From the Lord of Life 2023–2024 Annual Report
What do 19 volunteers, two air conditioning units, listening, XYZ’s, $1.15M, 900+ hours, and the congregation at Lord of Life have in common? You’re invited to keep reading to find out.
19 volunteers
Lord of Life had expressed need of a new website, messaging support and strategy for community engagement. The Growing Faithfully campaign with $130K in funding was approved by the congregation at the annual meeting in January 2023. In April 2023, the Strategic Leadership team began meeting and by August, the following teams, made up of a diverse group of 14 volunteers and 5 staff members, had been formed to carry out the work of the campaign:
- Strategic Leadership Team (SLT)
- Co-Design Team
- Communication/Logistics Team
- Fundraising Team
- Facilities Team
Two Air Conditioning Units
In July 2023, the SLT approved the expenditure of $91K for the repair of two air conditioning units. This was $39K underbudget.
Listening
Starting in August 2023, the co-design team working with Cambio, a consulting firm authorized for hire by the Council, led Lord of Life in a Strategic Listening Process that that would help us align our identity, structure, and operations for the future of the church and Kids of the Kingdom. This would form the foundation for changes related to the objectives below. Information was gathered through congregation activities, survey responses, meetings with the Kids of the Kingdom board, staff, and church staff, as well as Lord of Life documents.
Objectives outcome areas:
- Facilities maintenance
- Facilities improvements
- Brand identity refresh
XYZ’s and $1.15M
In October 2023, the fundraising team began meeting to define an approach and objectives for the financial aspects of the campaign. Through cottage meetings and videos, you heard about X’s, Y’s, and Z’s—Christ, You, and Zeal. Putting χριστός (Christ) first; turning ourselves towards the “yous” of the world; and sharing our zeal that comes from knowing the love of Christ. Pledge day was March 24, 2024. We currently have $1,151,622 pledged, which is 84.5% of the campaign’s financial goal of $1.4M. This represents participation from approximately 1/3 of our normal giving units. A total of $438,639 has been received to date.
900+ hours
The Communications and Logistics team supported all the campaign activities, handling everything from mass mailings, template designs using the new Growing Faithfully logo, procurement of pledge materials, and communications through multimedia platforms to scheduling meetings.
Analysis from the Listening process was presented by Cambio in February 2024. The Strategic Leadership Team was tasked with reviewing the analysis and providing recommendations to the Congregation Council, which was done in April. The Growing Faithfully teams will celebrate their accomplishments to date and hear a summary of the consultant’s analysis of the Strategic Listening Process in May. The time spent carrying out the work in the various teams is estimated to exceed 900 volunteer man hours.
As we move forward with campaign activities, the facilities team will be reviewing estimates for roof repair. They will also begin defining projects and putting together estimates for recommended changes to the sanctuary and educational areas, including the preschool. These will be based on available funding. Information on this will be shared with the congregation in the coming months. As part of the recommendation to Council, a team will be established to begin work on the brand identity refresh.
The fundraising team with continue to support the campaign with periodic updates and prompting the question, “How is God calling you to grow faithfully?”
All the Growing Faithfully teams have worked hard this year, so that Lord of Life, led by the Spirit, can experience Christ, turn our hearts to others, and share God’s love as a congregation. I continue to “Grow Faithfully” working with such spiritually led teams.
Peace,
Susan Gallup
Strategic Leadership Chairperson