WHAT WILL CHANGE?
The elders have decided after prayer and meditation to make a change in the Sunday morning schedule. Worship Assembly would be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Bible classes would be from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Sunday evening assembly would remain at 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday classes would continue to meet at 7:00 p.m.
ARE CHANGES NECESSARY? “Necessary” is not the first word that comes to mind, but useful may be the word to consider. One of the suggestions submitted during the recent survey of Bible class attendance was to change the order of assembly and Bible classes.
WHEN WILL THE CHANGE BE MADE?
We want to allow sufficient time for signs, advertisements, and other considerations to be changed. November 4, 2007 has been set as the date to make the change.
WHY MAKE THE CHANGE?
With any change there will be aspects that may not appear to work as well and some aspects may work as well or better.
For those that have been attending Bible class at 9:30 a.m. It will simply be a change of where to go first.
For others it will mean getting to the building an hour earlier. Even though it is a change from past practice, 9:30 a.m. is still relatively late in the morning compared to the time many report to work during the week.
A 9:30 a.m. assembly followed by a class period would encourage more of our family to be in an adult class. This may also cause an increase in the children’s and youth classes.
Our worship period could start promptly at 9:30 without having to wait for some to get to the auditorium from the classrooms. (It has been noticed that several linger in the foyer between class and assembly with the current schedule).
Classes could linger for a few additional minutes if the subject of study were not quite complete at the end of the regular class period.
Young children are rested and more manageable for parents during worship.
This may provide an opportunity for children to attend Bible Hour and then go directly to their Bible classes with the parents picking them up at the end of the class period.
MEMBERS INVOLVEMENT
Between now and then your shepherds want to hear your suggestions as to how to make this transition as smooth as possible. We would like everyone to be informed of the change several weeks before the change is made.
Talk about it with the people in your circle of close friends and see what positive suggestions you can make.
BIBLE CLASS SURVEY
Thank you for filling out the survey form and giving us your comments.
170 survey forms were returned.
· 109 indicated they attend Bible class.
· 61 indicated they had not attended Bible class.
Of the reasons for not attending, 25 indicated they just didn’t make the effort they knew they should have to be at class. 17 indicated they were physically unable to attend Bible class (or at least sitting for 2 hours at a time was difficult).
One indicated there were no Bible classes that met their needs. Three indicated there were no Bible classes that interested them. The remainder of the forms that indicated the person did not attend Bible classes did not check one of the listed reasons or fill in a reason that was not listed.
· Those in the 0-16 age group indicated that 2 did not attend class, 10 attended class.
· Those in the 17-30 age group indicated that 4 did not attend class, 14 attended class.
· Those in the 31-40 age group indicated that 9 did not attend class, 8 attended class.
· Those in the 41-60 age group indicated that 23 did not attend class, 33 attended class.
· Those in the 61 & over age group indicated that 22 did not attend class, 42 attended class.
Some survey forms were submitted without the age group being checked.
COMMENTS SUBMITTED
· When I am visiting my dad or my mom has to work, I cannot attend.
· I feel if we would alternate teachers in the adult classes more regularly it would make a great difference. When we have the same teacher for 9 months a year, it’s too long even if they are great.
· I sometimes miss due to severe back problems but am working through this with God’s strength and the skill he has given my doctors and therapists. This is where I want to be at every opportunity and with God’s help, this is a goal that will be reached.
· I would like a married couples class.
· I would prefer more adult class choices - ages together or place people with similar life experiences together.
· A sign in main entrance of church labeling who teaches what class, as well as class room numbers and possibly a building layout map identifying classroom locations. (Notice large yellow bulletin board outside secretary’s office)
· I am abundantly blessed. I know who I am and whose I am and I write down things I need to remember.
· Attending Bible class is my high privilege.
· Doors were closed and difficult for visitors to attend.
· Work conflict - I enjoy the classes I have attended here. “Seekers” is my favorite.
· We can’t be sitting that long.
· I am mentally unable to attend Bible class - comprehension affected by a stroke. I would like a one on one Bible class at home.
· I would like to see a class for young married couples. Information regarding the different classes is not available. Having gone to this church for a short time, I don’t know what is available for me and my family.
· The class that Dane is going to teach is a good start to provide an interesting class.
· My husband is unable to sit through class and service without severe back pain.
· Maybe a flyer on Sunday classes that are available, location and teacher.
· I spend the time with my family - I just don’t make the effort.
· Care of husband
· There is no Bible class that interests me - suggest one on marriage.
· I attend classes but not here - I just don’t make the effort.
· My job keeps me from attending but I’m going to change to days and will start back on a regular basis soon.
· Working on Sundays, only have one Sunday off per month.
· I leave Bible class off instead of Sunday night worship, I attend Life Group.
· I have insomnia.
NEW CLASS FORMING
A new class for 20's and 30's is being formed and the start date will be announced soon (Maybe September 23rd). It will be in the Annex. Teachers will be Whit Pennock and Darrell Hutson.
DIMITRI GRESHNAKOV
Will be here next Sunday, September 16, 2007. We will have a combined auditorium adult class to hear Dimitri.