Changing of a Culture Part 2

Changing of a Culture continued:

2. Coffee and other drinks in the Worship Rooms. This is not merely a "let's not stain the carpet with spills" issue. As a matter of fact, that is not the issue. If that were the case, we would not allow coffee and beverages anywhere. The issue here is do we allow it or not. Does it change the spiritual nature of the service? A few weeks ago, we had everyone get up and walk to communion and I saw people walking to get their communion with a "Highly Caffeinated Chaser" in one arm. I read an interesting post allowing coffee in Worship; which side of the line should we fall on. Either way, it is one of the culture changes we need to decide now and the reason why we chose the direction we did.

3. This last one is a non negotiable that churches have been dealing with for years.
Stewardship in Church Resources
We need to create an environment that empowers and motivates those utilizing our facility to be good stewards of utilities, paper products and other items purchased for meetings/etc. I know there is a way to teach initiative in this area. Whether it is during the week or on Sunday mornings. Saving money is a good thing.

One last note, my brother and his family will be up from NC this week. Looking forward to it. I love spending time with him.

The Changing of a Culture (part 1 of 2)

For the last few weeks, I have had some constant and multiple thoughts on cultural changes that we need to start to do some thinking on.

For the last few weeks, I have had some multiple thoughts on cultural changes that we need to initiate brainstorming solutions for.
1. People at Grace tend to carry a late mentality. I am talking members, attenders and even staff. I know this is in part a reflection of how the world is, but how do we change a system that enables people to be late? Furthermore, how much of this is derived from our staff not being timely in their weekly connections with volunteers? We show up late to services, buy tickets late for events and don't end our meetings when we say we are going to end them.
I suppose maybe we need to create fences and draw clearer lines from the top on down. Start everything on time, no matter what. We do this pretty much for services, but what about meetings and volunteer trainings during the week? Do we create a culture where we just wait for everyone to get there? The trick is creating a balance of making the guests feel welcomed and making those who show up to the service late feel as though they are missing something. Apart from guests, as we start a service; are we valuing those that are timely in seats more or are we paying more attention to the late ones? Thoughts?

I have 2 more to post and will do those in part 2.......

Grace Christmas Decorating Team

I would like to take a moment to thank the following ladies for the part they played on Grace's Christmas Decorating Team this year. They made the church look great and are to be commended. I don't think people realize how much work goes into what they do.

So Thank You ladies!!!

Barb Burdick
Amanda Farr
Kathy Herrmann
Kelly Lundberg
Amy Mason
Deana McCullough
Joy Bennett
Please Compliment them if you see them in the hallways.