Worship, Arts and Music Report

                                                      Worship, Arts, and Music (WAM) Report 
                                       North Congregational United Church of Christ
                                                            March 09. 2009

Note, the orginal document (with formatting and images) can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Prepared by WAM Committee:  John Cramton, Pam Highlen (Chair), David Hohmann, Student Pastor Dave Jones, Nancy Powell, Jon Szabo, Robin Knowles Wallace (Recording Secretary), Pastor Eric Williams (with special thanks to Susan Kinzer and Jo Anne Nay for data retrieval, and Dr. David Tom for statistical analyses)

                                                               Summary of Survey Results

One hundred four congregants completed the survey. Forty percent were undecided whether to add a new service; 34% agreed, while 26% disagreed that adding a new service was a good idea. If North were to add a service, the top choices for when to hold the service were Saturday nights (47%) and Sunday evenings (40%), Congregants most preferred a Blended format (M=5.31), followed by a Contemporary framework (M=4.79). Respondents were mostly undecided or would not be willing to assist with a new service. The average response to 12 of these14 items was either “undecided” (7) or “disagree” (5).

Congregants were also asked about their interest in adding special worship experiences. The most highly rated special worship experiences were:   “Events that fit North’s theology/perspective which invite the community to attend”, “Celebration of who we are”, “Last Supper Drama”, “Special Healing Service”, and “Blessing the Animals”. Respondents also were asked why they worship at North Church. Congregants rated the following reasons highest: “To experience God” which was tied with “To be with my church family”, “To center myself”, “To pray”, and “Other” (24 write-in responses). Forty-seven percent of respondents agreed that they would like more piano music during the service; 39% were undecided. In terms of the tempo of hymn singing, 54% thought it was slow; 44% thought the tempo was “just right.”

Five open-ended questions allowed congregants to offer their reflections about worship at North. For the first question, the top three values that North addresses in worship were identified as: “Open, Welcoming, Accepting of All”, “Family with Christ, Community, Fellowship”, and “Love of God and Love of Others”.  For the second item, the most important strengths of worship that bring us to North were identified as: “Welcoming, Community, Passing the Peace, Family”, “Music”, “Prayer and Meditation”, and “Variety/Open about Worship”. For item three, the top five elements identified that would enhance the worship experience were: “More Silence, Contemplation, Reverent Spiritual Experience”, “Sermons and Worship”, “Music”, “Complete as Is Now”, and “Greater Awareness of Timing and Flow, Prepared”. Respondents identified ways worship helps take our ministry to the community as:  “Specific Events (e.g., Y Shelter, South Pantry)”, “General (e.g., consciously thinking about our values)”, which was tied with “Inspires us/Very Educational/Helps Me Be Model for Others”, and “Sustains Us”. Finally respondents identified the following as North’s greatest opportunity for growth in worship: “Being a Just Church” tied with “Music”, “Vary or Add Worship Service”, and “Deepen the Worship Experience”.

                                                      Purpose and Background of the WAM Survey

The Worship, Arts, and Music Committee (WAM) was reconstituted in August, 2007.The four-fold purpose of WAM is to: (1) vision and authorize worship, arts, and music activities of the congregation—a place to generate new initiatives, (2) identify gaps in worship, arts, and music congregational activities, (3) answer questions about worship, arts, and music, and (4) provide oversight of work groups related to worship, arts, and music. Authority is covenantal within the WAM committee and in collaboration with the Church staff and congregational boards.

In September, 2007, WAM received a request from the Church staff to explore ways to expand, enhance, and improve our worship experience at North Church.  In order to address this request, WAM embarked on a series of information gathering tasks. 
First, we identified blended and contemporary worship services in the greater Columbus area. WAM and interested NC members visited five worship services (King Avenue United Methodist Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Linworth United Methodist Church, David’s United Church of Christ, and the Westerville United Church of Christ). These visits occurred between April 6, 2008 and June 29, 2008. After each visitation written observations were compiled and discussed. Second, in order to understand the membership of North, WAM gathered demographic information on current members and attendance patterns at the 10:30 worship service over the last 11 years. Third, to understand various worship formats and innovations in worship, WAM reviewed relevant literature on how to enhance and expand worship. Fourth, WAM created a survey for congregants to share their attitudes and preferences about worship at North.  Between January 4-11, 2009, congregants completed this survey. Results of this survey comprise the bulk of this report.

                                           North Church Background Information

Based upon the current membership at North Church, the percentage of members by generational status (Strauss & Howe, 1992) is given in the pie chart which follows. Compared to national population figures, North has fewer members in the combined G.I. and Silent Generation grouping (NC: 15% v. 20%), more Baby Boomers (NC: 35% v. 24%), fewer Baby Busters (17% v. 30%), and more Millennial Generation (NC: 34% v. 25%). Most of our Millennials are children. North does not
have many teens and people in their 20s.  IF North were to target a generational group to grow disciples who worship at NC, the Baby Buster Generation (1965-1982) would be the most likely group along with older Millennials.
                                                                                
