First United Church Survey 2005

Following are the primary results of the survey:

· Five hundred and thirteen (513) survey forms were hand delivered to the address of record of the membership of the First United Church.

· One hundred and twenty six (126) completed surveys were returned. This provided a rate of return as follows:

126 / 513 = 24.56 Percent

This return rate is considered to produce reliable results, as expressed below (with limitations as specified).

Detailed Survey Results
& Preliminary Analysis

· We asked the gender of the person completing the survey forms. One hundred and twenty five (125) of the 126 respondents answered this question. 83 surveys or 66.4% were completed by females and forty two (42) or 33.6% were completed by males.

· 100% of the respondents confirmed that they are members of the First United Church, Corner Brook.

· We asked where the congregation members live. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
City of Corner Brook, East of Corner Brook Stream 67 55.8 %
City of Corner Brook, West of Corner Brook Stream 48 40.0 %
Town of Steady Brook 1 0.8 %
East of the Town of Steady Brook 0 0.0 %
West of the City of
Corner Brook (George's Lake/Gallants) 0 0.0 %
Town of Mount Moriah 0 0.0 %
Town of Massey Drive 3 2.5 %
North Shore, Bay of Islands 0 0.0 %

South Shore, Bay of Islands 1 0.8 %
Other 0 0.0 %
Total 120 100.0 %

The total response rate to the question dealing with where members reside was 95.2%. The vast majority (95.8%) live within the Corner Brook City limits.

Massey Drive is the second most popular residential area for First United members (2.5%). This is the case due primarily to the fact that there are three (3)
United Churches in the area. Only 6 respondents refused to indicate their area of residence.

· Thirty three (33) or 26.2% of respondents indicated that they were baptized at the First United Church. This indicates that many members of the congregation have moved to Corner Brook from other places (or other churches) where they were baptized.

· Twenty seven (27) or 21.4% of respondents indicated that they were confirmed at the First United Church. This indicates that many members of the congregation were confirmed outside Corner Brook, or received confirmation at another church in the area.

· Fifty one (51) respondents or 40.5% were married at the First United Church. Forty nine percent (49%) either were not married at First United, or did not answer the question.

· Forty six (46) respondents or 36.3% responded in the affirmative to the question of their marriage taking place at the First United Church. Eighty (80) respondents to the survey did not indicate whether they were married there of not.

· We asked about the members of the congregation who had one or more children baptized and/or confirmed at First United. Eighty (80) members or 63.3% indicated in the affirmative, while 46 survey respondents did not indicate whether they had children baptized and/o confirmed there or not.

· Nine (9) respondents or 7.1% indicated they have a situation regarding transfer as follows:

Spouse transferred to First United 1
Baptized/Married Grand Falls, NL 1
Presbyterian 1
One child married at First United 1
St. Matthews United, Woody Point 1
Moved from Howley as a child. 1
Baptized in church elsewhere in NL 2
Moved to Corner Brook 1
Total 9

This indicates that the vast majority of the congregation has its roots in the Corner Brook area.

· Regarding transfers from another church to the First United Church forty seven (47) respondents gave the source from which they transferred, as follows:

Corner Brook 10
Elsewhere in Newfoundland and Labrador 20
Other Provinces 6
Other Countries 3
Did Not Specify 8
Total 47

Of the 47 survey respondents that answered this question 20 transferred from a church elsewhere in Newfoundland and Labrador. Another 10 transferred from another church in the Corner Brook area.

