Covenant of the Transformation Visioning Team

Of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church

August 27, 2008

Whereas, the Congregation of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church is and has been experiencing declining or at best static enrollment; and

Whereas, the membership’s financial support is no longer ample to satisfy the annual budget; and,

Whereas, the average age of the congregation is getting older; and

Whereas, the leadership and membership of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church has decided to seriously pursue a path of programs, events, attitudes and spirituality to begin to transform the life of this congregation, in order to preserve the past, grow the present and provide for the future continuation of the life of this church, its family, its programs and contribution to the community and our discipleship of evangelism to invite all into the joy of Christian living and introduce others into a relationship with God:

Therefore, be it resolved that a Transformation Visioning Team has been established by the Session, comprised of Jay Witmoyer, Chairman; Elaine Jordan, Secretary; Marilyn Meikle, Rob Riehl, Jane Peacock, Linda Witmoyer, and Rev. Duncan.

As a commitment to this process the Transformation Visioning Team has constructed and hereby accepts the following Covenant:

Preamble

For nearly 300 years, Old Brick has been involved in ministries of mission, compassion, community, fellowship, peace, praise thru music, bible study and prayer.  The value at the heart of each of these is “Love”.  Our church is “Love”.  When we think about how the church’s love, “God’s love”, has transformed and nourished us, we want to share it!  We want to introduce others to a relationship with God; to feel the blessings of grace and acceptance.  We want Old Brick to continue to be a vital, active sanctuary in our community for generations to come.  In order to make this possible, the Transformation Visiting Team has been assembled.

Sometimes we worry about the future of the church, forgetting that God does not abandon God’s people.  When we are willing to put our trust in God, and grow spiritually, we are better connected to God and we can trust that God will guide us and hold us safely. We believe that if we challenge each other to be all God wants us to be, we will respond and be used by God to help strengthen Old Brick for the next generation.

As we embark on God’s ministry, we are reminded that prayer is absolutely essential to our effectiveness. There is a need for a real (an honest) commitment for growth by all members, if growth is going to occur.  We must work at our spiritual development, not only on Sunday, but daily, as it is a lifelong experience, enabling us to walk hand in hand with our Lord.

May God’s peace strengthen each one of us for the journey that lies before us.

The Transformation Visioning Team

• Will pray for the transformation process and for guidance as they move forward.  We will do this as a group at each of our meetings and privately as we reflect on our specific assignments and tasks.

• Will participate in a retreat led by presbytery’s Consultants for Congregational Transformation on October 18, 2008 at the facilities of Cape May First Presbyterian Church and again 12-18 months into the process.

•  Will be comprised of session members, the pastor and other members of the congregation.

• Will meet at least twice each month with our regularly scheduled meetings for the 1st and 3rd Thursday’s beginning at 3:30PM.

• Will participate in Bible Studies and spend time with God, by taking time for devotions and Bible Study together and individually.

• Will work through a visioning methodology with the assistance of the presbytery’s Consultants for Congregational Transformation using tools such as “Percept” , “Congregational Surveys”, “ Mail Surveys”, and various web site materials available to us.

• Will study written materials regarding transformation, such as but not limited to “A New Kind of Christian” by Brian D. McLaren, “Equipping the Saints”  by Michael J. Christensen, “Holy Conversations” by Gil Rendle and Alice Mann, and “Transforming Congregational Culture” by Anthony B. Robinson .  We will utilize speakers and share resource material as needed, within the budget approved by session.

• Will attend transformation training events offered by the presbytery including but not limited to “ Transformation for Congregations” conducted by Rev. Dr. N. Graham Standish on September 18, 19, 20 at Friendship Church, Sicklerville, NJ.

• The team will construct the monthly communication to the congregation and will present this message during worship.

• Will develop values, vision, and mission statements and plans for implementing them and recommend them to the session at monthly session meetings and to the congregation in various ways including luncheons, suppers, special meetings or written communication.