I. Introduction
The Long-Range Planning Task Force (LRPTF) was formed July 27, 2006 by the Covenant Council. Members designated at a charge conference, included: Linda Blish, Maggie Freese, John Grainger, David Harper, Ed Koonce, Kay Thompson, Kelly Moshman, Dianna Thompson and Hal West. Of these, Kelly Moshman, Dianna Thompson and Hal West did not remain active, so the work of the LRPTF was undertaken by the six remaining committee members and Rev. Art Gafke, who participated actively throughout the duration of this committee’s work.
The charge given to the LRPTF by the charge conference was as follows:
To recommend ministry and mission foci from 2009 through 2015.
To prepare demographic and other materials pertinent for long range planning.
To recommend goals and objectives for these ministries and missions.
To project both staff and volunteer time needed to fulfill these goals and objectives on a year by year basis.
To project facilities and budget needs necessary on a year by year basis.
The LRPTF met monthly from October 2, 2006 to September 2008, with three extra meetings called during the summer of 2008 to ensure that the work of the LRPTF would be ready to present to Covenant Council and the congregations in September, 2008.
The first task undertaken by the LRPTF was to develop a communication tree that named specific church members and groups that LRPTF members agreed to consult during the work of the LRPTF. The individuals and groups on the tree were offered opportunities to provide input into the process as the LRPTF progressed with its work.
The LRPTF next considered core values that are characteristic of University United Methodist Church (UUMC): Community, Faithfulness/Commitment, Service/Servant-hood, and Worship. At Rev. Gafke’s suggestion, these were conceptualized as the legs of a communion table, upon which would then be placed “courses” or primary areas of ministry of the church. These core values were approved by the Covenant Council on July 23, 2007, and are presented alphabetically in this document. Covenant Council members provided feedback at that time about current characteristics of UUMC that represent and undermine the values given.
At that point, the LRPTF sought the advice of individuals and groups on the communication tree about possible priorities for the programming of UUMC. The resulting feedback was tallied, categorized, and shaped into nine categories reflecting priorities for ministries of the church. These were approved by Covenant Council on January 28, 2007. Based on the feedback from Covenant Council, two categories (New Church Development and Maximizing Church Property) were deferred. Another category (Communication) was added. The resulting categories, listed in alphabetical order because of their equal importance, are:
- Child Development Expansion
- Communication
- Event Hosting
- Leadership Training and Membership Education
- Social Services and Missions
- Student Training
- UNLV Ministry
- Worship Outreach
For each of these eight categories, the LRPTF developed goals and timelines, with the help of feedback from people on the communication tree. The plans in these eight areas of ministry, along with the statement of UUMC’s core values, are the final result of the LRPTF’s work.
The organization of this final summary report follows closely the chronological order of the work of the LRPTF. The core values are presented first, followed by the statement of goals for 2015 with sub points for the eight priority areas of ministry. The goals are written in the present tense as though we are in 2015.
The complete report includes action plans proposed for each goal. The action plans create a framework for how UUMC can move toward full, rich programming in each of the areas between 2009 and 2015. Of necessity, the plans are more concrete at the beginning of this time period and less so toward the end. In part, this is because future directions and speed have to be determined by the successes of initial steps taken.
The LRPTF members acknowledge that others who will take leadership roles in pursuing each area of ministry will have ideas that will inevitably alter the path toward attaining vital ministries in each area named. The role of the LRPTF is not to set a course in stone, but to provide general focus, direction and structure for the pursuit of each area of ministry.
We, as members of the LRPTF, submit this report to you, the active members of Covenant Council and the congregations of UUMC. We invite your comments and, your prayerful consideration of the directions we all have chosen as priorities for UUMC, and your participation in the implementation of these plans.
II. Core Values of UUMC: The Legs of Our Communion Table
Community
We weave a community of faith by welcoming all who wish to participate and by nurturing their lives and leadership. We value the diversity of our community and actively work to learn from each other.
Faithfulness/Commitment
We support our church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. Led by the Holy Spirit, we strive to understand and follow God’s will for our church.
Service/Servanthood
We serve Christ by bringing others to God and meeting their needs in the world. We profess special affinity for those in poverty, children, and the university community.
Worship
We worship God with a variety of formats and with several styles of preaching and music. We are united by our belief in the holy Trinity and our desire to praise God through our worship.
III. Areas of Ministry: The Courses Served at Our Communion Table
A. Child Development Expansion
The University United Methodist Child Development Center (CDC) has grown within the community and congregation to be a well-respected and progressive early childhood program. CDC currently serves approximately 60 families. The children represent a wide variety of ethnic, racial, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. CDC’s purpose is to provide a safe, nurturing environment with a carefully planned program that fosters the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of young minds. As a ministry of University UMC, CDC is able to serve the university community, the neighborhood community, and the congregation.
