History, January, 2011

Church History

Part 31

Happy New Year! I hope we will all have a wonderful year. This month I thought it would be great to review some of the events and accomplishments we experienced in 2010. Due to space constraints, I have decided to write about approximately the first half of the year this month, and the remainder of the year next month.

The year began rather cold, and as one might suspect, low attendance resulted. Total attendance for both services in January was 650; in February, total attendance was 611, but there was an increase beginning in March with a total attendance of 630. There were plans to have two “New Member Luncheons” in 2010. However, due to a lower than expected number of people joining the church, one luncheon was found to be sufficient. The “ New Member Luncheon” held on January 24^th  was a great success.

 With the earthquake in Haiti on January 12^th , there was a church wide plan to provide assistance, and response was great. I had hoped The Wesley/ Claude Griffin Class could respond to needs in the Philippines, but the earthquake needs seemed to demand the resources the class had.

As I have no precise information on classes other than The Wesley/Claude Griffin Class, I can only make estimates as to their growth. However, the general opinion is that all the adult classes , except ,perhaps The Joy in Trinity Class, had lower attendance than hoped. We thought The Wesley/Claude Griffin Class was growing in February, but, by summer, its numbers had declined. This decline was most likely due to health problems of members.

Throughout the year we were hopeful for larger attendance at church services than we usually experienced, but Easter and Homecoming were great with 191 counted at Easter and 153 at “Homecoming.” “The Homecoming” this year was the first one since 2000 when Rev. Bob Penton was the minister.

There was a Valentine Luncheon on February 14^th , and in June, The History and Archives Committee hosted an “Italian Dinner.” “The Valentine Banquet” was “well attended” being held on Sunday, February 14^th, after the 11:00 A.M. church service. “The Italian Dinner” was held on June 16^th at 6:00 P.M. However, due to being held on a Wednesday night when there was no choir practice scheduled, attendance was lower than desired. Nevertheless, the dinner was still thought to be successful.

With lower attendance, one can naturally expect heightened financial concerns, and they were addressed in 2010. On April 18^th we started using a threefold bulletin in order to save money. Other ideas to generate income and save revenue were put into action, including a large meal by the Hospitality Committee with an old style theme. It was advertised as a 100-year-old style gathering and members were encouraged to wear old style cloths. It is thought that over 100 attended this gathering.

Next month I will continue to reflect upon our needs, our goals and our accomplishments in 2010.