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Strategic Planning Updates

Sept. 14, 2008
Communication Focus Group

The Communication Focus Group is excited to convey all the activities surrounding the Strategic Plan. Besides weekly articles and web updates, there are four communication stations located in the church that will have monthly Strategic Plan updates and other materials. Please feel free to pick up the materials at anytime. Postcards are also provided in the stations for individuals to express their thoughts and questions. Completed postcards can be dropped off in communication boxes located at the Information Center and at the west entrance to the Family Life Center.

In addition, two hollow crosses have been constructed in the narthex and Family Life Center. As each major step occurs toward the fulfillment of the Strategic Plan, a stained-glass panel will be added. After we fulfill all of the steps, the crosses will move to our new building.

August 31, 2008
Celebration Weekend:

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7

We are anticipating a wonderful celebration as we prepare for celebration weekend.. God certainly has blessed us with so many wonderful opportunities that will help us grow closer to him. Praise him for his greatness!

Sermon Series:
Pastor Burcham will share in a series of messages starting Sept. 6-7 on “Laying the Foundation.”

Sept. 6 and 7: Celebration Sunday: Laying the Foundation
The future is packed with possibilities when we put our trust and faith in God. God’s Word repeatedly shows the impossible to be possible. The same is true with our lives and the life of our church. The Strategic Plan for our congregation is packed with possibilities, but those possibilities will not become a reality unless they are built on a good foundation. The next four messages will lay that foundation.

Sept. 13 and 14: Dependence upon God
As we move forward as a church we must make sure we depend upon God and his blessings. We must go about our Father’s business with the acknowledgement that all we do is for God’s vision, for God’s glory and done by God’s people.

Sept. 20 and 21: Committed to God’s Mission
God’s desire is for all people to be saved through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus. The task of spreading the news of his salvation has been given to us, so we should commit to this mission. We need to know our God and his work, have a passion for reaching people and the willingness to be his hands and feet.

September 27 and 28: Sacrifice
The work God gives us is rarely easy; normally it requires sacrifice. Any major accomplishment in life, usually comes at a cost. But because of the sacrifice, the accomplishments are sweeter.

October 4 and 5: Unity
God has called us to be one in him and in our purpose. Together, as God’s people and by his power, we can accomplish much! We will need to trust and respect one another in Christian love. We also need to work together if the work is to be accomplished.

August 24, 2008
Sermon Series:

Pastor Burcham will share in a series of messages starting Sept. 6-7 on “Laying the Foundation.”

“This is such an important and exciting time in our congregation.” said Pastor Burcham. “It is my prayer that our members would clear their schedules and commit to hearing all five messages as they introduce and then lay
the foundation from God’s Word for our future.”

Sept. 6 and 7: Celebration Sunday: Laying the Foundation
The future is packed with possibilities when we put our trust and faith in God. God’s Word repeatedly shows the impossible to be possible. The same is true with our lives and with the life of our church. The Strategic Plan for our congregation is packed with possibilities, but those possibilities will not become a reality unless it is built on a good foundation. The next four messages will lay that foundation.

Sept. 13 and 14: Dependence upon God
As we move forward as a church we must make sure we depend upon God and his blessings. We must go about our Father’s business with the acknowledgement that all we do is for God’s vision, for God’s glory and done by God’s people.

Sept. 20 and 21: Committed to God’s Mission
God’s desire is for all people to be saved through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus. The task of spreading the news of his salvation has been given to us, so we should commit to this mission. We need to know our God and his work, have a passion for reaching people and the willingness to be his hands and feet.

September 27 and 28: Sacrifice
The work God gives us is rarely easy; normally it requires sacrifice. Any major accomplishment in life, usually comes at a cost. But because of the sacrifice, the accomplishments are much sweeter. There will be sacrifices made to accomplish God’s work among us, but the accomplishments made available from God through us will outweigh the sacrifice.

October 4 and 5: Unity
God has called us to be one in him and in our purpose. Together, as God’s people and by his power, we can accomplish much! We will need to trust and respect one another in Christian love. We also need to work together
if the work is to be accomplished. The Strategic Plan is bold and it will require that all of us participate in the ministry that God has given us.

August 17, 2008
Facilities Focus Group:

The facilities focus group has been busy establishing a set of criteria for selecting potential sites with SVPA, the newly selected architectural firm. This fall they will hold town hall meetings to report their updates and to gather feedback from the congregation. For questions, please feel free to contact Merlin at sms_llc@mchsi.com.

Ministry Focus Group:
Last week Gloria Dei’s directors and ministry partners met to set criterion for prioritizing the necessary benchmarks for the fulfillment of the Ministry Destination. “We are excited to map out how we are going to fulfill all the different components that were set forth in the Ministry Destination section of the Strategic Plan,” said Pastor Burcham.

