Annual January Ministry Training (2014) @ Lancaster First UMC

[Hoby Griset, Church Council Chairperson/Lay Leader, leads a portion of our 2014 annual ministry training orientation held at our beautiful Crossroads facility on Monday, January 13. Approximately a hundred of our church leaders attended the event.]

Approximately one hundred people who will be serving on a committee or a program area in 2014 attended the annual January ministry training held at our beautiful Crossroads facility last night. After the meeting, several people commented on how helpful the training was.

One person shared this about the event: "Just to see all of the people who are serving in the different ministry areas of our church all in one large room together was inspiring. It helped us to all see that we have one purpose which is to make disciples."

Here's a quick run-down of the topics that were covered and we did all of this in just an hour and ten minutes!

• What United Methodists Believe (Pastor Cheryl shared how God's grace is at the heart of our United Methodist theology and how God's grace is always being extended to us and is available   to all people.)
• Our Mission & Strategy (Hoby Griset, our Church Council Chairperson reminded us of our purpose as a church which is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and world through radical hospitality, passionate worship, faith-forming relationships, risk-taking mission, and extravagant generosity.)
• Our Structure (Joe Palmer, our Church Council Vice-Chairperson explained our committee and program structure as well as our present staffing structure which will include some changes that will put our church in a better position to fulfill our church's purpose.)
• Our Vision (Pastor Robert summarized six key visions for our church in 2014 which includes a  discipleship process, hosting large events for the community, having our committees provide ministries for people outside our church, continue to develop our hospitality ministries, create prayer walking teams, and participate in shared ministries with other United Methodist churches in the surrounding area.)
• How to Make it Work (Hoby Griset returned to review how to conduct a successful planning meeting and how prayer should be the central focus of our committees and program areas.)
• Budget & Stewardship (Deb Silvia, our Business Manager reviewed our 2014 general budget, our Crossroads loan, policies and procedures related to the handling of church finances, scheduling for events, providing articles for the bulletin and newsletter, and our Safe Sanctuary/Ministry policy.)

Also, check out related article: Top Ten Reasons to Attend this Year's Ministry Training