Those who must partner to accomplish the goals in this area of ministry are the CDC Board, the CDC Director and the Board of Trustees.
Goal 1: CDC improves its physical space in order to better serve children and their families.
January 2009 – Complete wiring of the CDC facility for internet access.
January 2009 – Complete playground remodeling.
January 2010 – Complete a review by the CDC Board of current facilities with a plan for additional improvements.
January 2013 -- Investigate grant opportunities to build a new facility on the UUMC campus.
Goal 2: CDC expands its program in order to better serve the community and UNLV.
January 2009 –Implement High Scope to assess and document development of all children.
January 2010 - Explore the requirements for national credentialing/ accreditation.
January 2010 – Expand CDC’s inclusion program for foster children and exceptional children with the goal of adding two children with special needs annually until they constitute 10% of the children served.
January 2010 – Broaden CDC’s service hours to 6:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. (from current hours of 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.)
September 2010 – Promote use of the CDC site to UNLV students in the College of Education for class assignments that are mutually beneficial (research projects, observations, etc.)
2010 – 2011 – In cooperation with United Way, CDC is utilized as a training site for the High Scope program.
January 2011 – Complete all requirements for national credentialing/ accreditation of the CDC program.
September 2012 – Recruit students from the UNLV College of Education to use the CDC as a practicum site for Early Childhood Education majors.
January 2013 – Evaluate the feasibility of offering evening hours or implementing a full-day private kindergarten program.
September 2013 – Offer expanded CDC evening hours for the children of UNLV students and staff.
January 2015 – Develop and open a full-day, private kindergarten program. (This would require additional facilities and staffing.)
January 2015 - Explore the feasibility of a second CDC campus, (e.g. adjacent to the UNLV - Shadow Lane campus or adjacent to the planned UNLV -North Las Vegas campus).
B. Communication
By 2015 the flow of information into, within, and from UUMC moves smoothly with maximum benefit for the ministries of the church and the persons involved. Persons inquiring about UUMC have easy access to information and connection if they desire. Persons involved in one or more of the ministries are connected through announcements, invitations, reports and dialogue to enhance their experience of being the church.
Those who must partner to accomplish the goals in this area of ministry are the Communications Council, UUMC staff and chairpersons of other groups.
Goal 1: Internal communication systems among and within the church are well organized and effective, relying on several means of communication including print, e-mail, text messaging, face-to-face conversation, and electronic meetings.
2009 – Complete the initial input into a membership data base with a maintenance system in place to keep the data base current. Include information about members’ interests and current church commitments to assist in selection of potential matches for new service needs.
2009 -- Use e-mail communication for routine member contact for those who have e-mail.
2009 – Develop criteria to sort members to increase use of time and talent listings.
2009 – Form a UUMC History Team to document the ministries of the church into the future. Establish procedures to properly record and retain important records in an archive.
2010 – Make selected church meetings available in chat-room fashion to enable members at a distance from the church to participate in meetings without the need to travel.
2010 – Obtain multi-lingual equipment for use in selected worship services and church meetings to facilitate simultaneous translation and promote inclusion of non-English speakers in church gatherings. Recruit volunteer translators to oversee the use of this equipment.
2011 -- Enhance web-based communication, such a streaming audio/video in multiple languages to extend the reach of our communication among members.
2012—2015 -- Re-evaluate and improve the communication system in accordance with changing needs and technologies.
Goal 2: UUMC communicates information about its services and ministries to the outside world in the form of an expanded web page/service. Press releases, neighborhood flyers, advertising and articles in appropriate Las Vegas area and United Methodist publications extend the invitation for people and organizations to join with UUMC ministries.
2009 – Establish procedures for creating and sustaining an active. user-friendly website. Expand staff assignment for a web master function or recruit a volunteer web master.
2009 -- Establish a Communication Group to (1) focus on external communication in the form of press releases, advertisements and articles, (2) assist in conceptual development of the web site, and (3) develop a marketing slogan or phrase to capture the diverse ministries and community value of UUMC.
2010 – Develop necessary equipment and procedures for streaming video on the website.
Offer training for staff and elected leaders in public communication skills, with the goal of staff and elected leaders understanding how best to communicate about their ministries to the larger community.
2011 -- Make communication skills a part of our Christian education ministry with children, youth and adults by providing workshops and projects involving public speaking, writing, marketing, and video production skills as part of UUMC ministries.
2011 -- Make primary reports for the annual Charge Conference this year in the form of an audio/video presentation of the year past and projections of the future.
2012—2015 -- The systems and assets developed are improved and expanded.
