Holy Covenant Statement of Appreciation ~ Our Vision

Our Statement of Appreciation is based on two principles: 1) The faithfulness of appreciating the gifts that have already been given to us by building on those gifts, and 2) Recognizing that intentionally caring for and investing in our church will cause it to appreciate in spiritual value, much as a house that is cared for and invested in appreciates in monetary value. 

Appreciating the value of COMMUNITY OUTREACH we commit ourselves to the following vision:

By the year 2011 we support …

• Community Building which includes designated Sundays for bringing new people to church, regular social action with other GLBT organizations, and joint fundraising events with other groups
  
  Public Visibility which includes participation in local community events, GLBT community events such as PRIDE and North Halstead Street Market Days, sponsoring a neighborhood Block Party, and holding church open houses
  
  Service which includes support for a soup kitchen, ministering to those with HIV/AIDS, visiting GLBT residents in senior centers, and political advocacy
  
  Youth Ministry which includes providing meeting space for youth organizations, High School and College campus resourcing, and hosting a church-sponsored GLBT youth group

Appreciating the value of CONGREGATIONAL CARE we commit ourselves to the following vision:

By the year 2011 we support ...

• Multiple Lay Pastoral Care Teams that make home and hospital visits; work with those who express a specific need; care for people during times of grief, loss and transition; and follow up on congregants who have been absent from worship
  
  A ½ time Minister of Congregational Care who coordinates and trains lay care teams and channels those in need to appropriate services
  
  A group of people dedicated to meeting the Prayer Needs of individuals
  
  A Welcoming Team that ensures those who come to us for the first time are greeted, made to feel welcome and comfortable, and receive follow-up through personal contact

Appreciating the value of EDUCATION we commit ourselves to the following vision:

By the year 2011 we support…

• Multiple monthly Bible Studies
  
  Periodic Presentations from community service organizations
  
  Quarterly Senior Support Groups
  
  Weekly Sunday School for children
  
  Various Workshops related to religious and life-issue concerns

Appreciating the value of INSPIRING WORSHIP we commit ourselves to the following vision:

By the year 2011 we support …

• A congregation of 125+ People
  
  A three-octave Bell Choir
  
  A Choir of 15 voices or larger, under the leadership of an experienced musical director, which performs regularly at various worship services
  
  Various forms of Performance Art during public worship at least semi-annually
  
  Three Weekly Worship Services (2 morning and 1 evening) with at least two distinct styles of worship
  
  Trained Laity offering worship leadership through a variety of roles