Click here for the agenda and survey results from
"A Closer Look: Building & Budget" (5/14)

It was an active and informative evening, as over 85 people participated in the final “A Closer Look: Building and Budget”.  Highlights of the Facility Study were shared with regard to where we are currently with this wonderful and complex facility we call our Christ Church home. The top 5 short/long term repairs recommended by the study were shared.  There was also an opportunity to dream big about what people would like to see at CUMC.     

The rest of the evening was devoted to discussing the CUMC budget. It was an education on where we are financially as a church.  Ideas and opinions were then shared on how to keep our budget and the financial operations of the church healthy.   

If you were unable to be present at one or more of the “A Closer Look” sessions, you can view the Power Point presentations on line at the church website www.christumc.net by selecting “CUMC Visioning”.  You will find the presentations for each of our “A Closer Look” sessions, and a narrative discussion of how each evening progressed. 

Thank you for sharing in the first step of this exciting and informative Vision process! The continued honesty and insight have made these 5 sessions a huge SUCCESS!!

Click here for the agenda and survey results from
"A Closer Look: Mission and Outreach" (5/7)

A Closer Look: Mission and Outreach summary: We had another interesting, lively and fruitful discussion, as this week we talked about what it means for the people of Christ Church to be engaged in missions in the U. S. and around the world, and what might be meaningful for us to pursue in the future. 

We began our discussion with why mission is important, followed by identifying ways individuals and families can become involved.  Many opportunities for local hands-on projects, in addition to national and international options were suggested. 

The rest of the evening was devoted to discussing the importance of addressing social justice issues. 

Tonight’s discussion resulted in requests for educational programs addressing missions and social justice issues. 

Click here for the agenda and survey results from
"A Closer Look: Worship and Adult Education" (4/30)

A Closer Look:  Worship and Adult Education Summary: This week we focused on the important role worship and adult education plays in our daily lives. Acknowledging the importance of life-long learning, suggestions were made about the different types of classes that would nourish growth and equip us to face life’s challenges.We were surprised to learn that sixty percent of people in South Hills don’t attend church, prompting discussion about whether we are being intentional about inviting people to church; and if we are not, why not.What motivates people to worship, the importance of different types of worship services, and ways we can make worship more meaningful were also discussed. 

Sign-up to attend next week’s session (5/7), “A Closer Look: Missions and Outreach”.

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"A Closer Look: Children and Youth" (4/23)

"Children and Youth Ministry" was the topic for our second “A Closer Look” Wednesday evening session (4/23).  Discussion centered on the importance of these ministries not only for our children and youth but for future generations. We talked about the everyday challenges families face in keeping their children/youth involved, and the importance of making sure our programs are current and relevant. Some of the youth were present and shared with us that in addition to fellowship, local mission opportunities are very important to them. 

We also looked at the real needs these ministry areas have such as transportation, volunteers, and more and updated spaces. 

Be sure to sign up to attend the remaining “A Closer Look” sessions.  Your input is important! These have proven to be fun and insightful evenings.

Click here for the agenda and survey results from
"A Closer Look: Christ Church" (4/16)

Summary of the first meeting (4/16): "A Closer Look: Christ Church": Excitement and anticipation were high for the first "A Closer Look" Wednesday night as people gathered to hear the survey results. We began by sharing demographics, the five most important areas or programs at Christ Church, and our strengths and weaknesses. Together we worked on addressing two of the areas identified by the congregation that need improvement, developing a greater sense of community within our church, and improving communications within Christ Church.

The discussions were lively and honest, producing lots of ideas for improvement. Watch for details as we begin to implement many of these suggestions designed to increase a deeper sense of community and better communications at Christ Church. Be sure to sign up to attend the remaining "A Closer Look" sessions and have your ideas heard.