Strategic Plan Update 2 - Where We've Been (Keith Howard)

During the past two years there is much to celebrate. Here is a sample.

1. Welcoming, Hospitality and Community Formation

a. A more intentional advertising/marketing plan has begun that includes direct mail, a website, Twitter and Facebook, Oak Bay News and other media outlets

b. A team of positive people interested in the ministry of hospitality has assembled with an identified Hospitality Team and team leader

c. Three educational and training gatherings were held with those involved in the ministry of hospitality

d. A Newcomers’ breakfast was held

e. “Second Coming” and “September 11, 2011” events were joyous events that were both celebratory and outward focused

f. The Hospitality Reading Group formed and has covenanted to read and to meet monthly over the period of the next two years

g. Successful September 11th launch to the new year of 2011-2012.

2. Worship & Community

a. Vibrant, relevant worship with inspirational preaching, excellent music that often features world class musicians and artists and creative, appropriate ritual

b. An event planner has been identified (June Carver)

c. Responsive pastoral care – Joy Hunter, Gaye Sharpe, People of Outrageous Hope, the Prayer Group, occasional worship services at Oak Bay Lodge, hospital and home visitation

3. Spiritual Transformation

a. Attendance at Sunday School has significantly increased during the past two years

b. The Vacation Bible School team is alive and very well and conducted another very successful VBS during July 2011

c. A youth minister was hired and began her ministry January 2011

d. The library continues to keep current with timely additions and editions.

4. Serving the World

a. WonderCafe was started in conjunction with the Thrift Shop

b. The Thrift Shop and Annex continued their strong work, expanding their community partnerships

c. Partnerships were formed with Sportball, Alzheimer’s Arts Group and the Native Plant Society, as well as various other partnerships outlined in the Serving the World brochure.

d. ProD events were launched in 2010 and enrolment increases with each event, reaching our capacity in the September 19, 2011 session.

5. Managing our Resources

a. The “new” building was occupied

b. A very successful “Second Coming” service to celebrate the renewed sanctuary

c. Completion of the Godly Play room

d. Painting of the exterior trim

e. Start of the repointing the brick project

f. Start of the Garden Project

g. The purging and reorganization of the office and record-keeping files

h. A massive renovation of the financial records system and the institution of current accounting practice and software

i. The telephone and internet system were integrated (with the exception of the alarm) resulting in a significant saving annually.

j. The duplex painting is completed

k. The number of groups using our facility has increased