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6. Program Planning
Good Programs Don’t Just Happen
They are the result of:
- careful thought
- prayer
- work
- initiative
- enthusiasm
Who Plans?
Individuals could be appointed to plan various meetings and/or events. Or a Program Committee could be appointed by the executive and approved by the group as a whole. The Program Convenor should be a member of the executive. In very small groups, the executive might serve as the Program Committee.
The Executive and the Program Committee should have a thorough discussion of what the group hopes to accomplish through programs, keeping in mind the needs, interest, resources and particular abilities of the members.
Availability of Materials
An abundance of supplies of materials for programs can be procured from many sources:
- programs packets produced and/or recommended each year by the WMS
- Glad Tidings, Presbyterian Record, Stories of
Mission
, and Acts and Proceedings of the General Assembly
- Videos and recordings available from the The Book Room (see below) for a service charge or from local public libraries and audio-visual centers
- Books and periodicals from public and school libraries
- Presbyterial WMS Secretaries, Regional Staff and WMS Executive Staff
- Members of the community having some special connection with the specific program area.
- Books on methods of program planning and presentation available from The Book Room,
50 Wynford Dr.
,
Toronto
,
ON
M3C 1J7
1-800-619-7301 bookroom@presbyterian.ca
Use of Materials
The Program Committee should:
- review current
Mission
study materials and recommend how they may use it. A considerable amount of material is recommended each year so that groups may have a variety from which to choose. It is not expected that each group will use all the material each year.
- Search out other materials needed for the group
- Search out areas of community need for which the group should have concern
- Seek suggestions from members of the group
- Consider special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Thankofferings, visits with other groups
- Prepare an outline for the year and submit it to the group for approval
- Make a plan for advertising each meeting both to members of the congregation and to others in the community
- Assign responsibility for preparation and presentation of particular meetings. How this assignment is made will vary according to the size and wishes of the group. Sometimes the group is divided into sub-groups at the beginning of the year, each with responsibility for a program or a series; sometimes one individual is given the responsibility and asked to invite others to work with her.
- Keep in mind that the more people involved in each meeting, the greater the interest.
- Keep in mind also the varying talents of the members. Both the leader and the helper are needed.
Worship is Essential
Worship should be an integral part of each program. It should be planned in keeping with the theme and content of the program, and in cooperation with those presenting the program. The offering should be received as part of worship.
The Method of Presentation is Important
The difference between the ordinary and the unique often is found in the finishing touches. Every effort should be put forth to make each program as interesting and attractive as possible. Check that all the small details have been taken care of i.e., equipment on hand and people prepared.
Be relevant
- Watch for opportunities to keep the group up to date on mission.
- Draw attention to relevant articles in newspapers and current publications.
- Information, posters and pamphlets are available from Education for
Mission
,
50 Wynford Dr.
,
Toronto
,
ON
M3C 1J7
.
- Arrange for news items of happenings and activities of missionary personnel to be presented at meetings. Look for information in the Glad Tidings, Presbyterian Record, Presbyterian Message,
Mission
Update, Presbyterian World Service and Development or local press.
Evaluate
Evaluate the activities of the group from time to time to be sure that the programs are fulfilling the purposes intended.
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