                                                                   NC UCC Membership
                                         1  GI (1900-1924) + Silent (1925-1945) = 15% (n = 53)
                                         2  Baby Boomer (1946-1964) = 35% (n = 126)
                                         3  Baby Buster (1965-1982) = 17% (n = 63)
                                         4  Millennial (1983-present) = 34% (n = 123)
                                                                     U.S. Population
                                                    G.I. (7.3%) + Silent (12.76%) = 20%
                                                                 Baby Boomer 24.1%
                                                                  Baby Buster 30.1%
                                                                    Millennial 25.4%
According to Bill Easum (2006), a congregation the size of North is larger than 81.6% of all Protestant churches. North’s 10:30 worship average attendance is 139.  The average worship for both the 10:30 and 8:15 services is 148. (8:15 average attendance is 9). Easum’s chart for determining the actual size of a church in relation to other churches follows.
Average Worship Attendance           Larger than What Percent of Churches
          01-49                                                             40.5%
          50-74                                                             57.5%
          75-99                                                             69.1%
       100-149                                              81.6%
       150-199                                                            88.6%
       200-349                                                            96.3%
       350-499                                                            98.4%
       500-749                                                            99.6%
     1000+                                                                 99.7%   

The next two charts provide an overview of 10:30 worship attendance over the last 11 years. The first provides the average annual attendance; the second average quarterly attendance. Quarters were January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December. 1998-1999 were peak years of attendance at North. A sharp decline in attendance occurred in 2000. This decline continued gradually until 2004. 2004 was North’s lowest yearly attendance in the last 11 years.  North began to grow again in 2005. The largest growth occurred between 2005 and 2006. Modest increases in attendance occurred between 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2000, some pews were removed from the sanctuary as part of a remodeling project. This reduction in seating capacity is one reason for the sharp decline in attendance from 1999 to 2000.



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50
100

150
200

Number
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S1
1998    1999      2000     2001   2002   2003   2004   2005   2006    2007    2008
1998-2008 Average Annual Attendance 10:30 Worship
 









                         1998-2008 AVERAGE 10:30 WEEKLY ATTENDANCE BY QUARTER
 
The capacity of the North Church sanctuary is 162 when 27 inches are allowed for each seat. Eighty per cent of the sanctuary’s seating capacity is130. According to Bill Easum, “any time a worship service is 80% full, full growth is seldom sustained over a two-year period without adding another service or more space” (Easum, 2006, p. 120). During 2007-2008, the sanctuary has been at or above 80% capacity in seven of the eight quarters. Since attendance is counted at the beginning of the service and children are present, a visitor’s initial perception is that the sanctuary is full.  

                                               2009 WAM Survey Results

Sample Characteristics

The survey was completed by 104 congregants: 68% members, 27% continuing visitors, and 5% new visitors. The percentage by generational group is given in the pie chart which follows.
 
The Baby Boomer generation is over represented in the survey sample at 51% in comparison to congregational members who are Baby Boomers (35%).  Therefore, Baby Boomers had the greatest influence on survey results. Baby Busters are slightly over represented in the survey (19% vs. 17% members). The Millennials are underrepresented because only youth group age and older had the option of completing the survey. Most North Church Millennials are children.  A comparison of member and sample gender and partner status follows.

      Members                                 Survey Sample
Female:        55%                        66%
Male            45%                        33%
Partnered        48%                        66%
Single            52%                        33%

The sample had more females and partnered congregants than is reflected in North’s membership.
               
The vast majority of respondents attend 10:30 worship (81%), while 5.3% attend both services, and 4.3% attend 8:15 worship. 45% reported being in a small group, with 53% not. 60% reported serving the church in some capacity, with 37% not. 94% report having email, with 5% not.

Respondents drive an average of 10.6 miles (SD = 10.50) from home to church with an average of two people in their car. (SD, Standard Deviation, means that 66% of respondents drive between .1-21.1 miles from home to church.) Congregants’ average commute to work is 10.6 miles (SD = 9.97) taking an average of 31.5 minutes (SD = 73.91).The vast majority of congregants’ homes in relation to the church are northeast (25%), east (23%), and southeast 22%). These data support the notion that North is a regional rather than a neighborhood church. This information is depicted in the next graph.
 
Preferred type of music on the radio is presented in the following graph. National Public Radio was most preferred (31%) with the next highest being soft rock (13%) and oldies (13%).

 

Yearly household income is graphed below. Eighteen percent of households reported an income of $50,000-74,000.

 

                                                  Descriptive Statistics
Preferences

I would like North Church to add a new worship service.  The average (mean) score was 4.11 (SD = 1.46), which is the “Undecided” rating on the 7-point scale. To understand how congregants felt about this item, we combined the data into three groups: “Disagree” (points 1-3), “Undecided” (point 4), and “Agree” (points 5-7).  Twenty-six percent disagreed with adding a service; 40% were undecided, and 34% agreed with adding a new service.

If North Church adds a new service, when should it be held?  Results are presented with highest “Agree” percentages presented first.
1.    Saturday Nights      A=47%, U=26%, D=2%
2.    Sunday Evenings     A=40%, U=60%, D=26%
3.    Sunday Mornings    A=23%, U=31%, D=46%
4.    Weeknight             A=21%, U=33%,  D=46%
Although Saturday nights were most preferred,  Easum (2006) states that weekday or Saturday services are much harder to establish than Sunday services

Possible Worship formats with highest average rating given first (1-7 scale)
1.    Blended                    M=5.31, SD=1.54
2.    Contemporary           M=4.79, SD=1.43
3.    Traditional/Informal   M=4.36, SD=1.50
4.    Traditional/Formal     M=3.15, SD=1.66
A Blended format was the highest rated, which indicates that if North adds a service, it would be similar in format to our current 10:30 service.