C. Event Hosting
UUMC currently hosts diverse events, including both meetings of community groups and private celebrations. Providing space for community groups has sometimes been considered a ministry (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous) and has been offered freely. Other times, organizations and individuals have paid to use the facilities. One way for UUMC to support the costs of our facilities and other ministries is to use the UUMC facilities to host events that are appropriate for our church and of benefit to others. UUMC is ideally situated for hosting because of its central location, next to UNLV and close to the airport. Auxiliary resources for hosting events are readily available in Las Vegas.
Those who must partner to accomplish goals in this area of ministry are the Event Coordinator (currently UUMC Office Manager), the UUMC Church Administrator and the Board of Trustees.
Goal 1. UUMC has an active ministry hosting events on the UUMC campus, with annual increases of five days of events hosted until the UUMC facilities are used to capacity.
Spring 2009 -- Determine number and type of events hosted in 2008 and the fees, if any, associated with those events. From that information, develop policies about what types of events UUMC would host and fee structure to be applied to future events.
Fall 2009 – Develop contracts with local businesses that can provide necessities such as extra tables and chairs, meals, transportation and specialized equipment for meetings.
Spring 2010 – Develop a brochure publicizing this ministry and a business plan for marketing this service to the community. Recruit people who would host events and be paid for from the fees charged for events.
Fall 2010 – Implement the business plan.
Spring 2011 and annually thereafter – Review the policies, fee structures and performance of this ministry and make necessary adjustments.
Fall 2011 – Convert the hosting function into a part-time staff position whenever it is warranted by increased use of the facilities.
D. Leadership Training and Membership Education
In order for UUMC to be a vibrant, healthy church, it must encourage Christians at all stages of their spiritual journeys to continue to grow in the faith and to become leaders in the church in whatever ways their spiritual gifts lead them. A cornerstone of congregational development is continued Christian study. This includes participation in Bible study, supportive small groups addressing other topics from a Christian perspective, and recreational groups.
Those who must partner in order to accomplish goals in this area of ministry include the Small Group Council, an additional Small Group Coordinator, Lay Leadership Committee, the Pastors and Staff.
Goal 1: UUMC provides a wide variety of adult education offerings.
A. UUMC introduces the second generation of Disciple Bible Study (10 – 12 week courses versus the original 32 – week course) and offers courses annually, with a goal of having at least 30 individuals per year complete a Disciple Bible Study course.
· Jan 2009 -- Recruit a volunteer small group coordinator, who assists the Small Group Council in (1) recruiting and supporting Disciple Bible study leaders and other small group leaders, (2) publicizing small group opportunities, (3) steering the planning of an annual Lenten congregation-wide study
· Spring 2009 -- Identify at least three leaders for Disciple Bible studies
· Fall 2009 – Begin one second generation Disciple study
· Spring 2010 -- Begin another second generation Disciple study
· Spring 2010 -- Identify three additional Disciple leaders
· Fall 2011 -- Begin discussions about how to fund the Small Group Coordinator role as a part-time staff position (perhaps combined with other functions)
B. UUMC identifies appropriate lay leaders annually and supports them in offering short-term, focused studies of topics such as finances, parenting and social issues taught from a Christian perspective and developing small groups for recreation and Christian support. A goal is to increase the offerings of such studies and groups by at least two per year.
· Fall 2010 -- Increase number of small group studies (not necessarily Bible studies and not including Disciple) by two
C. Each year UUMC selects a study and encourages its use across congregations during the Lenten season. It is used by existing adult Sunday School classes and small groups, and additional groups are made available for the season
Fall 2009 -- Plan and publicize a congregation-wide study for Lent 2010, and continue this process annually
Goal 2: UUMC develops and maintains an active program for supporting new Christians, including a mentoring program for new Christians and open-ended groups for new Christians.
Spring 2009 -- Recruit a leader and ministry group to develop a mentoring system for new Christians, including youth in confirmation classes
Fall 2009 -- Recruit leaders to develop an ongoing group for new Christians
Spring 2010 -- Initiate an ongoing group for new Christians, and expand the number of such groups as needed
Goal 3: UUMC identifies potential leaders and supports them in their spiritual journeys, including the assumption of leadership roles.
A. Foster the organization of the Emmaus Community at UUMC and
continue to use Walk to Emmaus as a part of leadership development.
Fall 2009 -- Recruit a volunteer from the UUMC Emmaus Community to reorganize this group
Winter 2009 -- Begin holding quarterly events for UUMC Emmaus members to plan for participation in accountability groups, sponsorships for upcoming Walks and to encourage continued leadership development
2010 -- Sponsor at least six members for Walks to Emmaus annually
B. Transform the culture of UUMC into one which welcomes new
members, not only for worship, but also for service to the church and community.
Spring 2009 -- Begin discussion with the Lay Leadership committee of a change in mode of functioning, encouraging that group to embrace the goal of connecting newer members with church committees and boards and helping them plan a mechanism for getting the information necessary to do so.
Fall 2009 -- Begin coordination with new member classes to begin the process of identifying matches between new members and committees/boards of UUMC.
