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Urban Outreach Initiatives
Initiatives for 2010 | Interest Survey | Initiative Proposal | Quarterly Report
Review the Urban Outreach Initiatives below and let us know of your congregation's/organization's interest by completing the Interest Survey or submitting an Initiative Proposal.
- Nursing Home Chaplaincy
- Stephen Ministry & Life Coaching
- Wellness & Caring
- Youth Basketball
- Youth & Children
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Communication
- Family Education
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Jeremiah Ministries
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Men's Ministry
- Miscellaneous
- Music & Creative Arts
This initiative is an expansion of our current nursing home outreach to the elderly. It is geared toward pastors who are willing to provide worship or Bible study opportunities to residents on a periodic or weekly basis. Package includes funding for both chaplaincy services and mileage.
Output:
- Weekly worship or Bible study opportunities offered to residents of retirement, nursing or assisted living homes
Outcomes:
- Nursing home residents and staff exposure to God’s word allows for Christian growth and a deeper and more personal relationship with Him
- Visitors, residents and others who don’t know Christ may have exposure to the gospel being preached and taught, thereby allowing for Holy Spirit to work within them and bring them into a personal relationship with Him
- Residents who are nearing end of life issues feel more comfortable discussing issues with a pastor that they see on a regular basis
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- Which nursing homes are you currently at?
- Which nursing homes are you targeting?
This initiative is structured around either a Stephen Ministry Program or a Life Coaching Program that is offered through the church or social agency. Both of these programs are heavily concentrated in a commitment of time for those training to be leaders or care takers.
Stephen Ministry — We are partnering with Sherman Park Lutheran Church's Stephen Ministry program. Your church or social agency must sign up directly with Stephen Ministry at (314) 428-2600 but group training classes will be conducted through Sherman Park's parish nurse and deaconess program. Please contact Joanne Kolton (414) 445-5185.
Life Coaching — Our Life Coaching program is offered through Hales Corners Lutheran Church. There is great value that has been shown in becoming a life coach for Christians. For further information go to: www.explorethezone.com, or call Jessica Kendall (414) 525-7212.
Outputs:
- A highly structured program that would teach the skills involved in Christian caring, coaching and counseling for individuals who are experiencing life changes due to a variety of circumstances.
- Books and materials utilized for the program
Outcomes:
- People are able to cope better with their life’s challenges by working with a Christian Stephen Minister or Life Coach
- People are able to make decisions that impact their life in a positive manner by working with a Christian Stephen Minister or Life Coach
- Church is seen as a caring neighborhood organization, not just a place to attend church
This initiative is geared toward senior citizens and would take place in either the church or social agency or at a senior center. It involves offering basic exercise and wellness classes by a certified trainer or instructor and could also combine the services of a nutritionist, gerontologist, and other professionals that are trained to deal with the elderly. We are currently working on several partnerships with the hospital groups at Aurora, Froedtert and Wheaton-Franscian .
The first series will be provided by Froedtert Hospital Community Health Department and is being finalized. This 8-10 week health education series is focused specifically for seniors and will cover areas of nutrition, exercise, medication and various other topics that will be presented by nurses, physicians, and other health professionals from Froedtert. There will also be a referral network set up specifically for those who need medical advice, treatment, or medication.
The first set of seminars will be scheduled to take place at Mount Olive Lutheran Church during the first quarter. This highly chosen initiative will be scheduled directly and paid for by the MMLMS and I ask that you provide me with several starting dates that you would like this to occur.
Outputs:
- A program structured around the health needs of the elderly
- Pre-screening programs such as blood pressure, diabetes and cancer
- Books and materials utilized for the program
Outcomes:
- A healthy elderly neighborhood and community population
- Health care cost saving by early detection of illness
- Church is seen as a caring neighborhood organization, not just a place to attend church
This initiative is an expansion of our current youth basketball program geared toward high school students that are not playing on their school teams. Package includes league fee, gym rentals, and team jersey. Please confirm that your team has been scheduled under Bob Zeman
Outputs:
- Weekly basketball practice and game times for all participants
- Exposure to devotions and/or prayer prior to playing time
Outcomes:
- Youth involvement within a Christian based basketball league will allow for opportunities for witnessing in both word and action
- Ability of young adults and teens to utilize their God-given skills and talents that is productive and healthy in mind, body and spirit
Children and youth are the future of the church. Research has shown the impact that early intervention, training, and educational/activity programs have on a child’s decision making capability and the choices that they make as they get older. We are also reminded in the book of Proverbs about the importance of early training and intervention. The target population is split into two groups and the program should be separated in the church or agency due to the different development levels and capabilities. The groups are 13-18 year olds and those 12 and under. You need to specify which group that you will work with in your program. The focus of the program is to offer children and teens a safe place where they can gather on a weekly basis, participate in activities geared around fellowship, education, making the right choices, tutoring and/or servant based activities and experience a Christ-centered program with caring mentors and adults. Package includes funding for ministry coordinator, food for gatherings, monthly fellowship activities, and Bible study materials.