The Staff:
The staff has been gearing up for all the fall programs and activities. They are excited to begin the journey toward the fulfillment of the Strategic Plan, so they want to celebrate God’s provisions this fall. You are invited to join in their celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7. So far a Saturday dinner, a Sunday breakfast, an inflatable bounce house and yard games are slated for this weekend of celebrating God’s blessings. More information will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars today.

August 3, 2008
Strategic Plan Update
Over the past several months, the Strategic Planning MAT and its four topical focus groups have been working hard to implement the components of the recently ratified Strategic Plan. The facilities focus group is tasked with exploring sites that may be suitable for relocation. The decision was made to involve an architectural firm in the earliest stages—including establishing a set of criteria for selecting potential sites and then identifying parcels of land that would successfully meet the parameters set forth.
After issuing a “Request for Proposals” to 11 firms, the focus group reviewed the nine proposals they received, narrowing the field to three firms. Each of the three firms was invited for an extensive interview where they described how they would be helpful in the many steps along the way to achieving our end goal. After extensive review, the focus group’s top choice was SVPA Architect, Inc., a well-established local firm since 1953.
SVPA is not a stranger to Gloria Dei—they assisted in the building of the Family Life Center, the educational wing and the parking lot improvements. But our past working experience with them was only a portion of why the focus group chose SVPA. Their extensive experience in worship facility design, effective programming methodology (need identification, analysis and prioritization), and the high recommendations from references made the decision clear.
“We are excited and confident about our selection,” said Merlin Siefken, facility focus group leader. “We firmly believe that SVPA is the right choice to help us accomplish a large component of the Strategic Plan.”
As we begin our journey with this architectural firm, we will keep you informed of the progress, the thought processes and other important updates as they occur. For questions, please feel free to contact Merlin Siefken.

July 20, 2008
Strategic Planning Updates
Each of the four focus groups has been busy building a strong infrastructure to fulfill the Strategic Plan. Each group consists of staff and members who contribute time and expertise to their particular group. We are thankful for the individual roles they play to help us achieve the ministry that God has placed before us.
Project Manager: Deb Kesse
Responsibilities: The project manager oversees all four focus groups and develops a Gantt chart, a task list with timelines and dependencies.
Contact Information:Deb Kesse
Recording Secretary: Sue Davis
Responsibilities: The recording secretary takes written minutes at each SPI MAT meeting.
Contact Information: Sue Davis
Ministry Focus Group: Leader: Pastor Burcham
Responsibilities: Since the Ministry Destination is the driving force behind the Strategic Plan, the staff along with other ministry partners sets up priorities and timelines for the implementation and evaluates its progress.
Contact Information: Pastor Burcham at Pastor Burcham
Members: Pastor Meyer, Pastor Phillips, Tim Kightlinger, Steve Kohtz, Karen Kennedy, DeAnn McCue, Chris Onsrud, Brandon Simpson and Terry Steinke (Please note: The staff is in the process of organizing ministry partners to join them in this focus group.)
Future Facilities Focus Group: Leaders: Pastor Burcham and Merlin Siefken Responsibilities: The future facilities group develops a schematic for the future facility needs, criteria for site selection and the selection of an architect.
Contact Information: Merlin Siefken
Members: Elaine Klinefelter, Julie DenHerder, Terry Woolman,
Ken Wunsch, Kurt Mumm and Greg Cushing
Finance Focus Group: Leaders: Steve Kammeyer and Mary Sievers
Responsibilities: The finance focus group concentrates on creating funding models for the purchase of land, the construction of the new facility and selecting a capital fund-raiser to assist in the first of three capital campaigns.
Contact Information: Steve Kammeyer
Members: Brenda Cushing, Bob Knief
Marv Rohn, Craig Fjelsted, Jeff Monson and Mandi Holcomb
Communication Focus Group: Leaders: Karen Kennedy and Tina Hoffman
Responsibilities: The communication group develops and implements a communication plan that will foster two-way communication between the focus groups and the congregation.
Contact Information: Karen Kennedy
Members: Pamela Henkel, Mina Woolman and Matt Sheeley
Please note: We will continue to update about the progress being made to move us into the future. If you have any questions, please contact the project manager or one of the focus group leaders.

July 13, 2008
Each of the four focus groups has been busy building a strong infrastructure to fulfill the Strategic Plan. Each group consists of staff and members who contribute the time and expertise to their particular group. We are thankful for their individual roles they play to help us achieve the ministry that God has placed before us.