Fall 2010 – Achieve the goal of having at least one member per board/committee who has been a member of UUMC for less than five years.
Fall 2012 – Achieve the goal of having at least two members per board/committee who have been members of UUMC for less than five years.
E. Social Services and Missions
We are called to serve others, especially those with fewer advantages than we enjoy. Our service is a demonstration of our gratitude to God for our salvation and blessings. Providing for the needs of others in an active, hands-on way is essential for continued Christian growth. We live in a community with many needs, and members of the UUMC congregation have diverse interests, so it is important for UUMC to be involved in a number of types of service outreach to others. UUMC’s strong social service orientation has been instrumental in attracting and retaining members in the past, and is essential for its future development.
Those who must partner to accomplish the goals in this area of ministry include the Missions Council and the Wesley Foundation Director.
Goal 1: UUMC members are active participants in neighborhood social service projects, and encourage participation in those projects by UNLV students and staff.
A. UUMC is an active partner with UMSM’s Fostering in Faith Program.
January – spring 2009 - Identify a volunteer coordinator from UUMC who then recruits a small group to develop a plan for establishing licensed child care for all church services by September, 2010, and to identify foster families to be sponsored by UUMC through UMSM’s Fostering in Faith initiative.
Summer 2010 -- Publicize the licensed child care to the foster care community
Fall 2010 -- Implement licensed child care for all church services.
Fall 2010 -- Develop a plan for providing respite and other forms of support needed by foster families.
Spring 2011 -- Implement sponsorship of five foster families, providing respite care and other forms of support.
Summer 2011 -- Undertake fundraising efforts to provide scholarships so all eligible and interested foster children of sponsored families can participate in a session at Potosi Pines Camp.
Fall 2011 – Add sponsorship for one additional foster family (continue to increase by one family every six months until UUMC is supporting ten foster families)
B. UUMC partners with UMSM, the East Valley Family Resource Center (FRC) and Family to Family to actively support programs of those agencies.
Jan. 2009 -- Identify a Volunteer Coordinator from UUMC to recruit and link UUMC members to do volunteer work with UMSM, FRC and Family to Family programs
Spring 2009 -- Volunteer Coordinator and Wesley Foundation Director develop a plan for recruiting UNLV students for short-term and ongoing social service projects
Spring 2009 -- Provide WEAP and FRC/Family to Family programs each with 20 hours per month of service by UUMC members and UNLV students
Fall 2010 -- Provide an additional 10 hours per month of service by UUMC
members and UNLV students to WEAP and FRC/Family to Family programs (continue to increase total volunteer hours to each by 10 hours per month every six months as long as more help is needed)
Goal 2: UUMC hosts and/or sponsors social service and mission projects which are uniquely its own.
A. UUMC maintains an active, thriving Sidewalk Sunday School (SSS) program as a joint venture of all congregations.
Spring 2009 – Identify a Volunteer Coordinator for SSS, who in turn recruits a SSS Leadership Team representing all congregations to recruit volunteers, publicize and oversee SSS
Summer 2009 – SSS Leadership Team plans to open one SSS location
Fall 2009 - SSS begins regular weekly programming at one location
Spring 2010 – SSS Leadership Team evaluates the performance of the first SSS location and plans to open a second in Fall 2010
Fall 2010 -- One additional SSS site is added, and this continues annually until there are at least three locations functioning regularly
B. UUMC develops a program, “Senior Angels” (name proposed by LRPTF) to provide services such as prayer partners, safety check-ins and social events for single seniors in UUMC’s congregations and the neighborhood.
Spring 2009 – Identify a volunteer coordinator for Senior Angels who in turn recruits a small group representing all congregations to recruit volunteers and oversee Senior Angels
Fall 2009 -- Identify a completed needs survey or conduct one in the congregations and neighborhood to identify areas of greatest service needs
Spring 2010 -- Choose one area of need to address, research program approaches that have been successful in other neighborhoods for meeting the need, and develop a program plan to meet that need in the neighborhood around UUMC.
Fall 2010 – Initiate a pilot program to test the program developed
Fall 2010 – Identify and pursue grant opportunities for funding this project.
Spring 2011 – Modify the program as needed and then introduce it in the larger neighborhood.
Spring 2012 -- Choose another area of need to address and repeat the development process above, with the goal of initiating one new program every two years.
C. UUMC plans and implements mission trips both regionally and abroad, and encourages participation in them by UUMC youth and UNLV students.
Spring 2009---Identify at least one brief regional mission trip that can be taken by the summer of 2010, making preparation through cooperation between the MIssion Committee and Wesley Foundation
Fall 2009 ---Publize and recruit for the 2010 trip, raising necessary funds through special events and/or appeals. Train participants for the trip.
Spring 2010 --- Identify a volunteer coordinator who creates a small task group to plan for future mission trips.