· Respondents were asked how long they have been associated with the First United Church. The one hundred and twenty three (123) people who answered this question responded as follows:

1 year or less 2 1.6 %
2 - 3 years 4 3.3 %
4 - 5 years 1 0.8 %
6 -10 years 2 1.6 %
11-15 years 2 1.6 %
16 - 20 years 7 5.7 %
21 - 25 years 11 8.9 %
26 - 50 years 52 42.3 %
Over 50 years 42 34.1 %
Total 123 100.0 %

This indicates that the vast majority of members have been associated with the First United Church 16 or more years. In all one hundred and five members or 85.3% are in this ‘elder member’ category. This points out very clearly that there is a very low level of recruitment on the membership front.
Church of Cana has a program entitles “Emerging Spirit’ which addresses, in part, the problem of retention in the age group 35 to 45.
· We asked respondents for their marital status. The following response was recorded:

Married 83 66.9 %
Single 22 17.7 %
Common Law Relationship 0 0.0 %
Widowed 19 15.3 %
Other 0 0%
Total 124 100.0 %

The response rate to this question was very high at over ninety eight percent (98%), thus this statistic is very reliable.

· We asked respondents to tell us about a spouse or dependent living in their household who attend services at another church – other than First United.

Twelve (12) or 12.5% indicated that they had household members in this category, while 87.5% indicated that they did not. It should be pointed out that over 20% of respondents did not indicate either “yes” or “no” to this question.

· Approximately 7.9% of respondents indicated that their spouse attended a church other than First United.

Number
St. John the Evangelist, Corner Brook 1
Catholic 1
Wesley United, St. John's 1
Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer 2
Roman Catholic 1
Salvation Army, Pentecostal, Catholic 1
All Hallows, Corner Brook 1
Anglican 1
Sunrise Ministries Youth Group 1
Total 10

There is some doubt regarding the validity of this result due to the nature of the specific responses. This question may have been misinterpreted by some respondents. Notwithstanding this deficiency 10 people responded:

· We asked respondents how often they attended church at the First United. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Average once each week 45 36.0 %
Average two or three times each month 46 36.8 %
Average once each month 12 9.6%
Average two (2) to eleven (11) times during 2004 11 8.8 %
Average once in the year 2004 2 1.6 %
Did not attend during 2004 9 7.2 %
Total 125 100.0 %

All but one (1) respondent to the survey answered this question. The results show very clearly that the majority of those that took the time to respond to the survey members are regular churchgoers. 72.8% attend at least 2 to 4 time monthly. It would not be reasonable to apply this result to the full membership of the Church due to the likelihood that the people who did not attend regularly would be less responsive to the question.

· We wanted to know whether respondents were increasing or decreasing their attendance rate at the First United Church.

Number Percent
Increased attendance 18 14.5 %
Remained about the same 93 75.0 %
Decreased attendance 13 10.5 %
Total 124 100.0 %

Again, there was a high percentage response rate at 98.4 %. The vast majority of respondents (75%) have maintained their attendance at about the same level over recent times, while there seems to be more parishioners increasing their attendance rate (14.5%) over those decreasing theirs (10.5%).

· We asked respondents whether they were increasing or decreasing their participation in the overall activities of the First United Church. They responded as follows:

Number Percent
Increased participation 24 20.7 %
Remained about the same 80 69.0 %
Decreased participation 12 10.3 %
Total 116 100.0 %

The response rate to this question was a respectable 92.1 %. This relatively high rate of response suggests that this result has a relatively high level of confidence. As with church attendance in the above question 89.7% of respondents indicated that their participation in Church programs and services had remained about the same or increased over the past 12 months (late 2004-early 2005). It is worthy of note however, that there seems to be a higher rate of increase in the programs and services participation rate over the service attendance rate. The reasons cited for the increases and decreases reported by respondents are dealt with in the following two questions.

· The reasons for increased involvement in Church activities (services and events) were cited as follows:

Coffee Hour 2
New Minister 4
Volunteering (Office) 2
Serving on committees 4
More time available 4
Men’s Choir 1
Return after death of spouse 1
Felt welcome 2
Renewed dedication 1
Total 21

Only nineteen (19) respondents (15.1%) answered this question. Three people gave more than one reason. The new minister, service to committees and more time available were the most frequent responses.

