Vision and Assessment Team Update August 2022

 

Results of the Ministry and Ministerial Assessment

 Thank you for your participation in the Minister and Ministerial Assessment of 2022. There were many thoughtful responses and ideas expressed in the assessment. Gratitude and appreciation were mentioned for the many things the minister, the ministerial teams and the leadership did well in the past two years. There were also suggestions for ways to improve and an indication of the type and amount of involvement participants of Skyland church were ready to do next.

 We heard from approximately three-fourths of those who received the survey and could be expected to respond. Jackie and Paula analyzed the results and Jackie presented them to the Council. The following are the analysis of the results by assessment category excerpted from the Council minutes written by John Heyes:

A.      Worship Service –

a.     Asked to identify aspects of services that members like, 78% named sermons, and 65% music. 30% mentioned the church community being together. 22% noted the appropriate length of sermons.

b.     28% reported liking prayer time; 25% cited communion as important.

c.     Asked what would make services better, 35% cited an end to Covid restrictions. 29% answered more people in the sanctuary. 16% reported satisfaction with services as they are.10% asked for better sound.

B.    Leadership

a.     Participation as a member or as a leader in activities is considered very important by 56% and somewhat important by 28%.

b.     84% praised the work of Reverend Melanie and Skyland’s leadership during the pandemic: keeping us together and calming fears. Two members noted an excess of caution. One stated that outreach was inadequate.

c.     Asked what the pastor and leadership do well, 40% mentioned communication. Others said keeping members safe, consideration for elderly persons, and Reverend Melanie’s guidance and availability.

C.    Community Engagement

a.     77% of respondents want to add community-gathering activities. 19% stated “don’t know or unsure.” 4 % prefer to continue as is.

b.     52% would like to share meals and have Revision events with meals.

c.     26% favor activities for families, especially those with children.

d.     Other ideas: Harvest Festival (11%), events like Soothing Series (7%), book club (7%).

e.     57% volunteered limited help or no help with events. 20% identify as willing to help but not organize. 10% would help with meals.

D.    Pastoral Care

a.     94% reported that their needs were met, many expressing enthusiasm.

b.     96% stated that requests for pastoral care were always fulfilled.

c.     One member questioned the sufficiency of pastoral care.

The more detailed results have been discussed with the Deacons in addition to the Council.  Jackie Seymour (representing Vision and Assessment), John Heyes (representing Pastoral Relations) and John Conkle (representing the church leadership) will meet with Rev. Melanie when she returns from her vacation.

Although the process was arduous, its importance was abundantly clear. Many thanks for helping our church to strengthen and grow.    

The Vision and Assessment Team,

Jackie Seymour, Paula Leary, Mike Mahrle and Lesley Louden  

___________________________________________________________

Skyland Community Church, United Church of Christ
25100 Skyland Road
Los Gatos, CA 95033
phone: 408-353-1310
USPS mail: Skyland Church
P.O. Box 245
Los Gatos, CA 95031-0245
Website 



Location: 25100 Skyland Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033, USA

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