Summer 2010 --- Take the first mission trip. Evaluate the experience and plan for the upcoming mission trips
D. UUMC serves the needs of children in the congregation and the neighborhood by regularly hosting Children’s Night Out, with activites provided at UUMC for members and neighborhood families.
Spring 2009 – Identify a Volunteer Coordinator who will, in turn, recruit a Children’s Night Out Leadership Team to recruit volunteers, plan activities and publicize the event to UUMC congregations and the neighborhood.
Summer 2009 -- Plan for the next year’s calendar of events
Fall 2009 – Implement the plan, providing a Children’s Night Out at least monthly
Spring 2010 – Evaluate the response to the Children’s Night Out and make any adjustments to the plan for the following year
F. Student Training
By 2015 University UMC has blossomed as an international gathering place for worship, fellowship, learning, and serving. The distinct setting of UUMC has made it a cross road of cultures, social classes, academic, artistic and social witness. This precious context has fueled the church to be a place for training and learning.
Those who must partner to accomplish goals in this area of ministry are the Education and Training Board and the Wesley Foundation.
Goal 1: In 2015, two United Methodist seminary students serve year long internships with UUMC and have a support team of church memebers who accompany them with their learning through the year as well as a supervisor/ mentor who is on church staff. Internships could be in one or more of the following areas:
a. Social justice
b. Urban liturgy and worship
c. Children, family and youth ministry
d. Neighborhood outreach
e. Hospitality and education ministries
2009 – Create an Education and Training Board to research and prepare for this and other educational and training ministries of UUMC. This Board will be responsible to: (1) develop and administer the seminary internship and field education ministries, (2) project costs of interns and coordinate with other church entities to secure funding for interns, and (3) connect UUMC with area, district, conference and general church resources for education and training.
2010 -- Fashion a unique urban/academic internship and recruit one student to initiate this new ministry.
2011-2013 -- Continue with one intern per year, perfecting the infrastructure of this ministry.
2014 -- Prepare to expand the internship ministry to two interns by the next year.
Goal 2: In 2015 there are three or four seminary field education students who serve on staff part-time as designed in their seminary curriculum. Their area of focus is on one of the areas listed above. The students together form a small group with church members for reflections on their faith and practice of ministry. Each has a supervisor and/or mentor who is a staff member. The Education/Training Board oversees this ministry.
Fall 2010 – Receive one field education student from Claremont School of Theology. UUMC includes the expenses of stipend, housing, transportation and support services in its budget.
2011-2014 – Evaluate this first experience and improve the infrastructure to allow for an increased number of field education placements by 2015.
Goal 3: University students are involved in a variety of UUMC ministries as part of their class credit at UNLV and/or CSN. Some of the possible areas for students to consider are social service help in the community, preschool child care, performing or visual arts in worship, neighborhood involvement with SideWalk and/or Children’s Night Out. Wesley Foundation is the administrating structure for this ministry.
2009 -- Wesley Foundation places twenty students in UUMC social service settings, including UMSM and ministries of UUMC.
2009-2011 -- Expand the placement of students, with an increase of twenty per year.
2010 – Invite music and art students begin to help design and perform in worship and other public gatherings of the church.
2011 – Invite students in early childhood education to serve as adjunct staff with the CDC and UUMC child care.
Goal 4: UUMC holds programs for training and education regularly, because of the distinctive context of UUMC in Las Vegas as an urban and university church. Church leaders from across the world meet on the UUMC campus to explore their faith and ministry in the context of many cultures, economic realities of the city, political dynamics of the urban church, bridging the faith and academic communities, gaming-recreation-and ethics.
The Education and Training Board carries responsibility for crafting and guiding this training/ education ministry. UUMC provides facility and oversight of curriculum on a multi-year basis of offerings.
2010 -- Prepare the skeleton outline of a multi-year curriculum and a projection of costs and needs. Project necessary staff expansion.
2012 -- Develop cooperative relationships with other United Methodist and faith communities locally and regionally. Develop relationships with UNLV and CSN departments and faculties. Open communication with general agencies of the UMC. Year by year expand the offerings that are either sponsored solely by UUMC or are sponsored cooperatively with other agencies.
G. UNLV Ministry
UUMC has a unique opportunity in this time and place to develop new and effective church/university relationships. A dominant reality for our future planning is UUMC’s location across the street from UNLV. Fifty percent of all future visioning statements conceived by the Long Range Planning Task Force and every category under which plans are being proposed involve UNLV at some level.
Primary responsibility for developing these relationships will be vested in the UUMC Wesley Foundation Board. The Board and the UUMC Wesley Foundation Director will be charged with creating and implementing targeted programs utilizing, wherever appropriate, the Wesley Foundation Student Council to be established at UNLV. A coordinated effort will be made to get as many UUMC members and groups as possible involved with UNLV individuals and groups. This effort will include students, faculty, staff and administration, on the UNLV campus as well as our own, and extend into the surrounding community. Prayerful attention will be given to all revealed areas for synergetic cooperation that reflect our UUMC core values of Community, Commitment, Service and Worship.
