A Vision of Synergy in Ministry

July 15, 2010

Dear Members of UUMC,

You may know that historically there have been times of challenge in the relationship between UUMC and the Wesley Foundation. Such is the time that we face now. We are addressing these challenges in a variety of ways, including through a small working group facilitated by Molly Turner and Greg Lawton, two Lansing District pastors. In addition to the facilitators, the group includes three UUMC representatives and three representatives of the Wesley Foundation. We have met several times and have proposed a vision of our relationship, a list of benefits of shared ministry, and the issues and concerns that we need to address. At each of these stages we have presented our proposals and findings to the Wesley Foundation Board, the Center Board and the Administrative Board.

A Vision of Synergy in Ministry

Synergy is defined as the working together of two things to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual parts. The proposed vision for the relationship between Wesley and our church is one in which our working together would produce greater things for the kingdom of God than we could separately.

The benefits for both of our ministries are numerous, including opportunities for intergenerational mentoring, a greater ability to reach out to college campuses, opportunities to join each other in missions and strengthen our community outreach, and the opportunity to engage in mutual education, fellowship and worship. As well, such synergy in ministry has the potential to be a powerful witness to Christian love and to the connectional nature of our denomination. As United Methodists and as Christians, we can do greater things together than we can apart.

The Challenge

We know, however, that to achieve such synergy, we have to address our areas of conflict. Our working group has identified several areas that we need to address. These include assumptions that we make about each other’s actions or intentions, the perceptions that we have about each other, and the ways in which we communicate with one another. And all of these issues tend to center around concerns about finances and the building.

Much is happening to address these issues.  We are working together to build trust and facilitate fact-finding and discussion. UUMC continues to support Wesley through its giving. As well, the Wesley Foundation is working hard to address challenges with finances, building and staffing. They are also re-envisioning their ministry for the future around a model of an intentional Christian living community for students. Toward this end, Wesley has entered into a partnership agreement with an organization called New Chapter (see www.ournewchapter.com) to explore how to make this vision a reality.

This week the UUMC Trustees met with representatives from New Chapter, members of the Wesley Foundation Board and Rev. Bob Hundley, Lansing District Superintendent, for an informational session. As well, the UUMC Trustees have been involved in various meetings to address ideas and concerns about our shared facilities.

What’s Next?

We know that many of you have concerns about possible changes that might take place through this transition. Please be assured that your pastors, your trustees and other church leaders, as well as the Wesley Foundation Board and the district and conference leadership will do what is necessary to insure the viability of this church and the Wesley Foundation. We will also keep you informed about what is going on. I will be writing regular letters to provide additional information or to generate discussion. Attached to this letter is an update from the Wesley Foundation Board about their process. 

As well, this Sunday, during the 10:30 worship service, I will be sharing worship leadership with Kelly Wasnich, a Wesley Foundation student who is exploring a call to ministry. In addition to prayers and the children’s sermon, she will make an announcement about the Wesley Foundation campaign. We have raised $11,100 for the campaign, but more is needed. Please support Wesley with your giving.

On Sunday, I also will share in worship some of the thoughts expressed in this letter and in the Wesley Foundation Board letter. And, I will be preaching about the need for forgiveness. The sermon title is Remember and Forgive….Forgive and Remember and is based on Matthew 6:12. I hope you are intrigued enough to come.

If you have questions, concerns or ideas you would like to share, please feel free to contact me at kbigham@tds.net or at the church office. Also, please keep all of this in prayer knowing that “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective,” (James 5:16)

Christ’s Blessings,

Pastor Kennetha Bigham-Tsai

A LETTER FROM THE WESLEY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dear University United Methodist Church Leadership,

As you are aware, the Michigan State University Wesley Foundation is in the midst of transition.  One of our goals during this time is to effectively communicate our progress with our students, alumni, and our partners at UUMC.  It is for this purpose that we write this letter.

We are currently undertaking a search to fill the Campus Minister position for MSU Wesley.  The position will be an interim position according to the decision of the Wesley Board in consultation with District Superintendent Robert Hundley.  The position will be part time at 25 hours per week.  With the assistance of Rev. Tuthill, we have worked on a detailed job description for the incoming campus minister.  We have also modified Sue Carley’s position and she will now be operations manager for MSU Wesley, which will help us maintain some continuity through this transition.  The Board of Directors will be accepting applications until July 12, at which time we will choose candidates to interview and finalize our interview team.  A member of UUMC will be invited to participate on the interview team as a part of our hiring process. 

Filling the position of campus minister is not our only transitional undertaking.  MSU Wesley has been in a partnership agreement with New Chapter, a business that helps campus organizations design, build, and run residential communities.  We entered this agreement because it coincides with our core values of building community and it provides us a financially sustainable model for our ministry in the future.  Currently, we are in the midst of a feasibility study.  New Chapter conducts this study on our behalf in order to determine whether or not residential housing in our situation is a financially viable option.  There are several models that are being considered, including using the current MSU Wesley building verses building at a different site.  We will be working with the church to find a way that benefits the Wesley Foundation without hindering the ministry of UUMC.  New Chapter will report back to our board and then we will decide how to proceed.  If New Chapter determines that residential housing is a feasible option and MSU Wesley opts not to follow through, then MSU Wesley will pay a sizable fee in order to recoup the cost of the study.  If New Chapter determines that residential housing is not feasible, then the project will not proceed and MSU Wesley does not owe New Chapter anything.  We will be in communication with UUMC as we move forward in this process in order to keep the church informed, as well as to receive feedback in regards to future decisions.

These times of transition can be stressful.  However, our task as the Wesley Foundation remains the same, and that is to connect young adults to God, a Christian community, and opportunities to serve.  We have put a great deal of work into developing our guiding values, which are built around community.  We are a community of faith, of fellowship, of diversity, of support, of seeking, and of service.  The Wesley Foundation Board is dedicated to facilitating ministry and outreach to college students in the East Lansing and Lansing areas to the best of our ability.  We are clearly guided by our mission and our values. Our mission and values, along with our strategic plan are available on our website: www.msuwesley.com. 

During our past board meeting, we received a Synergy in Ministry report from Rev. Molly Turner and Rev. Greg Lawton on behalf of a joint committee consisting of representatives from MSU Wesley and UUMC.  We were pleased and encouraged by the signs of progress that have been made.  Furthermore, the board noted the many shared goals between UUMC and MSU Wesley, and we look forward to our continued partnership.  If you have any questions about the Campus Minister position or our partnership with New Chapter, please contact someone on the Wesley Board and we will answer any questions to the best of our ability.  Questions and concerns can also be directed to Amber Schultz at aschultz829@gmail.com, who is the chairperson of the MSU Wesley Foundation Board of Directors. Thank you for your partnership in ministry and for your continued prayers as we serve our Lord Jesus Christ together. 

Sincerely,

MSU Wesley Foundation Board of Directors