Support: If North adds a new service, to what extend are you willing to provide support to make this worship experience a reality?
The mean (average) and standard deviation (variation around the mean) for each item is presented, from highest to lowest. Note that only two of these tasks were rated positively as “Slightly Agree” (5). The rest were rated as “Undecided” (4) or lower (2-3).
1. Would like child care                                               M=4.84, SD=1.82
2. Help with kitchen clean up                                       M=4.75, SD=5.28
3. Regularly attend new service for 6 months                M=4.38, SD=1.65
4. Rearrange space after service                                 M=4.35, SD=1.80
5. Assist with communion                                            M=4.28, SD=1.85
6. Be a greeter                                                          M=4.25, SD=1.69
7. Set up                                                                   M=4.24, SD=1.69
8. Be usher, collect offering                                        M=4.04, SD=1.75
9. Work on publicity & inviting people                          M=4.01, SD=1.58
10. Participate in worship planning                              M=3.88, SD=1.77
11. Be worship leader                                                M=3.77, SD=1.84
12. Assist with child care                                            M=3.52, SD=1.76
13. Sing in choir/singing group                                    M=3.37, SD=1.94
14. Play musical instrument                                        M=2.35, SD=1.89

Special Worship Experience that would occur occasionally (1-several times/year)

The 12 special services were rated on two 7-point scales: (1) interest in adding and attending the special worship experience, and (2) help plan and/or play an active role in making the worship event happen. Because responses to both items were similar for each special service, we combined them. We calculated the average percentage of “Agree/Likely” (5-7), “Undecided” (4), and “Disagree/Unlikely” (1-3) for each special service.  We report the average “Agree” percentage and the “Agree minus Undecided plus Disagree” percentage below.  The higher the percentage, the greater the endorsement is for the special worship event. The results are presented from the highest to lowest endorsed. Note that the order remains consistent for the two calculation methods.

        Item                                                                Agree      A – U + D
1.  Events that fit North’s theology/perspective              80%          60%
     which invite the community to attend                           
2.  Celebration of who we are                                      75%          50%  
3.  Last Supper Drama                                                66%          33%
4.  Special Healing Service                                           66%          32%
5.  Blessing the Animals                                              64%          22%
6.  Children’s Services                                                57%          14%
7.  Taizé                                                                   55%          10%
8.  World Music-Based Worship                                   52%          03%
9.  Vespers                                                               50%         -01%
10. Missonal Services                                                 47%         -05%
11. Emerging Worship                                                44%         -11%
12. Taizé/Labyrinth                                                   44%         -12%    

                                   
The top two special worship services which focus on who we are would probably have the highest attendance of any of the worship experiences.

I attend worship at North. . .
           
The mean (average) and standard deviation for 16 reasons people attend North are given below, in descending order from highest to lowest.  The average for 14 of the 16 items was “Agree” (5-7). The average for the last two items was in the “Undecided” range (4-4.25).

1.  To experience God                                                   M=6.05, SD=1.34
1.  To be with my church family                                      M=6.05, SD=1.02
2.  To center myself                                                       M=5.90, SD=1.09
3.  To pray                                                                   M=5.89, SD=1.06
4.  Other (specify: 24 write-in’s; see below)*                   M=5.75, SD=2.01
5.  For social contact                                                      M=5.68, SD=1.17
6.  To feel safe and supported                                       M=5.57, SD=1.49
7.  To sing sacred songs                                                M=5.42, SD=1.43
8.  To listen to the sermon                                             M=5.38, SD=1.54
9.  To prepare for the week                                           M=5.36, SD=1.39
10. To enjoy the children                                               M=5.34, SD=1.39
11. To begin the week right                                           M=5.17, SD=1.61
12. To grieve and to heal                                               M=4.95, SD=1.54
13. To feel connected to my family across generations     M=4.89, SD=1.60
14. To participate in Sunday school/adult education         M=4.25, SD=1.70
15. Because my family/partner/loved one does               M=4.05, SD=2.13
_________   
*write in response to “I attend worship at North—Other” (24 write-in responses)
·    Remember what is truly important in my lousy life
·    Learning more about historic Jesus
·    Provide my gifts to church
·    So my son can have a Christian “indoctrination”
·    Feel peaceful
·    Because people really love me here
·    To be with other believers
·    A place for my children to grow and learn about God in ONA place
·    To continue to hear God’s word
·    To be part of a special, unique and important group of witnessing Christians
·    To experience God’s love in community & share it
·    To support the community & hold the vision for peace
·    To give back
·    To feel acceptance as I am
·    To praise God and learn
·    To experience and have the Gospel in its many forms
·    To grow in my faith
·    Reinforce knowledge of my faith in Jesus
·    Sing
·    Inspiration
·    To take time to think and reflect on messages that touch inner self and pathway to good
·    Just to be—me!
·    Bible discussion is inspiring—weekly communion is very important to my husband and me
·    To be transformed in community
·    To continue to hear God’s word

It is interesting to note that the top two reasons (“to experience God” and “to be with my church family”) reflect our direct relationship with God (vertical relationship) and our relationship with others (horizontal relationship). We are reminded of the two most important commandments: “Love God with all your heart and with all your mind”, and “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Music

Two questions focused on music during worship.  For the first, “Would I like more piano music played during the service?” 47% agreed; 39% were undecided, and 15% disagreed. For the second, “The tempo (speed/pace) of our hymn singing is “Slow” [1-3], “Just right” [4], “Fast” [5-7], 54% responded “Slow”; 44% responded “Just Right”, and 2% thought the tempo was “Fast”.

