We have had an exciting time here at Rosemont over the past few months.
Our new sound system has been in operation since last September and as we learn more, the sound is getting better all the time.
Our Christmas Eve service was quite amazing. We had a computer projector with PowerPoint presentations, video from shut-ins, and excerpts from our children's Christmas concert. We also had a band, a quartet, part of our choir, a piano instrumental, and a couple of skits. With the equipment we borrowed and our new sound system, we were able to pull off a fairly good projection-with a great message of course.
We have finally made some decisions about the bequest money that we were given. We used some to pay off existing roof debt and the rest we are spending on carpet, an industrial dishwasher, windows, and renovations to our choir loft. That will make it a more open space that can be used for bands, larger choirs and drama.
We budgeted a deficit for 2001, and by the end of the year we were ahead by a few thousand dollars. That worked so well that we budgeted for an even larger deficit for 2002. It's exciting because we are going to invest in people by paying for an organist and other staff.
We started having upbeat music to start the service in September, about three songs. The poll we did showed that most people like our new format. Three new families told Jeeva Sam (our minister) that one of the reasons they are coming is because of the variety of the music.
In the poll we did about music we asked if the congregation would support an alternate worship experience specifically designed to reach out to the unchurched. Over 90% supported the idea, even if they may not attend it themselves. To that end we decided to put some resources toward investigating who are the unchurched and what type of service they would be interested in.
We would appreciate any ideas. Thanks and God Bless.
Barry Sudom was chair of the Board at Rosemont United Church when the Centre facilitated an extensive transformation process for the congregation. You can contact Barry by e-mail at: bsudom@sk.sympatico.ca.
Newsletter Vol. 8 No. 3 April 2002