New Church Life November/ December 2015 | Page 59

Church News Compiled by Bruce Henderson general church board At the General Church Board of Director meetings September 25-26 in Bryn Athyn an update was presented on the Strategic Plan, broken out into five major goals: 1. Educate and equip children and young people for regeneration and an eternal life of usefulness 2. Reach out with the truths of the New Church and welcome new receivers into the New Church 3. Strengthen engagement within the Church, providing avenues for greater participation in the life of the Church (i.e., young adults, women) 4. Develop an overall interactive communication plan to promote the uses of the Church 5. Develop, engage and retain highly qualified people who best align with our strategic goals and have the capacity to advance the Church’s mission Given the broad number of objectives (26) supporting these goals, the board encouraged more focus on a smaller list of objectives, with necessary resources. A committee will work with board member Jake Brown to bring a more finalized version to the Board before Christmas. Vice President The Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss Jr., Vice President of the Board, reported that Charity Works Initiative is seeking to market its program by hiring part-time staff. He is continuing to work with African congregations on prioritizing projects and sustainability. General Church Education met with the Academy Girls School Conjugial Love Committee for an update on its work. 605