                                         Open-ended Questions: Content Analysis

Five open-ended questions at the end of the survey allowed congregants to share their thoughts and opinions.  Their responses were transcribed and grouped into themes. The information is presented by theme, given in descending order (most endorsed theme first). The number of respondents who endorsed the theme is also provided, followed, where possible, by examples of specific responses that illustrate the theme. Individual responses that could not be subsumed under a major theme were not included. A complete set of responses is available in the Church office.

List three or four of your values that North Church addresses in worship.

1.  Open, Welcoming, Accepting of All: N= 51 (“A special place for those who have been hurt/excluded in other churches and congregations; a safe haven for ALL people.”)
2.  Family with Christ, Community, Fellowship: N=27 (“warm family feeling”)
3.  Love of God (Communion with God) and Love of Others:  N=21 (“Everyone is made in God’s image and is a piece of the larger puzzle. Each of us is the answer to someone’s prayer.”)
4.  Social Justice:  N=9
5.  Service to Others: N=8 (“Giving of self; gifts shared, openness to service in support of others, charity.”)
6.   Prayer [4] and Worship Experience [3]: N=7 (prayers of and for the people, passing the peace, understanding of the world in light of theology and spirituality,
sermon, proclamation of Gospel, focus on God, personal connection to written word, serious consideration of scripture and its application to our lives today.”)
7.  Music:  N=6 (“Music as it enhances my worship experience.”)
7.  Truthfulness/Honesty:  N=6
8.  Children:  N=5 (“Welcome children in worship, active involvement of children”)
9.  Worshipful Silence: N=4 (“time for inward reflection, contemplation”)
10. Ministers All: N=2 (lay leadership and development)


What are the most important aspects (strengths) of the worship experience that bring you to North Church?

1.  Welcoming, Community, Passing the Peace, Family: N=33 (”The sense of  community, of caring for each other and eagerness/willingness to share with one another.”)
2.  Music: N=20 (good quality and diverse origins, choir, hymns, welcome song)
3.  Prayer and Meditation:  N=9 (Reflection)
3.   Variety/Open about Worship: N=9 (“varied style of worship, good blend of   
traditional worship and contemporary/informal.”)
4.   Worship Order and/or as a Whole Rich, Aligned, Ordered: N=8 (“contextually sensitive Biblical foundation, theologically progressive while still very Christocentric”)
5.   Participation by Congregation, not just Worship Leaders:  N=5 (‘the
intentionality placed upon drawing upon the wisdom of the congregants, using
gifts and talents of the congregation.’)   
5.   Children: N= 5 (children’s time, programs)
5.   Theology and Social Action: N=5 (“Concern with relationship between the
church and public policy”)   
6.   Same as Values Noted in Previous Question: N= 4 (Values that bring you to NC)
7.   Praise of God: 3
7.   Diversity (of Congregation and of Worship): N=3
7.   Strong Lectionary and Biblical Base: N=3 (contextually sensitive)
7.   Growth—Spiritual/Ethical: N=3
8.   Healthy Congregational Leadership: N=2

What would enhance your worship experience at North Church?

1.  More Silence/Contemplation/Reverent Spiritual Experience: N=10 (“I like silence during prayer, more silence, less frenzy, really like the silent prayer time, silent prayer after communion, more opportunity for a reverent spiritual experience that is not necessarily social. . .being together, but with quiet reflection maybe more formal. In other churches, I have found great opportunity for worship through vespers services. There can be a different level of dignity which is more “worshipful” for me when the focus is on spiritual interaction with individuals and unspoken connections between them.”)
2.  Sermons and Worship: N=9 (“Relating more to identifiable personal experiences/laity, guest preachers, laity sermons, drawing on more theologies/cultural traditions in ritual/music, drawing on more theologies, more emphasis on spirituality and spiritual expression, experiencing different versions of the Lord’s Prayer, multisensory experiences, more opportunities for participatory style, more opportunities for active praise, movement, clapping, dancing, drums, guitar.”)
3.  Music: N=7 (“Music is an offering to God.”)
4.  It Is Complete as Is Now: N=5
4.  Greater Awareness of Timing and Flow, Prepared: N=5 (keep service to 60-70 minutes [3], “more praise, less “plodding through”)
5.  More Opportunities for Intergenerational Worship (Teens, 20’s): N=4 (“church softball games, more “traditional” activities—Bingo, Father/Daughter dance, Mother/daughter banquet”)
5.  Communion Offered More Regularly: N=4
6.  Guest Musicians/Groups: N=3 (from North Church or other places)
6.  Children’s Time: N=3  (Focus more on children, including children in communion and other special times during worship, less on “show” for congregation during children’s time)
6.  Applause Not Appropriate: N=3 (American Sign Language [ASL] is OK, silent praise with hands) 
6.  Singing More Traditional, Known Hymns, not Necessarily Gender Neutral: N=3

In what ways does worship at North help us take our ministry to the community?