By 2015, UUMC and our Wesley Foundation is a model for developing church/ university/community relationships throughout our denomination and beyond.
GOAL 1: UUMC develops COMMUNITY through integrated programs.
A. UUMC establishes and develops a Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry.
2009 -- The Wesley Foundation at UUMC (Wesley) forms a Board of at least seven members with a passion for and commitment to personal involvement in developing UNLV relationships. At least fifty percent of this Board are UUMC members.
2009 -- Wesley identifies and builds a database of all existing relationships between UUMC members and groups and UNLV individuals and groups for use in developing UNLV relationships.
2009 -- A fully functioning website is activated to support the Wesley ministry.
2009 -- The Wesley Foundation Student Council is officially chartered at UNLV. At least twenty students per month are added to the Student Council database during the school year.
2009 -- Wesley establishes an ongoing grant writing program to assist in funding its programs.
2009 -- The Wesley Foundation Director becomes established as church-wide staff coordinator for development of UNLV relationships.
B. UUMC hosts UNLV group events on our campus.
2009 -- UUMC continues to host the annual DUSK Homeless Standdown.
2009 -- UUMC forms a partnership with at least one UNLV Fine Arts Department for the purpose of producing performances on the UUMC campus.
2009 -- Wesley hosts a bi-monthly Student Council breakfast gathering.
2009 -- Wesley establishes a monthly acknowledgement of the birthdays of faculty, staff and administration at UNLV.
2010 -- UUMC partners with a UNLV Fine Arts Department to produce a performance on the UUMC campus. At least fifty people attend.
2010 -- UNLV students in the College of Education use CDC for class assignments.
2010 -- Wesley Student Council, guided by its Director and Board, becomes established as an effective innovator in developing UNLV/UUMC relationships.
2011 -- UUMC informs UNLV that we are available for hosting events and what we can provide.
2011 -- UUMC partners with UNLV Fine Arts Departments to produce two performances on the UUMC Campus. At least 100 people attend.
2012 -- UUMC partners with UNLV Fine Arts Departments to produce three performances on the UUMC campus (quarterly during the school year). At least 150 people attend.
2013 -- UUMC partners with UNLV Fine Arts Departments to continue producing quarterly performances on the UUMC campus during the school year. At least 150 people attend.
2014 -- UUMC partners with UNLV Fine Arts Departments in an ongoing commitment to produce quarterly performances on the UUMC campus during the school year. At least 150 people attend.
2015 -- UUMC partners with UNLV Fine Arts Departments in an ongoing annual commitment to produce quarterly performances on the UUMC campus. At least 150 people attend.
C. UUMC hosts small groups of interest to the UNLV community.
2009 -- UUMC hosts at least one small group of interest to the UNLV community. It lasts for at least three months and there are at least five participants.
2010 -- UUMC hosts at least two small groups of interest to the UNLV community. Each lasts for at least three months and has at least five participants.
2011 -- UUMC hosts at least three small groups of interest to the UNLV community. Each lasts for at least three months and has at least five participants.
2012 -- UUMC continues to host at least three small groups (quarterly during the school year) of interest to the UNLV community that last for at least three months and have at least 5 participants.
2013 -- UUMC continues to host small groups of interest to the UNLV community quarterly during the school year.
2014 -- UUMC continues to host small groups of interest to the UNLV community quarterly during the school year.
2015 -- Hosting small groups of interest to the UNLV community quarterly during the school year becomes a staple of UUMC programming.
D. CDC offers child care services tailored to the UNLV community.
2010 – Broaden CDC’s service hours to 6:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. (from current hours of 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.)
2010 – Promote use of the CDC site to UNLV students in the College of Education for class assignments that are mutually beneficial (research projects, observations, etc.)
2012 -- UNLV Early Childhood Education Majors use CDC as a practicum site.
2013 -- CDC offers evening hours for the children of UNLV students and staff.
E. UUMC targets UNLV fraternities and sororities as partners on projects of mutual interest.
2010 -- Wesley Student Council identifies projects that are of mutual interest to UNLV fraternities and sororities.
2011 -- Wesley Student Council partners with UNLV fraternities and/or sororities on at least one project of mutual interest. The results are evaluated and plans made for the future of such partnerships.
F. UUMC members and families serve as hosts, sponsors and/or tutors for individual UNLV students.
2009 -- UUMC identifies at least five members who are willing to serve as hosts or sponsors for new UNLV students. A guide for participants in this program is prepared.
2010 -- At least five UUMC members serve as a hosts or sponsors for a new UNLV student.