· The reasons cited for a decrease in activity related to the First United Church were cited as follows:

Illness 5
Work commitments 3
Only day off 1
No longer in choir 1
Transportation problems 2
Away on Sundays 2
Babysitting 1
Getting older 1
Total: 16

Only fourteen (14) respondent members (11.1%) answered this question. Two respondents gave 2 reasons from the above list. Illness was the most common reason given for respondent decrease in church activity. This was followed by work commitments and transportation problems.

· We asked respondents to tell us the ranges of their annual dollar givings to the First United Church. The results are as follows:

Number Percent
$0 2 1.7 %
Under $100 6 5.0 %
$101 to $200 14 11.7 %
$201 to $500 43 35.8 %
$501 to $750 13 10.8 %
$751 to $1,000 22 18.3 %
$1,001 to $1,250 10 8.3 %
$1,251 to $1,500 3 2.5 %
$1,501 to $1,750 3 2.5 %
$1,751 to $2,000 1 0.8 %
Over $2,000 3 2.5 %
Total 120 100.0 %

Only six (6) of the one hundred and twenty six (126) respondents failed to respond to this question. With a 95.5% response rate and a margin of error of approximately ± 7.5% a high level of reliability is suggested. The most frequent range of givings is between $201 and $500 annually at 35.8% of respondents. The next most frequent range is $751-$1,000 at 18.3%.

· We asked respondents to tell us what expenditures they made in the 2004 -2005 period on behalf of the Church.

The response rate was so low to these questions that the results are unreliable, thus are not recorded in this analysis.

It is likely that most respondents to the survey found the question to be either too complicated or could not remember their contribution (other than cash).

· The members of the First United congregation were asked to tell us their opinions regarding the Sunday services at the Church. They responded as follows:

Number Percent
Not at all stimulating 0 0.0 %
Not very stimulating 1 0.9 %
Neutral 0 0.0 %
Moderately stimulating 32 29.6 %
Highly Stimulating 75 69.4 %
Total 108 100.0 %

Based on the above survey results almost 100% the respondents answering this question feel that the Sunday church services are either moderately or highly stimulating. Eighteen (18) respondents gave no opinion at all.

· Notwithstanding their overall satisfaction with First United’s church services there were suggestions for making them more meaningful or stimulating, as follows:

Number
Better hymns / More lively / More Old Style Hymns 2
Less participation by lay readers & trainees 1
Need more gospel music 1
Would like well known hymns/sermons evangelic 1
Sermon-topics of local interest/enthusiasm 1
Involve alternate instruments + performances 1
Have more sermons on Revelations 1
More contemporary music. 1
Shorter. Live bands. Short sermons. 1
More relevant to everyday living. 1
Just keep it up. 1
More lively hymns; especially opening hymn 1
Total 13

Thirteen (13) respondents had suggestions for Sunday service enhancement. The nature of the hymns was the most cited suggestion for making the services at First United more meaningful and / or stimulating.

· Respondents were asked how Sunday church services have changed between 2003 and 2005. The response rate was 83.3%, and the results were as follows:

Number Percent
Much less stimulating 0 0.0 %
Somewhat less stimulating 0 0.0 %
About the same 12 11.4 %
Somewhat more stimulating 28 26.7 %
Much more stimulating 65 61.9 %
Total 105 100.0 %

It is significant that no parishioner thought that the services had deteriorated over the period in question. In point of fact, fully 88.6% of respondents felt that the services are more stimulating over the period. Only 11.4% felt that there was no change.

· We asked for respondent opinions regarding the Christmas, Easter and other Special Services at First United Church. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Not at all stimulating 0 0.0 %
Not very stimulating 0 0.0 %
Neutral 5 4.6 %
Moderately stimulating 31 28.4 %
Highly stimulating 73 67.0 %
Total 109 100.0 %

It is significant that 95.4% of respondents feel that the First United Church special services are either moderately or highly stimulating. Only seventeen (17) respondents had no opinion, or decided not to express one.