Project Manager: Deb Kesse
Recording Secretary: Sue Davis

Ministry Focus Group:
Leader: Pastor Burcham
Members: Pastor Meyer, Pastor Phillips, Tim Kightlinger, Steve Kohtz, Karen Kennedy, DeAnn McCue, Chris Onsrud, Brandon Simpson and Terry Steinke

Future Facilities Focus Group:
Leaders: Pastor Burcham and Merlin Siefken
Members: Elaine Klinefelter, Julie DenHerder, Terry Woolman, Ken Wunsch, Kurt Mumm and Greg Cushing

Finance Focus Group:
Leaders: Steve Kammeyer and Mary Sievers
Members: Brenda Cushing, Bob Knief, Marv Rohn, Craig Fjelsted, Jeff Monson and Mandi Holcomb

Communication Focus Group:
Leaders: Karen Kennedy and Tina Hoffman
Members: Pamela Henkel, Mina Woolman and Matt Sheeley

Please note: We will continue to update the congregation about the progress being made to move us into the future. If you have any questions, please contact Deb Kesse.


July 6, 2008
Each of the four focus groups has been busy building a strong infrastructure to fulfill the Strategic Plan. The following are a few highlights from two of the groups:

Future Facility Focus Group: Recently, the focus group has sent out requests for proposals (RFPs) to several architectural firms. The focus group recommended hiring an architect in the beginning stages for the following reasons:

To develop an estimate of future requirements: In order to begin the process of evaluating potential future sites an estimate of our future requirements (program) needs to be created. An architectural firm will have the experience and tools available to do the programming that creates the estimate or program.

To establish site selection criteria: Using the estimate or program, the architects will assist in the development of criteria to evaluate the potential future locations.

For site evaluation: Once potential sites have been identified, the architects can assist in comparing the alternatives available to make sure that site recommendations will meet the needs of Gloria Dei.

Finance Focus Group: The group is further refining the financial model and is investigating various potential lending sources including banks, LCEF and others. In addition, they are preparing an RFP to send to potential partners to assist in a capital fund-raising campaign.

June 8 , 2008:
Each of the four focus groups has been busy building a strong infrastructure that will move toward fulfilling the Strategic Plan. The following are a few highlights from two of the groups:

Future Facilities Focus Group: The selection criterion for the future facility site is being compiled and a Request for Proposal for the architect's selection is being drafted.

Finance Focus Group: Research is underway for a detailed financial model and various funding methods.

Let's Meet Two SPI MAT Faces
May 18, 2008:
The Strategic Plan Implementation Ministry Action Team (SPI MAT), which consists of two members from each of the four focus groups, Ministry, Future Facilities, Finance and Communication; a project manager and a recording secretary met for the first time on Tuesday, May 6 to begin the necessary steps to implement the Strategic Plan.

Deb Kesse has agreed to be the project manager. Since volumes of research, studies and tasks will be accumulated, she will develop a Gantt chart, a task list with timelines and dependencies that will be used as a communication mechanism to help each focus group accomplish its individual goals set forth in the Strategic Plan.
Deb is not new to Gloria Dei. She was married in the old sanctuary 28 years ago to Vic Kesse. Both of them have been active at Gloria Dei and have raised two children, David and Sarah. Deb has helped with summer Sunday school and camps; served as the board of education secretary; church council secretary; board of education Chairwoman; served on the Governing Board for six years, two years as vice president, and three years as president; served on the dedication committee for the new sanctuary; chaired the 1999 building committee; assisted in the development of the facilities-use policy and employee handbook; served on the committee for latest rewrite of the constitution and bylaws; and currently organizes the Scrapbook Fellowship group and proofs many of the church's publications.
Deb states that she has seen lots of changes throughout the years at Gloria Dei, but the strength of the message, the exciting programs and the welcoming attitude of the members have remained constant.
"Even though we've grown in numbers, the same things that attracted me then are attractive to me now," said Deb.

Sitting across the table from Deb, was Sue Davis, the recording secretary. Sue, a retired administrative assistant from Pioneer Hi-Bred International and a member of Gloria Dei since 1986, has served as the church council secretary and currently answers the church-office phone during staff meetings, helps Pastor Meyer coordinate the adult Ministry library and volunteers on the first and third Friday afternoons as needed.
"I had enjoyed working with the church council in the past and since I am now retired, I am happy to help wherever I can," said Sue. "God gives us all different gifts and we should use them to his glory."
Sue has been married to Les for almost 23 years and has two daughters, two sons and seven grandchildren. She has enjoyed the growth she has seen at Gloria Dei, such as our current sanctuary, new worship times, Grace Place, Tiny Treasures, Women's Connections and the addition of two full-time pastors.
"It is exciting to witness the growth of the congregation and to learn about the plan on how to accommodate that growth," said Sue.

Strategic Plan Focus Groups

May 4, 2008:
The Strategic Plan Implementation Ministry Action Team (SPI MAT) is actively laying a strong infrastructure to help us usher the Strategic Plan into the future. Thus, they have defined a few key areas of concentration within each focus group for the upcoming months.

