CRANFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Cranford, NJ
Thursday, February 23, 2012

Roadmap to Renewal

Cranford United Methodist Church “ROADMAP TO RENEWAL”

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Him so that…you may know what is the hope to which He has called you”  (Ephesians 1:17)

Background

In 2011, Cranford United Methodist Church celebrated its 150th anniversary. In discussion and prayer with congregational members and the Church at large, it was believed that this is an opportune time in the church’s life to rediscover ministry and mission in exciting ways and discern the vision to which God has called us. 

This process, identified as the “Roadmap to Renewal,” includes a research effort among congregation and community members, as well as a prayer initiative to call on God’s guidance throughout the process. The Roadmap to Renewal book by Douglas W. Ruffle is being used as a supporting tool to guide the teams engaged in this process and provide perspectives and insights from others who have experienced a similar transformational undertaking.
 
The outcome of this process enables the church to realign mission, goals and objectives for future growth. It will also equip the Church at large to understand the needs of this church and discern, with God’s guidance, the most appropriate pastor and other leaders to propel the church forward.
 
 
 
Lamplighter message from Pastor Ed
  

December 30, 32011

 

 

“A New Vision for a ‘Re-Newed’ Church”
 
On December 19, our Church Council affirmed the following as the new Statement of Vision for this congregation:
 
Cranford United Methodist Church is called to be a church that embraces and shares God’s love through the congregation and the community.
 
In belief that this statement expresses what God is and will be making of us in the coming years, we will be printing it in our bulletin and other communication media and using it as a guide for our ministries. Does it speak for you? Does it inspire you?
 
With that as our calling, the “Roadmap to Renewal” surveys of congregation and community also led the Council to approve the following Statement of Mission and Ministry Priorities:
 
We are an active, embracing church doing God’s work so that…
  • Our worship, music and education enhance each individual’s spiritual experience
  • The congregation feels united in love and fellowship while celebrating distinct worship styles and gifts
  • All persons can come to know God in their daily lives, with special encouragement to children, youth and young adults
  • The community might recognize and experience this church as a welcoming place of acceptance and a resource in supporting individuals and groups in need
  • We foster and develop a mission-minded culture in which people are inspired to help others
 
In the next two months, I will be using this Vision Statement and Statement of Mission as the bases of our worship services so that we may make them our own and hear what God is seeking to do with them through us. 
 
Do they reflect your priorities for this church? Would you like to see the full “Roadmap” report? Hard copies are available in the church office and the creator of the report, Anne Caldwell, and I are willing to share the information more directly with any group who is interested. 
 
In the coming months, including the time of transition when our new pastor is appointed, we will be making specific plans to implement this calling. Your ideas are gladly welcomed and the input and involvement of all will be essential. 
 
Please review these statements now in prayer for the future of this church. I welcome your questions, comments and responses.
 
Pastor Ed

 

Church Council Meeting
 
Monday, January 16, 2012
 
Work area reports