1.  Specific Events: N=21 (Y Shelter, Southside Pantry, but it seems like it’s the same few people doing all the work, Healing Prayer Circle, BREAD, Bring and Sing, Legislation, Peacemaking, Ice Cream Social, Cabaret, LGBTIQ)
2.  General: N=15 (“Openness to all in the Journey wherever that may be, blesses/promotes service to those in need, awareness, thinking about our values with consciousness and intentionality, help keep me where I need to be in order to spread the word, supports, reinforces being open and welcoming making it easier to represent and share these beliefs in the workplace and in daily encounters”.)
2.  Inspires Us/Very Educational /Helps Me Be Model for Others: N=12  (Workshops, opening the space for community groups [e.g., AA, polling place], “encourage me to get involved and model behavior, excitement builds on Sunday, which I easily take home and continue at work. I am able to practice what I learn. I am not afraid to answer the question ‘What church do you attend?’  It has been very accepting at and looking at ways to address community needs. Outreach committee has given many people opportunities to put beliefs into action through this group and others. Something for everyone through progressive activities such as Healing Prayer Circle and WEBS book discussion.”)
3.  Sustains Us: N=10  (“keeps me centered, connects us to living waters that sustains ministry, leaves me filled with values I then share with those I see, more than humanitarian do good—God is the energy source.”)
4.  Outreach: N=5

What is North’s greatest opportunity for growth in worship? How do you suggest it be addressed?

1.Being a Just Church: N=7 (Expand ONA Statement, More TG/LG Outreach,
Begin study requirements to be a peace with justice church, leading the local and larger community into difficult conversations, less scripture, more focus on contemporary problems [issues and solutions].)
1.  Music: N=7 (More or Variety—add contemporary worship songs, invite guest 
musicians—especially from the neighborhood. Even recorded music can be good.) 
2.   Vary or Add Worship Service: N=6 (“We need to wake up! Lively music and varying formats for the sermon would help, Saturday evening services and dinners, add contemporary worship songs, more depth of feeling, witness, get input from new visitors about what they would like to see, what would bring them in and keep them here, adding another worship opportunity that would offer a very different experience than is currently offered, using members to “seed” the new worship opportunity and quickly turning over the leadership to the people who are attracted to it, I can’t imagine being able to meet all needs in one type of service—so I support an eclectic worship—in order for all to grow. Promote, as best we can, extended racial diversity. I am thrilled with the transgender inclusion and consciousness of the decision and the willingness to look deeply at racismàembedded and more blatant. Don’t know if these are the ‘greatest opportunities’, but they are important. Minister to our immediate community, possibly a Spanish service.”)
3.  Deepen Worship Experience: N=4 (As you are doing—listening. One of the roles of church leaders is to discern where the heart of the community is being revealed.  Adding more elements of contemporary worship to perhaps experimenting with an additional different style of service may address this—if we have the resources to do so. I am not certain we do.”) 
3.  None: N=4 (Do you mean growth in attendance? Or do you mean growth in
richness and meaning of worship? If it’s grown in membership, I’d recommend we slow down a bit and take a look at our “church family” that is already here, using somewhat of a “family systems” approach. Do we know how to deeply listen to one another? How do we handle conflict: What are the unmeet needs of our members/friends, etc.  My other concern is that adding another worship service/special service would require more of our staff members—Eric, Jon, Roger, Susan, Betsey, Lexi, etc. My understanding is that pay raises were not given this year because of the recession. I’m not comfortable with increasing the expectations and responsibilities while pay remains the same, actually less! Being mindful of the individual and collective levels of energies is important. I trust that this process would care for, and not burn out, our dedicated staff and leadership!)
4. Growth in Numbers: N=3 (college age, 20’s, 30s; parents with teens, and keep teens in the church) How? Make God meaningful in their lives.  Appeal to
diverse populations in terms of age, ethnicity, and “where people are” in their spiritual development. Use of 10:30 service to draw new people in, with emphasis on then directing them to more in depth studies and relationships. Use of hospitality tools, like coffee and cookies.”)
4. Children/Youth: N=3
4. Invite Others/Welcoming: N=3  (Weekly Web Bulletin, Racial Diversity and the Marginalized, Called to Be weekends, periodic workshops, art wall  focused on trans lives and/or concerns, North Church attendance at the national transgender day of remembrance, participate in TransOhio’s symposium—held in August, when trans specific legislation is open for discussion; we can show support by writing our representatives and/or be present during the hearings, start a faith-based support mission for the trans community. . .or simply expand the ONA to include “Gender Identity and/or expression”.)
5.  Christian Education/Bible Study: 2
5.  Grow Leaders: 2  (“equipping the saints”—challenge maturity and leadership
in our active members”)
5.  Neighborhood: N=2 (Minister to our immediate community, possibly Spanish service, the neighborhood. We aren’t a neighborhood church and that would bring in a whole new set of people.)
5. Hospitality and/or Meals: N=2 (“Saturday evening services and dinners”)



                                          Conversations about Worship

Congregants received the preliminary WAM report February 1, 2009. To obtain their reactions to the report and more general comments, WAM hosted three Conversations about Worship, February 8 and 15, 2009. These discussions reinforced survey findings, added some new ideas, and provided specific recommendations. Notes were taken at these meetings. Fifteen themes based upon these notes were generated and discussed by the WAM committee. They are summarized below.

