total budget and staff committed to this area.

·     M&O is faith in action. Faith without works is dead.