2010 -- UUMC identifies at least five qualified members who are willing to serve as tutors for individual UNLV students.
2011 -- At least ten UUMC members serve as a hosts or sponsors for a new UNLV student.
2011 -- At least five UUMC members tutor an individual UNLV student.
2012 -- UUMC members continue to host or sponsor and tutor individual UNLV students.
2013 -- Hosting (sponsoring) and tutoring individual UNLV students becomes a regular UUMC member activity.
GOAL 2: UUMC increases opportunities for individual growth through SERVICE to the people of the Las Vegas Valley.
A. UUMC partners with UNLV to offer timely adult education classes on the UUMC campus.
2010 -- UUMC surveys interest in taking timely adult education classes to be offered by UUMC/UNLV on the church campus.
2011 -- UUMC partners with UNLV to offer one timely adult education class on the church campus. Results are evaluated and the future course of this initiative is plotted.
B. UUMC members are actively involved in cultural, learning and student support activities on the UNLV campus.
2009 -- UUMC compiles and publicizes a calendar of cultural events, academic lectures and student support activities at UNLV that might be of interest to UUMC members. A system for evaluating member participation is devised.
2010 -- UUMC continues to publicize for members a calendar of selected cultural events, academic lectures and student support activities on the UNLV campus. Participation is evaluated and the future course of this initiative is determined.
C. UNLV students receive class credit for their involvement in various UUMC ministries.
2009 -- Wesley identifies one UNLV course that will offer academic credit to students who participate in a community social service project identified by UUMC. At least five students receive credit.
2010 -- Wesley identifies two UNLV courses that will offer academic credit to students who participate in social service projects. At least ten students receive credit.
2011 -- Wesley identifies three UNLV courses that will offer credit to students for social service project participation. Fifteen students receive credit.
2012 -- Wesley identifies four courses that will offer credit to students for social service project participation. Twenty students receive credit.
2013 -- Wesley identifies five courses that will offer credit to students for social service project participation. Twenty-five students receive credit.
2014 -- Academic credit for UNLV students who work in social service projects becomes a regular part of the Wesley program. Minimum annual participation is five courses, 25 students. 2015 -- A culture of personal commitment, growth and service is firmly established in steadily evolving UNLV/UUMC relationships.
D. UNLV students and staff are active participants in neighborhood social service projects identified by UUMC.
2009 -- The Wesley Director and UUMC volunteer coordinator develop a plan for recruiting UNLV students and staff for short-term and ongoing social service projects.
2009 -- UNLV students and staff provide United Methodist Social Ministries (UMSM) and East Family Resource Center (FRC) with at least twenty hours per month of service to support their programs.
2009 -- Total participation by UNLV students and staff in social service projects identified by Wesley grows to sixty hours (thirty volunteers) per month by the end of the year.
2010 -- Total participation by UNLV students and staff in social service projects identified by Wesley grows to 100 hours (fifty volunteers per month).
2011 -- Participation by UNLV students and staff in social service programs identified by Wesley becomes an integral part of the UUMC Wesley culture.
E. UUMC partners with UNLV to accumulate research data from our social service programs.
2011 -- Wesley identifies and partners with UNLV researchers to accumulate research data from at least one social service project in which UNLV students participate.
2012 -- Social service project research data accumulated by UNLV researchers and Wesley are evaluated and the future of this initiative determined.
F. UUMC plans and implements mission trips, both regionally and abroad, and encourages participation by UNLV students and staff.
2009 -- The UUMC Missions Committee and the Wesley Director identify at least one brief regional mission trip that can be undertaken by UNLV students in the summer of 2010. Preparations are made for the trip.
2010 -- UNLV students participate in a brief regional mission trip sponsored by UUMC and Wesley. The trip is evaluated and another trip is planned for the summer of 2011.
2011 -- UNLV students participate in an annual summer mission trip sponsored by UUMC and Wesley. Results are evaluated and another trip is planned for the following summer.
GOAL 3: UUMC provides joint worship opportunities that observe both the academic and liturgical calendars.
A. UUMC reaches out to the UNLV community by planning worship services for special events in the life of the university (beginning of classes, graduation, etc.).
2009-- Wesley Student Council plans and hosts a timely worship service designed specifically to celebrate UNLV spring graduation. This service is publicized for UNLV students, faculty, staff and administration.
2010 -- Wesley plans and hosts timely worship services designed specifically to celebrate UNLV spring graduation and fall beginning of classes. These services are publicized for UNLV students, faculty, staff and administration.
2011 -- Wesley plans and hosts timely worship services designed specifically to celebrate UNLV spring graduation, fall beginning of classes, and one other event during the school year. These services are publicized for UNLV students, faculty, staff and administration.
2012 -- UUMC worship services designed specifically to celebrate special events in the life of the university are offered quarterly during the school year. These services are publicized for the UNLV community.
