How does REDEEMER CONNECTIONS WORK?
To sum it up in 5 words - Choice, Voice, Circles, Dialogue and Facilitation (not presentation). Run by and for Redeemerites. We start and end together in Coffelt Hall. In between that, there are 2 sessions with multiple rooms and topics. During the sessions, you go to any of the rooms you’d like to at any time. You’re not being rude by staying in one room the whole time or going to another room because this is about you as a learner and leader in the church. Redeemer Connections rooms are not presentations. The facilitators are trained in how to facilitate connection - where the goal is everyone sharing and “ministering” to each other. The facilitator is not “in charge” - the room is. The topics are requested and suggested by Redeemerites.

Action and Impact
AFTER Redeemer Connections happens and it happens organically throughout the parish within small groups of people as well as with ministry teams and clergy. 
While Redeemer Connections circles are not committees (after all attendance is optional, go to whatever room you want at any time)-- the connection and the dialogue experienced in the circles has spun off new ministries, expanded others and led to shifts or innovations across Redeemer.  Redeemer Connections meets needs, builds trust, allowing people to feel “open” - wanting to engage and contribute.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Redeemer Connections 1
Redeemer Connections 1 was about connection, seeing each other in new ways and building relationships, even with ‘very familiar’ people! The overall focus of the four facilitated rooms was integration - connecting the past (stories and laughter) to today and into the future. Common ground.

Redeemer Connections 2
Redeemer Connections 2 saw the beginning of “Collaboration Circles” in two of the four rooms - to share ideas and begin to open up to possibilities on topics of interest to parish. Many sticky notes were written, sorted and posted/shared publicly with the parish on a tri-fold board.
4 things the parish wants, per sticky notes and feedback in rooms
1) Creative All-parish events (“fun” ones, service-based, etc)
2) Interest-based Small Group gatherings - many different ones, per needs and interests
3) Deepen and grow my faith  
4) Contribute to and serve others - internally and externally  
    in maybe some ‘new’ ways and to have input on the emergence of things

Redeemer Connections 3
Connection and Collaboration continued at Redeemer Connections 3. Highlights were two collaboration rooms – one to brainstorm and innovate around NICC and one to brainstorm and innovate for future Redeemer families and children. Actionable change occurred this summer in both the NICC and Family/Children approach (2023) from the sharing and dialogue in these rooms.

54 Universal Human Needs Were Met

Impact of Redeemer Connections
Relational Data and Actions

• Palpable Increase in energy, enthusiasm, happiness, smiles & connection - for example, in-between services and after church over fruit, sweets and coffee in Coffelt Hall

• Palpable increase in engagement and willingness to contribute or get involved  

• Increased, sustained attendance at church 

• NICC innovation – 

  • This summer, opened Saturdays, began reading to kids, and much more

• Children’s Ministry innovation –

  • VBS held on summer 2023 Sunday mornings instead of during one week – large group of children attended, including new families and faces

  • Fall 2023, expanded Sunday School volunteer group as well as children’s ministry 

  • New Children’s play area created in Coffelt Hall

• Table talk – dinner rotation groups 

• What else? What have you noticed or been part of?

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WHAT TOPICS WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONNECT, STRENGTHEN OR COLLABORATE ON IN FUTuRE CONNECTIONS?

Quantitative Data across all 3 Redeemer Connections Gathering
 
Attendance 

• 92 people attended total

• 45 of the 92 attended more than one

Number of Universal Human Needs Met

• All 64 human needs on our list were met -- by each other!

Did you feel seen, heard and valued at Redeemer Connections?
100% of respondents across all 3 Redeemer Connections said Agree or Strongly Agree, the majority saying strongly agree.