The Ministry Focus Group will concentrate on:

• Overseeing the current ministry activities.
• Developing criteria for prioritizing the initiatives of the Ministry Destination.
• Evaluating the best use of the current facility, so that each ministry can flourish within it.
  

The Future Facilities Focus Group will concentrate on:

• Developing a schematic of future facility needs based on anticipated ministry, congregational growth and Ministry Destination.
• Developing the criteria for site selection
• Selecting an architect for the project.

The Finance Focus Group will concentrate on:

• Creating funding models for the purchase of land and construction of the new facility.
• Selecting a capital fund-raiser to assist in the first of three capital campaigns.
  

The Communication Focus Group will concentrate on:

• Developing a comprehensive communication plan to inform the congregation of the progress of every aspect of the Strategic Plan.
• Implementing the communication plan in an effective and timely fashion.
• Exploring avenues for the congregation to provide input concerning the progress of the Strategic Plan.

In the upcoming weeks, we will keep you posted as these focus groups begin the tasks in front of them. We appreciate your prayers as we move forward to fulfill our Strategic Plan.

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Kesse, SPI MAT project manager, at 251-8324.

Moving Ahead with the Strategic Plan

April 27, 2008:
The Strategic Plan that the congregation approved in March is moving forward with the formation of a Ministry Action Team to oversee its implementation. The Strategic Plan Implementation Ministry Action Team will have ten members working in four areas: Ministry Destination, Future Facilities, Finance and Communication. One staff member and one ministry partner (member of Gloria Dei) will be assigned to lead each group, which will include additional ministry partners to help accomplish the Strategic Plan. In addition, this SPI MAT will have a recording secretary and project manager.
In future articles we will explore the work of each of these teams on the SPI MAT. In the meantime, the most important step is laying a strong infrastructure so we can implement the Strategic Plan in an organized and deliberate manner. Currently, no further action has been taken to select land for the congregation to consider for our relocation. An investigation of possible sites will be conducted early this summer. Informational meetings will be held about the sites and input from the congregation will be gathered. The congregation will need to approve any purchase of land through a vote; the date of that vote has not been set.

Strategic Plan Voting Results

March 9, 2008:
The Governing Board requested a congregational vote on March 1-2, 2008. The results are as follows:

The Strategic Plan has been approved.

Yes votes:  ( 72.5%) 

March 1, 2008:
Strategic Plan Vote
This weekend the members of Gloria Dei will be voting on the proposed Strategic Plan. We need every member 18 years and older to participate in this vote so we can hear God speak through the collective voice of our congregation. It is vitally important that every member spend the time studying the Strategic Plan and praying before they vote. If you have missed one of the Cottage Meetings, Open Forums, or were unable to read the mailing that has been sent out, please spend some time today looking at those important documents. If you have not received the Strategic Plan and DVD presentation, please pick them up at the Information Center in the narthex or ask one of the elders. In addition, information can be found on our Web site (www.gloriadeionline.com) under the Strategic Plan tab.
Please keep this entire process in your prayers as we collectively work together to bring Jesus Christ to people for the first time and a lifetime.
Details and Qualifications
Voting stations will be located in rooms 130 and 132. Members will sign in and receive a paper ballot. The completed ballot will be placed in a secured container. Ballots will be counted immediately following the close of voting on Sunday, March 2, 2008.
In order for the Strategic Plan to be accepted by the congregation, the vote will require that 2/3 of those who voted will have voted in favor of the Strategic Plan.
Absentee Ballots
Please note: If you requested an absentee ballot, you will not be able to receive another ballot this weekend; however, you can place your absentee ballot in the secured ballot container during voting hours.
The Results
Votes will be tabulated by a committee of eight individuals: Brenda Bartels, Sarah Hensel, Tom Westby, Devin Wren, Diane Young, Diane Greenwood, Marv Rohn, and Mark Pierson. In total, they represent the Governing Board (two), the Board of Elders (two) and the congregation at large (four).
Results will be posted on our Web site (www.gloriadeionline.com) Monday, March 3 at 8 a.m. and by a postcard announcing the results will be sent to all member families.

Weekly Word Archive Articles
If you cannot view the videos, take some time and read the articles that correspond to the videos.
Past Successes: Sept. 23, 2007 (page 2)
Worship Trends: Oct. 14, 2007 (page 2)
Life Cy le of the Church: Oct. 21, 2007 (page 2)
Facilities Usage Oct. 28, 2007 (page 2)
Stewardship Nov. 11 (page 2)
Demographics Dec. 9 (page 2)

For more information:
Governing Report

Several questions surfaced during the recent Cottage Meetings and Open Forums, click here to review them.