(Note: This list will be available at the Annual Meeting. Some of these items were presented to the Session at its 2008 Retreat).
Look at this list and consider checking one or more that YOU are willing to explore and work on in terms of need, feasibility, and how it might be addressed. Of course, we can't tackle all of this but hopefully you can find concerns that you want to work on and be part of.
1. What does it mean to be across the street from Bellport high School? Can a relationship be developed to the benefit of both our Church and the School? Explore specific areas for program development. Eg. A Peacemaking Essay Contest, space for tutoring, et.al
2. What can be our relationship to Brookhaven Town House and the Health facility on Beaver Dam Road? What kind of volunteers are necessary, what kind of programs might be helpful?
3. We presently collect food for a food pantry. Is it feasible to be more involved in soup kitchens, food pantries?
4. The Carriage House is now available for either groups or for our own programming weekday mornings. Are there particular seminars, programs or other activities that could benefit individuals with particular needs? Eg. Senior citizens, single parents.
5. We have stated that environmental/ecological concerns are a priority for us. We did some initial programming in this regard and took some steps to become more energy efficient. Where do we go from here? Future programs, future steps taken for our church life and individual lives.
6. Social and political issues. Which one(s) are YOU willing to work on? This may include formulating statements in support of a particular policy, legislation, etc.
a. immigration
b. hunger
c. housing
d. the Middle East
e. same sex marriage legislation
f. gun control
g. fostering tolerance
h. medical benefits (a national health plan)
i. public education issues
j. Caithness
k. veterans concerns
l. other ………
7. Offering music events to the community (money available to underwrite programs through the Kickerer Fund).
8. Making known the fact that we are a More Light congregation.
9. Art shows in the Gallery
10. Expand the Film program to the larger community.
11. A Speakers program with monthly forums on current events (may relate to item 6).
12. Expand our Yard Sales into 'country fairs' with music. Parking lot dancing and whatever!!!
13. Personal Service to those who need it: shopping, driving to appointments.
14. Ministry to Care Givers: stay with housebound individuals so that care givers can have some free time.
15. Develop a twinning program; a relationship with another congregation in the US or elsewhere for the purpose of learning about each other, maybe meeting particular needs.
16. Relationship with organizations involved in specific ministries: Thursday's Child, The Ministries. et al.
17. Developing closer relationships with other churches in our area, perhaps leading to some joint programming.
18. Relationship to various local organizations.
a. South Country Peace Group
b Greater Bellport Coalition
c. Boys and Girls Club
d. Others: ……
19. Keeping the Community informed;
Developing a relationship with the Advance and other community publications so as to keep them informed of whom we are and what we are about.
