Update from Task Force Leaders

Growing with 20s & 30s and Families: Abby Shue & Tre Danuser

Children, Youth, and Families at Marble has been growing steadily in the fall of 2022. Under the direction of the newly hired CYF Director and Youth Director, families have become more integrated into the Marble Community through Worship (ushering, Advent wreath lighting, scripture reading, welcoming the congregation from the Chancel, and the CYF Christmas Pageant) and volunteer and community gatherings (Merry, Merry Marble, Santa Letters, Gratitude Sunday among others). Upcoming projects for 2023 include implementing a volunteer teaching team for holiday Sundays, talkback opportunities for children with the CYF Director, providing social gatherings for parents, and incorporating Family Worship into select Sundays. The Task Force has spoken with experts in the field of building the 20s & 30s age group, and are researching various marketing and programming strategies to communicate effectively and grow current Marble offerings. Hospitality has updated Welcome Bags to highlight current events or volunteer opportunities for 20s & 30s to connect and engage more deeply with Marble. As a result of our work, we are seeing increased involvement from this age group both in worship services and during our social justice and volunteer opportunities.

Growing in Mission and Justice: Ted Gregory & Iyana Titus

The Social Justice Task Force was tasked with strengthening Marble’s role as a leader in promoting justice for all people through engagement in issues directly connected to our faith in Jesus Christ and Jesus’ call to love one another. To achieve this, the Task Force met on at least four separate occasions to discuss its mission statement which would center its goals and aspirations along with focus areas and potential initiatives. Currently, the mission statement has undergone a first draft and feedback and comments were provided. Focus areas have also been established: racial justice, migrants, LGBTQ issues, and mental health. Finally, the Task Force determined that other issues should be examined including, the use of multiple languages at Marble, reviewing Marble’s imagery to reflect diversity, and establishing standards concerning the hiring of staff and vendors which reflect diversity.

Growing Deeper Relationships: Jeannette Aycock & Marcie Doll

Our Task Force sought ways to increase staff and congregational participation that would emphasize fellowship across generational lines without adding a burden to the church budget. With that in mind, the entire congregation was invited to take part in the weekend holiday activities of CYF at Halloween and Christmas. The Women’s Ministry and Arts Ministry partnered for the first time to do the Advent Blog and we had record numbers of participants. PrimeTime and Women’s Ministry played an active role in Merry, Merry Marble with intergenerational tree-decorating, a Festive Coffee Hour, and Santa Letter selection. The prayer-focused staff members are now meeting monthly to coordinate the efforts of Stephen Ministry, Tuesday and Sunday prayer groups, and the Marble Prayer Ministry Team. Staff and congregational collaboration and good will have significantly increased.

Growing in Our Neighborhoods: Matt Morse & Barbara Sagan

In 2022, the Neighborhood Task Force began its work in Marble’s immediate neighborhood by examining cost-effective ways to augment existing neighborhood events (The Blessing of the Animals, CYF Halloween) via inter-event advertising, strategic partnerships, and event enhancement. We explored the use of targeted marketing and examined costs around public relations. We established a “Board Greeter Program,” and a monthly “Meet the Board” event to increase awareness of current congregational leadership and to further goals of transparency. We investigated potential LGBTQ+ faith organization partnerships.

In 2023, to bring the light of Christ into our surrounding neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Task Force looks ahead to forging further creative partnerships with local businesses and local public spaces, establishing further on-site service opportunities aimed at all commitment levels, and using creative marketing/ public relations strategies and explorative partnerships to better reach all our neighborhoods – regionally, nationally, and globally.

Growing Financial Sustainability: Renier Van Aswegan & John Hupalo

The Financial Sustainability Task Force has been working with other Task Forces, the Ministers, Board, and staff to explore ways to align everyone’s good work. As we live into our new financial reality through the congregation’s Strategic Plan, small adjustments to our already sound church structure will ensure that Marble’s strong financial position and vibrant ministries continue to grow. For example, Gratitude Sunday and our annual financial commitments have become extremely important as funding from the Collegiate Corporation is eliminated. This year’s service featuring Dr. Bos’ sermon, a reading from a CYF member and glorious music from three Marble Choirs was followed by wonderful online and in-person celebrations to show how small adjustments can make a big difference. Please pray with us for God’s guidance and share your ideas as we strive together to build the kingdom of God with joy, gratitude, and love at the Marble Collegiate Church.