     Maximize seating capacity in the Sanctuary—to make room for visitors because a new service will not be added at this time.  To make full use of sanctuary seating ask congregants to move to the middle of pews so that visitors and late arrivals will have a place to sit. We can increase awareness of this plan through Northwind articles, statements in Sunday bulletins, pastor announcements, and modeling (if we do it, others will too). Another suggestion was to add pews to the sanctuary that were removed during a remodeling project in 2000.

     North can attract visitors through occasional services—Occasional services are entrées for visitors. If they like the experience, they may be interested in attending other events including Sunday worship. During Lent, Wednesday pot luck suppers followed by contemplative time in the sanctuary offer such an opportunity. 

     Engaged and Alive Worship—The key to having engaged and alive worship is to experience that which touches us, moves us, and connects us with the Divine and with our North Church family. How can this be accomplished? Using a heart centered approach to worship--choosing activities and experiences that come through the heart. More engagement between the choir and congregation through hymns congregants sing—led by the  choir, interactive with choir (e.g., choir sings verse, congregation joins in for chorus), and occasionally with other musical accompaniment (e.g., piano, harp, bells, guitar, drums, tambourine). Have musicians/ensembles (NC members and others) present music, perhaps more often during Ordinary Times (summer when we don’t have choir). Livelier music occasionally.  

     Music: How Can We Enhance an Already Strong Music Program?—We affirm that people at North love music and see it as a way to deepen our relationship with the Divine. How can we enhance an already strong music program?  Intentional selection of music we sing with the goal of deepening our relationship with God. The music can be lively and contemplative, old standards and contemporary, gospels and plainchant, taizé, spirituals, and hymns from other cultures, music outside of the hymnal. Choose music that touches us. Pick up tempo of some hymns, music selection that engages congregation, easier to sing tunes, simple melodies with repetitive refrains may allow us to feel the moment rather than being challenged to follow the music. Use piano more, perhaps duets with organ and piano (Roger and Robin), music ensembles (e.g., harp, piano, violin, saxophone, bells). Be more intentional in helping congregation learn less familiar music. Perhaps a song leader to lead the congregation, or having the choir sing first verse before congregation joins in, music selection by diverse sources (Eric, Jon, ask congregation for suggestions).

     More Contemplative Time—in worship after prayers of the people to allow personal connection with God.  Perhaps more silence during reflective times in the church calendar such as during Lent.  For 2009, Lenten worship  incorporates greater use of silence. Wednesday night Lenten pot luck suppers followed by contemplative worship with recorded music in a candle lit sanctuary will offer more contemplative opportunities. Perhaps offering an open chapel or sanctuary on a week night on a regular basis.

     Enhance Worship through Intentionality of Engaged Worship Leaders—through time management and awareness of how much time leaders want to allot to each component of worship. Use this as a guide AND then allow Spirit to determine in the moment when to expand or shorten aspects. In other words, employ structure for each service with fluidity and flexibility. This approach will enhance and deepen the worship experience. Keep flow from one component to the next moving quickly and smoothly; eliminate dead space/time. To understand current time allocations in worship, observe and note amount of time spent on different portions of worship.

     Enhance Worship through Intentionality of Expectant Congregants—To enhance worship, it is important for congregants to be expectant, prepared, and ready for worship. During the week, in the Sunday bulletins provide the theme for next Sunday’s worship along with the scripture readings for that day. When entering the sanctuary, congregants make a shift and prepare themselves for worship. To facilitate the distinction of being in the narthex and the sanctuary, we could have a prelude of recorded music appropriate for the church season (e.g., Lent, Advent) or the specific focus of worship that day (e.g., Earth Day, Celebration of Native Americans). Another possibility is to put a sign above the sanctuary doors as a reminder that the sanctuary is a sacred space.  Have a distinct and unambiguous beginning of the service, such as a more formal processional, pastors enter ringing bells, powerful opening hymn.

     Deepening Worship—Anointing once/month, Silence with toning of crystal bowl once/month, passionate, lively music that touches the heart, taizé/repetitive tunes in preparation for communion and for deepening prayers of and for the people. All components of the service done from the heart. The goal is to more fully experience the Divine.

     Exegesis of Scripture: For the liturgist to provide the context of the reading before scripture is read. It is relatively easy to find the context for scripture (e.g., www.textweek.com) although someone would have to research this on a weekly basis and pass on to liturgists. Eric has a bias against exegesis because he believes the Word stands on its own across the context of time and space. Others on WAM see merits of both positions. WAM discussed this matter, and the consensus was to let each liturgist decide how to present/read scripture.

     Make the Sanctuary a Holy and Sacred Space different from the Narthex—Sign above doors to sanctuary as reminder. Play recorded spiritual music prior to the service to set the tone for worship or at least mute conversational noise), have a clear focus and unambiguous beginning to the service (e.g., Eric and Dave ringing bells as they briskly walk down the aisle, a more formal processional entrance of pastors, acolytes, and  choir). Have sanctuary lights dimmed or off before the service begins, light altar candles before service begins.