· The survey requested respondents to tell us how they thought that Special Services at the church could be improved. Just over 13.4% had an opinion on this subject, and the responses are as follows:

Number
More Christmas Music 4
no idea 1
More depth + variety in special services 1
Other denomination's ministers taking part Good Friday 1
Different music 1
Music. Shorter services. 1
More participation; more relevant. 1
Involve more of congregation 2
` Did not attend. 1
We are happy with services 'as is'. 1
Communion on Maundy Thursday at 1 CB church 1
More Jr. Choir singing 1
Make sure speakers can be heard. 1
Total 17

· We asked respondents to tell us if they had children attending the First United Sunday school during 2004-2005. It appears that approximately 10% of respondents have children associated in some way with the First United Church Sunday school program. It is reasonable to assume that the 17 respondents who have no comment (e.g. did not indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no’) do NOT have children associated with the program.

Number Percent
Yes 11 10.1 %
No 98 89.9 %
Total 109 100.0 %

· Of those respondents who answered “yes' to the above question the following is the rating of the overall effectiveness and usefulness of the Sunday school program for their child (or children):

Number Percent
Poor 1 7.7 %
Could be better 2 15.4 %
Neutral or no opinion 0 0.0 %
Acceptable 6 46.2 %
Excellent 4 30.8 %
Total 13 100.0 %

· Of those respondents rating the Sunday School Program from poor to neutral inclusive felt that the program could be improved by:

Number Percent
More structure/fun programs for older kids 1 20.0 %
More classes to break up age groups 1 20.0 %
Use more computers, story-telling, drama 1 20.0 %
Sunday school finished early this year. 1 20.0 %
Ask the children! 1 20.0 %
Total 5 100.0 %

· We asked respondents to tell us if they participated in the First United Church Bible Study program. The result is as follows:

Number Percent
Participate 2 1.7 %
Did not participate 116 98.3 %
Total 118 100.0 %

Only 2 respondents (or about 1.7%) indicated their participation in the First United Church Bible Study Program. If one accepts the total parishioner number of 513 people, then it would be possible to validate this statistic by multiplying 513 by .0017 = 8.7 or 9 people – which closely approximates the number of people taking part in bible study.

· We asked those who responded positively to the above question regarding Bible Study participation at First United Church for their opinion of the program. The response was as follows:

Number Percent
Not at all fulfilling 0 0.0 %
Not very fulfilling 1 33.3 %
Uncertain or no comment 0 0.0 %
Moderately fulfilling 1 33.3 %
Highly fulfilling 1 33.3 %
Total 3 100.0 %

Only 3 respondents had any opinion concerning the bible study program. One found it not very fulfilling, while one found it moderately fulfilling and 1 found it highly fulfilling. It is difficult to draw any conclusion from this low level of
response, but it is clear that these respondents have a positive opinion of the program.

· We asked those respondents attending the Bible Study Program to tell us how to improve the program. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Get more men to attend 1 33.3 %
Can't participate during working hours 1 33.3 %
More people attending 1 33.3 %
Total 3 100.0 %

The rate of response to this question makes the results less credible than desired. The results indicated above are self-explanatory.

· We asked those respondents who indicated that they attended Bible Study outside the First United Church where they attended such a program. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Salvation Army Temple 6 75.0 %
First Baptist Ladies' Bible Study 1 12.5 %
Pentecostal Church 1 12.5 %
Total 8 100.0 %

The Salvation Army Temple was by far the most popular venue for Bible Study outside of the First United Church.

· We asked respondents to rate the communications between the First United leadership (Minister, Official Board and / or other officials) and the Congregation:

Number Percent
Poor 0 0%
Could be better 10 9.6 %
Acceptable 30 28.8 %
Quite good 50 48.1 %
Excellent 14 13.5 %
Total 104 100.0 %

There was a very good response rate (82.5%) to this question, thus the results have substantial credibility.