Outputs:
- Fellowship, servant based and relationship building opportunities
- Creative arts involvement and assessment of potential
- Leadership training and opportunities
Outcomes:
- Youth realize their God-Given talents and abilities that they have and use them in productive and useful ways
- Youth learn, understand and exhibit positive and productive ways to handle emotions
- Youth come to know Jesus Christ as their friend and Savior and realize the potential He has blessed them with
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- Explain what age group you will be focusing on.
- Explain about what type of activities you will include to bring in those who are not members of your church.
- If you are working with 13 year olds and above, please explain what type of activities you will utilize to build leaders.
Communication of the church’s or social agency’s mission, vision, and outreach activities through a number of different venues is pertinent in order to get people involved and keep them informed both inside and outside of the organization. Marketing and branding are becoming common terms not only in business but also in the church as they look for a niche to fill regarding what their community and neighborhood need. While printed materials and email are important, utilizing new aspects of technology such as Twitter, Facebook, and streaming sermons will help to capture the area of young adults between the ages of 18-30. Package includes funding for Web site development and weekly or monthly updates, new technology, marketing materials, and equipment.
Outputs:
- A marketing/communication plan for church/social agency
- A Web site and brochures and pamphlets that provide information pertinent to church/school/agency
- An internal coordinator that updates information daily/weekly as needed
- Training and instruction for all staff and key personnel
Outcomes:
- Community and congregational members are more aware of activities taking place at church and school, increasing participation as well as understanding more about the church's and school's mission, philosophy and values.
- Knowledge, information and communication is available about church and school on a worldwide basis, increasing accessibility
- Parents and congregational members can communicate ideas, suggestions and information easier and to a larger audience in less time
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- What web design or marketing company will you be working with? If you will be doing this internally, who is the person that will be managing this? (For informational purposes only, past customers have worked with Jack Hoeltz (262) 432-5763 at Icthus Technologies and Steve James (414) 755-2190 at Stream Creative.)
- Do you have a web site now? If so, what additions are you considering?
A variety of programs geared toward educating and assisting families within our inner city will open our churches as community-based centers that cares for a number of different needs including the spiritual. We will recommend programs that cover the areas of parenting, fatherhood and motherhood, finances, marriage, and healthy relationships.
Outputs:
- Family educational programs geared toward several different areas such as parenting, finances, marriage and healthy relationships
- Discussion and involvement among participants of programs
- Invitations to other church-related functions and events
Outcomes:
- Individuals and families learn new skills and abilities to cope with their situation
- Participants come to know the community church as not just a place to come on Sundays, but one that is truly interested in all aspects of their lives
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- What company or companies are you are considering and what program or series?
- How long will the program run?
- What is your target audience?
Some companies to consider:
- Compel Them To Come – Johnnie and Debra Fields (members of Bethlehem) (414) 405-7190 offer a variety of family-focused educational programs
- BASICS – Arn Quakkelaar (414) 372-7200 with Brothers and Sisters in Christ Serving
- Cornerstone Financial – Jeff Davis (920) 648-7997 offers programs on financial management. (If there are several churches that are considering this program, we might want to bring the trainers together so that the cost is reduced per site.)
- LCEF – Tim Ditloff (414) 464-8100 offers stewardship programs through the South Wisconsin District
There are two programs that are offered by Linda Zick of Jeremiah Ministry, which we have found are well received by our inner-city schools. The schools are allowed to pick only one of these programs for 2010.
Violence Prevention – This program has been developed as a specific Christian, faith-based violence prevention book for children in grades 4 through 8. The program is called “Our Children as Peacemakers” and is an issue-based discussion and activity program that allows children to confront risks that they face on a daily basis. Package includes funding for trainer, materials, and travel.
Outputs:
- 12 week course for two groups 2 times per week per school
- Includes all books and materials
- Curriculum available for 3 year period
Outcomes:
- Children become pro-active peacemakers in their schools, families and community at large
- Children learn to understand and confront issues about violence
- Children learn new coping skills that are biblically based
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) – This program intends to have fathers takes a more active role in their child’s education by being involved at both home and school. It is run by a retired fireman who has worked with men throughout his life both mentoring and coaching them. Package includes funding for trainer, materials, and travel.