     Structure of Sanctuary: Placement of Choir—We had several discussions about the Importance of having the choir sit facing the congregation. Pros: This arrangement would spark the sacred connection and interaction between the choir and congregation. Specifically, this arrangement may facilitate the passion of hymn singing.  It would also free up three rows of pews on the left front side of sanctuary providing more seating. How to accomplish having choir facing or partially facing congregation? Remove pulpit, move Roger/piano, create “stadium/bleacher” type seating on front left side of sanctuary; or move choir to portion of chancel (on both or one side of the altar). Cons: The choir would have to be on “good” behavior, couldn’t sit with/close to significant other, and difficulty/cost of rearranging space in sanctuary and chancel.  


     Structure of Sanctuary: How to make space more fluid for other worship activities?  For example, if the Mary Magdalene Celebration expands beyond 60 attendees, we may have to move the service to the sanctuary.  How can static, linear, fixed pews work for MM service? Use of banners (Tom Ventling does this work in his job), move altar, creative use of chancel, movement of worship leaders and singers from chancel to floor of sanctuary and flowing movement around congregants in pews as service unfolds. Dramatization and interaction with congregants. Also for needs of other services (Earth Day—plants, banners, Native Americans—banners for the four directions). Replacing pews with chairs (major renovation expense)—not feasible in short term planning.

     Creative and Better use of Fellowship Hall for Worship Activities—Use of banners, wall hangings, murals made of carpet hung on walls to improve acoustics and aesthetics, wireless microphones, Move 10:30 worship to Fellowship Hall during Cabaret—a way to experiment with altar as free standing table and other worship experimentation on a one-time basis which won’t threaten the way things are in terms of traditional worship experience.

     Communication and Publicity about Worship at North—Use the WEB page and keep it current with worship, art, and music activities. For example, post the final WAM Report on the web page, advertise our special services (e.g., Mary Magdalene), Healing Prayer Circle, and what we are doing in worship from week to week). We recommend renovating and keeping our web page current. We believe this need applies to all Boards, Committees and functions at North, thus making a high quality web page a top priority recommendation. 

     Attendance Figures—To more easily monitor the growth and decline of activities at North, we need to keep information on the number of people who attend all worship and worship-related activities. Attendance records are already kept for both worship services. However, we do not have attendance records for Occasional Services, Children’s Sunday School, Adult Education, Healing Prayer Circle, Wednesday Evening Bible Study (WEBS) and other events at North. Maintaining attendance figures for all North Church activities would be a good idea. Each Board and committee can devise its own method of record keeping. These numbers would be sent to the Office Manager (Susan Kinzer) who would keep them on file. More detailed records will make it easier for data retrieval annually and over time (e.g., self study and other reports such as the WAM report).



                                               Conclusions and Recommendations

Who We Are

This survey confirms what we already know about who we are. North is a close knit family who gathers to experience God and to be with and support each other in our spiritual journey. Equally important, all are welcome! Congregants’ embrace and celebrate the richness of diversity, while at the same time honor the commonalities we share.  North is a church committed to social justice. Worship prepares congregants to engage in worldly matters for the benefit of the marginalized, for the sanctity of all life, including the Earth herself. We try to walk the path that Jesus did thousands of years ago. In worship, we love the music, passing the peace, the worship experience itself, prayer and reflection, and our children. Some of us would like more silence and contemplative time. Others occasionally would like guest preachers, sermons related more to our personal experiences, drawing on more theologies and cultural traditions and including guest musicians.  Likewise, some would like more variety in our music and others would like more music during worship. Some see our greatest opportunity for growth in our Music Program, in becoming a Just Church, in adding variety to our worship, or in deepening our worship experience. Of course, we have congregants who like worship just as it is.  These and other suggestions mirror the rich diversity of our congregants who are ministers all!  In summary, survey results affirm that we are a caring family who has a strong commitment to worship at North.


The Question of Expansion

The key question when considering expansion and, in particular, adding a new service is this: Does the North Church family have the commitment and resources to make the new service a success? Only 34% of respondents favored a new service; 40% were undecided, and 26% disagreed.  Combining the undecided and disagree responses results in 66% of congregants who are not committed to adding a new worship service. Support for creating and maintaining a new service was not apparent either. The only positive responses (in the “slightly agree” range) were a desire for child care and an offer to help with kitchen clean up.  Easum (2006) states that both strong commitment and resources are needed to make a new service successful. Our survey data indicate that North Church has neither the commitment nor the resources to consider adding a new worship service at this time. Therefore, we recommend that North Church table the addition of a new service until a time when a critical mass of congregant commitment and resources are available.  The economic recession also suggests that we are in a time of maintenance and consolidation—a time of status quo, not of expansion.