No respondent had a poor opinion of the communications between the First United Church leadership and the congregation. 9.6% (10 respondents) felt that this communication could be better, while 91.2% (94) of respondents found it acceptable, quite good or excellent.

· We asked how communications could be improved between the leadership of the Church and the congregation. The responses were as follows:

Number
More reports from Board / Minutes distributed 2
Ensure all requests / work is approved by Board 1
More info. on upcoming events 1
Be friendlier 1
More explanation of how church is run 1
Inform congregation of decisions made 1
Sponsored monthly newsletter . . . 1
Visit young families; not just seniors. 1
More participation by all members 1
Is improving 1
Newsletter is good start / more web site 1
Fine the way it is. 1
If election required give more notice. 1
More announcements from pulpit + in bulletin 1
Newsletters, visitations and e-mails 1
More interaction with congregation. 1
Monthly newsletter / improvement with newsletter 2
Had no occasion to make contact 1
Keeping everyone informed; especially bulletin 1
More reporting on activities e.g. West Haven 1
Total 22

Only 17.5 % (22) of those responding to the overall survey had ideas on how to improve communications. The item receiving the most comment referred to the newsletter. The newsletter is considered a very good tool in the communications field at First United Church.

· We asked for respondent opinion of the First United Church bulletin. The responses were as follows:
Number Percent
Poor 1 0.9 %
Could be better 7 6.2 %
Acceptable 24 21.2 %
Quite good 62 54.9 %
Excellent 19 16.8 %
Total 113 100.0 %

The response rate of 89.7 % (113) indicates a keen interest in the First United Church bulletin. A substantial majority of respondents have a positive opinion of the First United Church bulletin. Fully 92 % feel that the bulletin in acceptable or better than acceptable. Only 13 survey respondents expressed no opinion. Notwithstanding this high level of acceptance there were a relatively large number of suggestions for improvement (see below).

· We asked respondents how they thought the bulletin could be improved. Their responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Back to the old format 1 3.2 %
Names of members in hosp. in bulletin 1 3.2 %
Bulletin made available to shut-ins 1 3.2 %
What is the church bulletin? is it order of service 1 3.2 %
Make more appealing; not like a menu 1 3.2 %
List of hospitalized in bulletin 1 3.2 %
Add reports on church committees/activities 1 3.2 %
Be careful of print size 1 3.2 %
Liked old bulletin with bigger print 1 3.2 %
Give notice of upcoming Holy Communion 1 3.2 %
Settle on format; flow from front to back 1 3.2 %
List the sick and shut-ins 1 3.2 %
More info. on Church activities 1 3.2 %
More info. re: friends in hospital 1 3.2 %
Regular insert pages on special issues, finance 1 3.2 %
Colour 1 3.2 %
Add list of hospitalized and when member dies 1 3.2 %
Donors should be recognized 1 3.2 %
Sometimes printing is too small 1 3.2 %
I like the former one better 1 3.2 %
Print too small for some 1 3.2 %
Recommend former bulletin format 1 3.2 %
Like the old style better 1 3.2 %
List of special services; time table 1 3.2 %
List shut-ins; hospital patients 1 3.2 %
Not as informative as it once was 1 3.2 %
Uplifting bible verse each Sunday 1 3.2 %
Like former commercial one' reading on back 1 3.2 %
No need for improvement 1 3.2 %
Check the spelling 1 3.2 %
Like to read back of former comm. bulletin 1 3.2 %
Total 31 100.0 %

The response rate to this question of 24.6 % (33 responses) indicates that the bulletin is being read, and holds a special place in terms of communications between the leadership and the congregation. Notwithstanding this interest there were a number of suggestions for improvement:

The most popular response was to revert to the old format (7 respondents). Six respondents want more names of the sick members of the congregation listed in the bulletin. Three members want a larger or better print size and three want more reports including the work of committees.

· We wanted to know what the congregation does with the church bulletin after they receive it at Sunday Services.

