The leaders at Woodside Presbyterian Church caught our attention with the creative ways in which they engaged their congregation throughout the entire process of planning and building an addition to their facility. They recently moved into their new spaces—an expanded sanctuary (designed as a multi-purpose space) with a new sound system, a gracious fellowship lobby, and new classrooms. On the day that they celebrated the opening of their new worship center they had activities for everyone. It was a true festival! The speaker at the service focused on the role of faith in growth. After the service, they encouraged their congregants to join a walk for hunger in memory of their main speaker’s wife. Then everyone returned to the church for food, games and fun activities for all ages. Continue Reading »
Focus on Ministry; Woodside Presbyterian Church – Yardley, PA
May 12th, 2010 by Joan
Vision-casting on the Web
May 12th, 2010 by Jon
A good building project website will offer an opportunity for congregational feedback and answer the following questions:
Why? The most important part of a building project website is that it clearly explains the vision and answers the question “Why are we engaged in a building project?”
What? Next, it is important to give some details about the project. Possibly include floor plans and renderings. Consider the level of detail that you want to show, as not everyone is likely to agree with the space allocations.
How? Another major question is, “How will this be paid for?” List what funds are needed and/or the progress made towards raising those funds. Include a statement describing the source of funding. Offer the opportunity to make donations via the web.
Feedback. Allowing comments or using a web-response form will allow congregant voices to be heard. A FAQ may help reduce duplicate questions and provides answers to common concerns. Whether through comments, or a web-response form, be sure to address all concerns in some way.
If your church needs help, contact WPH ? Architects for Ministry to help you develop a website to aid in congregational involvement.
Do you have children? How about grandchildren? Nieces or nephews? What would you do if a child you knew and loved was being held captive? What if they no longer had a name but instead were only referred to by a number. Doesn’t that sound horrible? Sounds like something from a horror movie doesn’t it? But it’s happening today, for real, all over the world!
The four man band, “The Wrecking” led worship at the church I attend, Bethel -The Church at Franklin Mills this past weekend. They are a gifted band who has visited Bethel several times over the past few years. Check them out at http://www.thewrecking.net and click thru either the YouTube or MySpace links to hear their music and view some videos. Not only are they a great band musically, but beyond that they support Love146, an organization that tries to bring to light the enormous problem of modern day slavery, in particular, child sex trafficking.
There are more people enslaved now than there has ever been previously in the history of the world. Most estimates put the number at over 27 million people, most of whom are females and children. Every enslaved individual is a child of God. Continue Reading »
I love the expression “one thing that amazes me about common sense is how uncommon it is”. I don’t know who coined that expression first, but I think of it often (especially when dealing with my kids). When I first studied architecture in the 70’s, the oil crisis was fresh in the minds of most Americans. As a result, new visions developed for passive solar designs and earth sheltered homes. After the crisis ended, the country went back to largely wasteful ways of using energy. Rising costs have again brought energy-use reduction to the minds of people in America. Coupled with concerns about global warming, reduction is here to say.
I am glad to see the end of the Hummer line – but not because of its carbon footprint. Continue Reading »
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