2013 – 2014 -- UUMC worship services designed specifically to celebrate special events in the life of the university continue to be offered quarterly during the school year. These services are anticipated by the UNLV community.
B. UNLV Fine Arts students help design and perform in worship services and other gatherings of the church.
2009 -- UUMC partners with at least one UNLV Fine Arts program to create opportunities for students to help design and perform in worship services and other gatherings of the church. At least five students participate.
2010 -- UUMC partners with at least two UNLV Fine Arts programs to create opportunities for students to help design and perform in worship services and other gatherings of the church. At least ten students participate.
2011 -- UUMC continues to partner with UNLV Fine Arts department to create opportunities for students to help design and perform in worship services and other gatherings of the church. At least fifteen students participate.
2012 -- Opportunities for UNLV Fine Arts students to help design and perform in UUMC worship services and other church gatherings become an expected component of the church/university relationship.
2013 -2014 -- Our UUMC PICTURE continues to be presented to the UNLV community and their families quarterly during the school year.
C. UUMC attracts a significant membership of UNLV faculty, staff, administration and their families resulting from a targeted effort to communicate who we are,what our “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors” mean to this community, and what we can mean to them personally.
2009 -- UUMC creates a comprehensive picture of who we are and what we are becoming. This “PICTURE’ is translated into every effective media/publicity format available.
2010 -- Our UUMC PICTURE is presented to UNLV faculty, staff, administration and their families using at least one media/publicity format.
2011 -- Our UUMC PICTURE is presented to UNLV faculty, staff, administration and their families at least two times during the year using at least two different media/publicity formats.
2012 -- Our UUMC PICTURE is presented to UNLV faculty, staff, administration and their families quarterly during the school year using at least three different media/publicity formats.
2015 -- As a result of our continuing efforts to engage the UNLV community, UUMC enjoys a significant membership of UNLV faculty, staff, administration and their families.
H. Worship Outreach
Worship of God is the center of our church community and the basis for our outreach to the surrounding community. It is often a person’s first introduction to and experience of Christ’s church. Because UUMC has changed from a suburban church to an urban church (and perhaps a destination church), visitors come from many different parts of the valley and may travel a distance to reach us. We continue to extend hospitality to groups seeking a place to worship, and encourage development of new congregations. If visitors come for the first time because we are an urban church, it is essential that we do not miss the opportunity to encourage them to return. In addition, because we are surrounded by a neighborhood in need and by a university community, UUMC must begin to transform its worship experiences into a means of outreach to both of these demographic groups. UUMC helps identify the sacred in the midst of the routine of life.
Those who must partner to help accomplish the goals in this area are the Worship Team, the Hospitality Team, the Evangelism Team and staff that are integral to the worship life of the church.
Goal 1: UUMC develops a strong outreach program and follow-up with first-time visitors and other potential new members such that each year after the outreach program is in place, membership increases by 5% and regular attendance increases by 10%.
2009 - Expand breadth of hospitality function to include follow-up with first-time visitors, beginning directly after the service has ended
2009 - Assign one or two people at each service as “shepherds” for visitors so that visitors can be directed to them after the service for some of the things mentioned above (link/expansion of current ushers and greeters ministry)
2009 – Develop a “care and prayer” partner program so that members have at least one person who checks on them on a regular basis and connects with them each Sunday.
2010 - Provide information about church and how visitors/regular attendees can become involved starting with invitation to Sunday morning opportunities (e.g., fellowship, Sunday school); showcase ministry opportunities after every service (banners, booths)
2010 - Create form for first-time visitors that will provide information about their gifts and talents; this form should include all the opportunities for service (hospitality, ushers, music, teaching, etc.)
2011 - Ensure that each and every visitor receives a mailing from the church during the week after their first visit
2012 – Provide each local visitor with a telephone call in the first week after their visit, in which one of the “shepherds” finds out more about them and helps them get “plugged in”.
2012 - Ensure that members and or constituents receive the same level of caring as visitors – help them get connected if they have not been able to do so; call if they have been absent for more than one Sunday
Goal 2: UUMC develops an evangelism program that targets the neighboring communities, including the university community, such that one half of new members and regular attendees are from these neighboring communities.
2009- Create an Evangelism Team that includes members of all the congregations so that bi-lingual needs are satisfied; team discerns ways to reach out to the neighborhood; surveys of the neighborhood, information nights.
2009 – Reach out to the university community by planning services for special events in the life of the university (e.g., beginning of year, graduation)
2010 – 2011 – Send invitations to the neighborhood (flyers or mailers) to let people know that UUMC is available to help them with family events/rituals (weddings, home blessings, etc.)
2012 – 2013 – Provide quarterly events (“Open door” events) for the neighborhood at the church, providing food, fellowship, and a message.