Number Percent
Take bulletin home 109 89.3 %
Do not take bulletin home 6 4.9 %
Do not attend Sunday Services 7 5.7 %
Total 122 100.0 %

The response rate of 96.8 % (122) indicates again that there is a keen interest in the contents of the bulletin. Fully 89 % of the respondents that attend Sunday Services take their bulletin home.

· We wanted to know if the congregation members that receive a bulletin at Sunday Services pass their copy along to others.

Number Percent
Yes, Passed it Along 62 58.5 %
No, Not Passed On 44 41.5 %
Total 106 100.0 %

More respondents (58.5%) pass their church bulletin along to someone else than those that do not do so (41.5%). This would seem to indicate that this publication is a particularly effective communications tool.

Number Percent
Take bulletin home 109 89.3 %
Do not take bulletin home 6 4.9 %
Do not attend Sunday Services 7 5.7 %
Total 122 100.0 %

A very high percentage (89.3%) of respondents indicated that they take the church bulletin home with them following the service.

· We asked those who took their bulletin home if they passed them along to another person or persons. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Yes, Passed it Along 62 58.5 %
No, Not Passed On 44 41.5 %
Total 106 100.0 %

More respondents (58.5%) pass their church bulletin along to someone else than those that do not do so (41.5%). This would seem to indicate that this publication is a particularly effective communications tool.

· We asked if respondents had received a copy of the 2004 First United Church Annual Report. The responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Yes, received a copy 95 78.5 %
No copy received 26 21.5 %
Total 121 100.0 %

78.5% of respondents reported having received a copy of the 2004 Annual Report of the First United Church. 21.5% did not receive a copy. There is clearly an interest in the contents of the Annual Report. It would seem that the majority of the congregation - perhaps those most interested in the detail pertaining to Church operations – have received it.

· We asked those that confirmed having received a copy of the 2004 Annual Report how they rated it. Their ratings were as follows:

Number Percent
Poor 0 0.0 %
Could be better 2 2.1 %
Acceptable 18 18.6 %
Quite good 58 59.8 %
Excellent 19 19.6 %
Total 97 100.0 %

The First United Church Annual Report received a high approval rating from the survey respondents. Fully 98% of respondents found the 2004 Annual Report to be acceptable or better. This would seem to indicate that the current format, content and other features of the report should be maintained.

· We wanted to know if those who did not receive a copy of the Annual Report would have liked to receive a copy. Their responses were as follows:

Number Percent
Yes 8 42.1 %
No 11 57.9 %
Total 19 100.0 %

Only eight respondents indicated that they would have liked to have received a copy of the 2004 Annual Report. This would seem to indicate that the Annual Report is being adequately distributed to the members of the congregation.

· Of those respondents rating the 2004 Annual Report from poor to acceptable, the following were suggestions for improvement:

Number Percent
Include a balance sheet/accrual method of accounting 1 33.3 %
Colour photos 1 33.3 %
More long range planning 1 33.3 %
Total 3 100.0 %

It would appear that the vast majority of respondents who received a copy of the 2004 Annual Report are well satisfied with it. There were however, three comments related to possible improvement of the document.

· We wanted to know who had an operating computer at home – or were planning on acquiring one over the next 12 months.

Number Percent
Yes, have a computer 72 60.0 %
No, do not have computer 47 39.2 %
Plan to get one 3 0.8 %
Total 120 100.0 %

Approximately 60% of respondents have a computer in their home. Another 2.4% have plans to acquire one in the foreseeable future. This would seem to indicate that there is some need to promote the use of the existing First United Church web site. Clearly, there is an opportunity here to increase the use of computers as a communications tool for the First United Church. This view is confirmed by the response to the question indicated below.

· We asked respondents who have computers (or plan to get one) if they use their computers (or plan to use it) to access e-mail messages:

Number Percent
Yes 68 89.5 %
No 8 10.5 %
Total 76 100.0 %

80.5% of respondents who have computers (or plan to acquire one) use it (or will use it) to access e-mail. As indicated above this would seem to provide the First United Church with an opportunity to make use of e-mail for one means of improving contact with the congregation.

