The Council of Elders is pleased to announce that Southbrook Church has initiated a strategic planning process. Our intention is to develop a plan that is visionary, long range, comprehensive, mission based and realistic. Many aspects of the plan will be developed with a five year focus. The final report from the planning process will address the following topics: attendance/membership, ministry plan, staffing plan, future site, facilities, and funding.

In order to facilitate the planning process we have done two things. First, a Strategic Planning Committee has been appointed. Members of the committee are: Chuck Lamson (chair), Donna Laufer, Jeff Schreiner, John Ritzman, Jonathan Misirian, Paul and Jenny Meyer, Randy Dohs, Russ Stinebaugh and Sean Luellwitz. Secondly, we have contracted with a nationally known church consulting organization, Meitler Consultants to help lead the planning process. The firm's central office is located at 9415 W. Forest Home Avenue in Hales Corners and our consultants will be Neal Meitler and Alan Meitler. Both are quite familiar with the "brook churches" and with Southbrook itself.

The pastoral staff, congregation members and attendees will be involved periodically as the planning process moves forward. Focus groups and listening sessions will be scheduled. We will make a concerted effort to keep you informed about progress using news releases such as this, or through other means of communication. The initial meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee has been scheduled during the first week of January. Our hope is to have a final report ready for the Elders to present to the congregation by mid-fall.

Please remember to pray for the planning process. Our desire is to develop a plan that enables Southbrook Church to effectively evangelize, teach, and grow as a body of believers on the south side of Milwaukee. Feel free to share your ideas and thoughts with the planning committee. We look forward to the Lord's blessings and an exciting future.

Questions or Comments? We would like to hear from you during this process. Please direct all correspondence regarding the planning committee to: Chuck Lamson (Chair): clamson@wi.rr.com, 414-427-1671 (h).