Survey

Recently, an email was sent out as an informal survey about continuing to have one service on Sunday morning following the vacancy. The email generated a number of responses and discussion. So the Lay Assistants decided to send out a second email with a slightly more detailed survey.

Click on the link below to take the survey. It is very short and only takes about two minutes. It includes the ability to send a more lengthy comment.

As some background, in the past there has been some discussion about going to one Sunday service as our numbers have decreased. During the vacancy starting last June, the congregation has had several months of experience of having only one Sunday service, albeit not at a time most people would prefer. Now seemed like the right time to start a discussion about whether we should continue with only one Sunday service after the vacancy ends. The Saturday evening service will remain in place.

The perceived advantage of having one service on Sunday vs. two services is that having 80 people in one service is more fulfilling than having two services with 40 people each. There are more voices participating in the liturgy and hymns. There is more opportunity to have fellowship with a larger percentage of the congregation. It may be easier to schedule the organists.

The disadvantage of going to one service is that we will never choose the ideal time for everyone. Members who have been dedicated attendees at the 8:00 service or the 10:30 service may not want to change to a different time (particularly after sacrificing their favorite service during the vacancy). They may become disillusioned and transfer to a different church, or worse, stop attending any church.

There is no one right answer. Hence, the survey to try to get a feeling of the desires of the congregation. No decision has been made.

Here are some comments about the survey:

 

Click here to take the survey.