Rich Traditions Proposal

Submitted By: Don Brooks, Lindsay Brooks, and Lori Vinciguerra

Approved by Council on Ministries: November 10, 1999

Background

Some recently active junior members of Old South United Methodist Church have come to realize that we may be a bit myopic in our view and understanding of the breadth and depth of the spiritual history of Old South Church. We have paused to realize that our feelings of excitement about the activity and involvement of people in programs at our church may be another cycle in a long tradition of the ebb and flow in our Church's history. We have also come to realize that we may not be effectively working the longtime members in a way that builds upon past experiences and success.

We would like to increase our knowledge, understanding and connection with the rich traditions of the Holy Spirits' work at Old South. We would also like to improve our relationships with and appreciation for longtime members that have made significant contributions to the strength and character of our church. Finally, we would like to help the whole congregation develop a greater appreciation for how God has been active within the rich history of Old South. In response to these desires we would like to propose a series of activities entitled Rich Traditions at Old South United Methodist Church. The kind of activities suggested so far include:

1. A church bulletin board (Ed Palmer may have pictures that could be used
2. A series of articles in the "Family Visitor" where senior members share their insights about how God has blessed Old South
3. Some "story-telling" type forum for senior members to talk about the Holy Spirit at work within Old South and possibly rekindle or initiate needed programs at Old south
4. A meal or series of meals prepared for the senior members by the junior members of the church.
5. Possibly a written church history (if it does not already exist)
6. Addition of a "history section" to our church web-site
7. Support for the Heritage Sunday
8. Possibly some "more permanent", timeline like mosaic

One strong desire is to find a way to create a forum for senior members of the church to share personal perspectives about spiritually significant historical events or activities within the life of Old South.

Before any further work is done on this proposed project, it is imperative that we identify a group of people to act as a steering committee for these activities. Currently, three people have volunteered for this project; Lori Vinciguerra, Lindsay Brooks & Don Brooks. Several others have expressed interest and may possibly be willing to be part of the committee. These include Joan Spence & Ed Palmer. Note that many others may be interested and willing; however, no significant effort has yet been made to recruit people.

If this proposal is approved by the appropriate powers of the church, an outline of suggested activities is listed below:

1. Identify Steering Committee
2. Determine if any funding might be available
3. Meet to decide specific objectives and activities
4. Prepare a budget and obtain funding if required
5. Assign tasks and personnel for specific projects
6. If needed, recruit additional personnel for help