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In recent months, two surveys of our congregation were taken; one to identify how members most often receive communication about church events and the other to determine hopes and dreams for the music and arts program of the church. The staff and committees of the church are grateful to all respondents for providing suggestions that will help direct future programming.
Communication Survey
Nearly half of the worshiping congregation responded to the survey (more than 130 persons). Only one was received from a person less than 20 years of age. The largest group of respondents was between the ages of 51 and 70 (49%), while 8% were in the 31-40 age group, 14% in the 41-50 age group, and 27% in the 71+ age group. Of all the respondents, 71% indicated that they attend weekly and 27% attend twice a month. Of the 27% who attend twice a month or less, half were less than 50 years of age. The largest percentage of respondents live within 5-25 miles of the church, 16% live within 5 miles and 9% live more than 25 miles from the church.
The survey results showed that our Sunday bulletin is the number-one way people obtain information about church events and the number-one way they prefer to receive information (84%). The next highest communication tools were our web site and electronic newsletter. Although our newspaper, Outlook, is the least used tool, it is mailed every other month and therefore typically provides information about what has happened at the church rather than what is about to happen. Interestingly, 65% of our survey respondents asked for some kind of monthly news communication. It was also apparent from the results that a postal mailing of current church news and upcoming events is needed for persons who do not use computers.
As a result of this survey, the Outlook will soon become a monthly publication that persons can choose to receive on-line or have mailed. It will still be published by the publishing house of The United Methodist Church because they can do so much more affordably than we can. The subscription list will be reduced to the minimum allowable number to save mailing costs. Every effort will continue to be made to make our weekly electronic newsletter and bulletin announcements user-friendly.
Music & Arts Survey
This survey was completed by members of chancel, gospel and bell choirs, parents of singing children, youth and also by congregational members who do not participate in any of the church's performing arts. An overwhelming theme reported in the survey was an appreciation for the variety of music found at UCUMC (styles, composers, performances, instruments, etc.). Some persons requested more upbeat (less slow) hymns, and others want more well-known, traditional hymns. Some also mentioned that every verse of a hymn does not need to be sung.
In terms of musical hopes and dreams for our arts program, the survey comments reflected the diversity of our church membership. Comments ranged from, "Please give us less 'high church' music," "Too much traditional church music alienates me and makes me wonder why I am here," and "I want music that is uplifting and joyful; not 'I am waiting to die music'" to "We need more standard classics such as Messiah, Creation, and other music from Beethoven, Mozart and Bach."
Requests ranged from more gospel music that raises the roof to more orchestral music during services. Desires for opportunities that involve our youth, the addition of more contemporary Christian rock, jazz music and more contemporary dance were also on the wish list! Our Director of Music and Arts, Nathaniel Motta, has his work cut out for him as he attempts to satisfy all these varied wants and needs!
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