Next Steps

Dear Friends,

As we move into new life with a clarified Vision at Ojai UMC, we need to set out some of the next steps.

First the Vision: 

To be "Showing God's love to the community of the Ojai Valley by the 4 R's: Reconciliation, Renewal, Revitalization, and Restoration."

For the benefit of my memory, and your general benefit, here are some of the steps I see us taking.

Reviewing against Mission Statement "Making Disciples for Jesus Christ in Faith, Fellowship, Tolerance & Spiritual Growth"

Channeling all Work Area Groups (committees) through this to design one or more goals in concert

Educate, Educate, Educate: What do we mean by the 4 Rs? 

-Add Biblical Foundations for each

-Affirm where we are already at work in this endeavor

-Challenge areas where we can stretch more

Newsletter Article May 2009

Incorporate into worship beginning Easter Sunday (5th R: Resurrection). Add as call to worship; develop prayers around this theme. Publish, Publish, Publish - Newsletter, Bulletin, Blog, Website, Committee Minutes

Structure Ad Board around reviewing how work areas are achieving the Vision

Find the intersection of OUR GIFTS, THE VISION, and COMMUNITY NEEDS to establish viable and productive programs 

-This means getting to know the people of the community beyond the demographics, or our own little sector of the community (thought each sector is important and we need to pull what we can from each)

Connect with persons and groups that can help guide us along the way (Chamie Delkeskamp: Raising Micah)

Develop a three, five and ten year outlook

Review annually with the Covenant For Vital Ministry, Congregational Assessment.

Find ways to achieve the The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations

• Radical Hospitality
• Passionate Worship
• Intentional Faith Development
• Risk-Taking Mission and Service
• Extravagant Generosity 

Identify how the Vision connects to the Ojai UMC Key Factors

OJAI UMC KEY FACTORS:
Core Values: Hospitality, Music, Community
Common Spiritual Gifts: Assistance/Helps, Generosity, Hospitality
Church Spiritual Gifts: Hospitality, Joy, Healing