Maintain and Enhance

The results of this survey suggest that North Church refrain from adding a new service, but instead maintain and enhance our two existing Sunday services and other worship opportunities. The two goals that guide maintenance and enhancement of worship are to (1) deepen our worship experience and (2) extend an extravagant welcome to all who are drawn to worship at North. We recommend that we retain the best of our current worship activities and enhance the worship experience for our diverse congregation as it continues to grow and change.  As one survey respondent said so well, “I can’t imagine being able to meet all the needs in one type of service—so I support an eclectic worship—in order for all to grow.”  Congregants who would like to enhance the worship experience are encouraged to join Pastor Eric to plan worship for each church season (e.g., Advent, Lent, Holy Week). Eric sends email announcements with a call to join him in this planning endeavor. As always, all are welcome!

We also think that North Church has many activities which tax the leadership and talents of many of its members. We believe that any addition of a special worship service must be done with careful forethought. In addition to the energy needed to create and offer a new worship experience, it also takes energy from the congregation to support these activities through attendance. It is important to note that the two special worship experiences that garnered the most support were (1) North’s theology and perspective which invite the community to attend and (2) celebrations of who we are. These two types of worship have the greatest likelihood of generating larger attendance than the others. As such, if congregants want to sponsor a new worship experience, they and the collective may best be served if they focus on these two worship options. The Last Supper Drama, the third ranked special worship activity, could become a regular part of Holy Week, which makes this event more likely to sustain itself annually. We believe that the Last Supper Drama adds richness to the Holy Week offerings, and could easily become a signature Holy Week event at North. Of course we encourage anyone who wants to offer a special worship experience to come forward. Bring your ideas to the Worship, Arts, and Music Committee for consideration. 

We can do several things to increase attendance without adding a service. First, by maximizing sanctuary seating more people will be able to worship on Sundays. The easiest way to increase available space is to ask regular congregants to move to the middle of pews, thus freeing space for visitors and late arrivals. Second, inviting friends and neighbors to occasional services and other events increases North’s visibility. If newcomers like what they see, they may become more involved in worship. Third, attendance may increase by expanding publicity about what’s happening at North. We believe the best way to accomplish this goal is to enhance our web page. People are most likely to go on line to find information about North Church (rather than calling the office). For example, visitors who wanted to attend Christmas Eve service couldn’t find service times because that information was not provided on the web page. We recommend renovating and expanding North’s web page. Just as we do with the Northwind, members can learn how to submit announcements and articles for the web page. Boards and committees are encouraged to provide web articles in a timely manner.  Another way to publicize events and increase attendance is to invite friends and neighbors to our events. For example attendance at the Mary Magdalene Celebration increased from 40 to 60 by inviting people from the community to attend this event.

Enrich What We Have Now

We have many reasons to celebrate our current North Church family and to celebrate the new congregants who are drawn to North. As one respondent said, we can focus on enhancing the “richness and meaning of worship” as it exists now. What makes worship engaged, rich, and alive? By incorporating elements that touch and move us and connect us with God and our church family!  We recommend enhancing worship through the intentionality of both worship leaders and congregants.  Worship leaders plan services with intentionality to maximize the worship experience within time limits. As congregants, we come expectant and prepared for worship.  This preparation makes worship together more meaningful.  Specific suggestions for enhancing worship with intentionality are given in the “Conversations about Worship” section.

Others voiced concern that we are already spread thin and do not have the resources to expand our offerings. Perhaps as several suggest, we can focus selectively on one existing program or activity to enhance its excellence. The Music Program and Children’s Programs were two areas mentioned by congregants for such a focus. 

Monitor North’s Demographics

We recommend more extensive record keeping, specifically gathering attendance figures at all North worship, worship-related, and other activities (e.g., ice cream social, Cabaret). This information will assist monitoring attendance patterns and trends at North. Record keeping informs us of what is happening at North Church over time and makes writing reports such as this one much easier!

We also offer an observational note about who we are at North Church.  As Baby Boomers age, North will have to look to the Baby Buster and Millennial Generations to maintain and, if desired, grow the church membership. Current demographics indicate that North does not have good representation of young adults—people in their 20s and early to mid 30s. Baby Busters makeup one-third of the unchurched (Barna, 2002). Research suggests that Busters and non church goers have different interests and needs than those who attend church.  In the future, study of the unchurched and underrepresented groups at North will assist in determining ways to attract new members while maintaining North’s core theology and values. Also if and when the commitment level is higher and resources are more plentiful, North may consider adding a service that better meets the needs of Baby Busters and/or the unchurched group as a whole.


Conclusion

Survey results and conversations about worship provide a snapshot of North Church--how we view worship in the year 2009.  Although no major changes, such as the addition of a new service, were recommended, a conversation on how to enhance and maintain worship occurred. Indeed, many of these ideas will result in the tweaking of an already strong worship program. Examination of worship is an ongoing process. We encourage the conversation to continue and to be an ongoing part of life at North. WAM invites any and all to bring ideas forward. We have a vibrant, creative, and welcoming congregation. All things considered, North Church is an exemplary place of worship, service, and social justice. We have outstanding pastoral and lay leadership and a truly loving, and accepting family who embraces inclusiveness and celebrates diversity.  We give thanks for the bounty we reap and sow. May our ongoing service be pleasing to the Divine.


                                              References

Barna, G. (2002). Grow you church from the outside. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light.

Easum, B. (2006). The Complete Ministry Audit. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.

Strauss, W., & Howe, N. (1992). Generations: The History of American’s
     Future.1584 to 2069.