· We also asked respondents who have (or plan to have) a computer in their home if they had accessed the First United Church web site. The responses were as follows:
Number Percent
Yes, have accessed Web Site 50 69.4 %
No, have not accessed Web Site 22 30.6 %
Total 72 100.0 %

Approximately 69% of respondents to this question have accessed the First United Church web site. It is reasonable to assume that the 54 survey respondents
that responded to the overall survey but not this specific question does not have an interest in the Internet and using a computer to access information about the church.

· We wanted to know the rating opinions of those who had accessed the First United web site. Results were as follows:

Number Percent
Poor 0 0 %
Could be better 1 2.3 %
Acceptable 4 9.3 %
Quite good 26 60.5 %
Excellent 12 27.9 %
Total 43 100.0 %

Based on the opinions expressed by those respondents that have accessed the Church web site there is some room for site improvement. While 27.9% of respondents felt that it was excellent, over 60% felt that it was quite good. Just under 4% found it only acceptable.

· The following are the opinions of those respondents who have accessed the First United Church web site:

Number
Slow site loading 1
Poor picture quality 1
Tried twice to access it, but could not 1
Bulletin, newsletter, etc. on web site 1
Fine as is 1
More content 1
Professional web master should maintain 1
Would like to view site at work - like photos 1
Link to National Office 1
Keep up to date with events, etc 1
More pictures 1
Total 11

See list above. There is some agreement on the overall need for updating and ‘modernizing’ the web site.

· We asked respondents to indicate their participation in a variety of First United Church committee activities.

Note
See the comparative table at the end of this section of
the survey analysis for a tabulation of results.

United Church Women Program (UCW) . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 34 44.7 %
Used to participate 8 10.5 %
Have never participated 32 42.1 %
Would like to participate 2 2.6 %
Total 76 100.0 %

Men's Fellowship Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 18 32.7 %
Used to participate 7 12.7 %
Have never participated 27 49.1 %
Would like to participate 3 5.5 %
Total 55 100.0 %

Senior Choir Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 8 14.5 %
Used to participate 5 9.1 %
Have never participated 40 72.7 %
Would like to participate 2 3.6 %
Total 55 100.0 %

Men's Choir Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 8 19.5 %
Used to participate 0 0.0 %
Have never participated 32 78.0 %
Would like to participate 1 2.4 %
Total 41 100.0 %

Junior Choir Program . . .

Since there were no responses to the question concerning participation in the Junior Choir there are no statistics to report.

Fitness Training Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 7 12.7 %
Used to participate 4 7.3 %
Have never participated 42 76.4 %
Would like to participate 2 3.6 %
Total 55 100.0 %

Scottish Dancing Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 7 13.2 %
Used to participate 3 5.7 %
Have never participated 43 81.1 %
Would like to participate 0 0.0 %
Total 53 100.0 %

Food Bank Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 33 51.6 %
Used to participate 4 6.3 %
Have never participated 24 37.5 %
Would like to participate 3 4.7 %
Total 64 100.0 %

Bible Study Program . . .

Number Percent
Now participating 0 0.0 %
Used to participate 4 7.8 %
Have never participated 37 72.5 %
Would like to participate 10 19.6 %
Total 51 100.0 %

Church Activity No. of Resp. NowPartic. Used toPartic. NeverDid Partic. Would Like To
U.C.W 76 44.7% 10.5% 42.1% 2.5%
Men’s Fellowship 55 32.7% 12.7% 49.1% 5.5%
Sr. Choir 55 14.5% 9.1% 72.7% 3.6%
Men’s Choir 41 19.5% 0% 78.0% 2.4%
Jr. Choir 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Fitness Training 55 12.7% 7.3% 76.4% 3.6%
Scottish Dancing 53 13/2% 5.7% 81.1% 0%
Food Bank 64 51.6% 6.3% 37.5% 4.7%
Bible Study 51 0% 7.8% 72.5% 19.6%

It is significant that 44.7% of respondents participate in the activities of the U.C.W. The next most popular of Church activities at is Mem’s Fellowship at 32.7% participation. It would seem that Bible Study and Men’s Fellowship have the most people interested in participating at 19.8% and 5.5^ respectively.