Outputs:
- Monthly program for fathers or significant male figure in child’s life
- Attendance at both child’s school and other support meetings
- Includes all books and materials
Outcomes:
- Father or significant male figure sees importance of being involved and spending time with child/children
- Awaken fathers or significant male figure to the value and benefit of being committed to child
- Child begins to change behaviors and becomes a more productive student
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- What grades will this program targeted?
This initiative is continuing from last year with a greater emphasis now on moving men into opportunities that will enhance both discipling and mentoring. The target population is men 19 years and older. The focus of the program is to provide Bible study and prayer time, men’s fellowship activities, and servant and/or service-based projects that will enhance the neighborhood and community that the church is situated in. Package includes funding for ministry coordinator, food for gatherings, Bible study materials and books, and also miscellaneous materials for servant-based projects.
Outputs:
- Fellowship, sports activities and outings, and other relationship building opportunities
- Bible study, worship and service/servant opportunities
- Mentoring and leadership training and practice
Outcomes:
- Men will realize the importance and necessity of sharing one's abilities and talents with others
- Men will begin to develop or grow closer in a personal relationship with God
- Men will have opportunities to receive support, encouragement and experience brotherhood among each other
- Men will be given opportunities to utilize mentoring, discipling and leadership skills
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- What resources are you considering or have you utilized in the past? (A variety of ideas for Men’s Ministry can be found at Lutheran Hour Ministries Men’s Network.)
- How many men do you anticipate becoming involved?
- What is your target audience in terms of age?
We know that some of our churches and social agencies that were involved last year with our program, may want to continue an initiative that is not listed for 2010, as they decide if this will continue to be a ministry that they want to provide on an on-going basis from their church. The miscellaneous initiative can be utilized for one of the initiatives that the church offers during 2010, and will still follow the regular quarterly plan. Those initiatives available under this program include: Handicapped Accessibility, Holy Smokers and Soup Kitchen.
Handicapped Accessibility:
Output:
- Physical permanent structures that will enhance capability of those who utilize scoters, wheelchairs or walkers to participate in worship and fellowship gatherings
Outcomes:
- Provides for greater accessibility of those who are physically handicapped
- Exhibits a caring Christian community that is concerned with those who are physically handicapped or in wheelchairs
Holy Smokers: (Men’s ministry outreach function of Grace Menomonee Falls – contact Pastor Rob Goodwin at (262) 251-0670
Outputs:
- Men’s ministry team partnership opportunity working together with host church/ministry men
- A free community outreach event that provides fellowship and food
Outcomes:
- Offers a new and unique way to have men become involved with outreach ministry in the church
- Provides congregation opportunity to provide not only food for the body but also for the soul
- Provides initial opportunity for men to develop beginning Christ-Centered relationship with other men who are searching
Soup Kitchen:
Outputs:
- A weekly meal and fellowship offered to community residents
- Invitations to church events including worship, bible study and other fellowship events
- Music and signing at meals coordinated and performed by both church personnel and volunteers
Outcomes:
- Recipients and congregational members develop caring relationship that leads to further assistance and support as needed
- Recipients begin to feel strengthened in body, mind and spirit by assistance that is being given
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- Soup kitchen – Please include anticipated day of week and time of weekly get together.
- Handicapped accessibility – Please include how many members currently utilize walkers, canes, wheelchairs or other motorized devices for getting into church or school building.
Our inner-city schools both public and private lack the resources for providing education and instruction in the areas of art, drama, music, and dance. This initiative will pay for a program structured in one of these areas that includes a curriculum and all of the requirements of providing education to a targeted group of children. The program must be well thought out and documented and must include both a pretest and posttest or other forms of measurement that will show what the students have learned.
Outputs:
- Educational curriculum and program developed in the area of art, drama, music or dance for a targeted group of children
- Pre-testing and post-testing of all students to determine measurement of new skills and abilities acquired
Outcomes:
- Academically challenged students incorporate new learning strategies
- Children vested in creative arts have shown an increase in memory, coordination, cooperation and concentration
- Children who are exposed to music and creative arts programs are able to experience the world and their environment from a broader perspective
Successful Initiative Proposals should include information on the following:
- Name of the person who will be running the program along with their credentials.
- What are the areas of focus (e.g., music, drama, dance)? Please explain in detail.
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