· We wanted to know what the congregation thinks about the various programs indicated above. Their responses are as follows:

Note
See the comparative table at the end of this section of
the survey analysis for a tabulation of results.

U.C.W. Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 1 1.2 %
Not very useful 0 0.0 %
Uncertain or no opinion 3 3.5 %
Moderately useful 8 9.3 %
Highly useful 74 86.0 %
Total 86 100.0 %

Men's Fellowship Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 1 1.2 %
Not very useful 0 0.0 %
Uncertain or no opinion 6 7.4 %
Moderately useful 10 12.3 %
Highly useful 64 79.0 %
Total 81 100.0 %

Senior Choir Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 0 0.0 %
Not very useful 0 0.0 %
Uncertain or no opinion 3 3.7 %
Moderately useful 3 3.7 %
Highly useful 76 92.7 %
Total 82 100.0 %

Men's Choir Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 0 0.0 %
Not very useful 2 2.6 %
Uncertain or no opinion 11 14.5 %
Moderately useful 13 17.1 %
Highly useful 50 65.8 %
Total 76 100.0 %

Junior Choir Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent.
Not at all useful 0 0.0 %
Not very useful 1 1.2 %
Uncertain or no opinion 3 3.7 %
Moderately useful 12 14.8 %
Highly useful 65 80.2 %
Total 81 100.0 %

Fitness Training Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 2 2.6 %
Not very useful 1 1.3 %
Uncertain or no opinion 27 34.6 %
Moderately useful 14 17.9 %
Highly useful 34 43.6 %
Total 78 100.0 %

Scottish Dancing Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 2 2.8 %
Not very useful 1 1.4 %
Uncertain or no opinion 29 40.3 %
Moderately useful 11 15.3 %
Highly useful 29 40.3 %
Total 72 100.0 %

Food Bank Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 0 0.0 %
Not very useful 1 1.2 %
Uncertain or no opinion 6 7.0 %
Moderately useful 14 16.3 %
Highly useful 65 75.6 %
Total 86 100.0 %

Bible Study Opinion Rating . . .

Number Percent
Not at all useful 1 1.3 %
Not very useful 0 0.0 %
Uncertain or no opinion 10 13.2 %
Moderately useful 12 15.8 %
Highly useful 53 69.7 %
Total 76 100.0 %

Church Activity Mo.OfResp. Not atAllUseful Not Very Useful NoOpinion / Uncertain Moder-atelyUseful HighlyUseful
U.C.W 86 1.2% 0% 3.5% 9.3% 86.0%
Men’s Fellowship 81 1.2% 0.0% 7.4% 12.3% 79.0%
Sr. Choir 82 0.0% 0.0% 3.7% 3.7% 92.7%
Men’s Choir 76 0.0% 2.6% 14.5% 17.1% 65.8%
Junior Choir 81 0.0% 1.2% 3.7% 14.8% 80.2%
Fitness Training 78 2.6% 1.3% 34.6% 17.9% 43.6%
Scottish Dancing 72 2.8% 1.4% 40.3% 15.3% 40.3%
Food Bank 86 0.0% 1.2% 7.0% 16.3% 75.6%
Bible Study 76 1.3% 0.0% 13.2% 15.8% 69.7%

When the percentages for ‘Moderately Useful’ and ‘Highly Useful’ are added together the resulting ranking is as follows:

1 Sr. Choir 96.4%
2 U.C.W. 95.3%
3 Junior Choir 95.0%
4 Food Bank 91.9%
5 Men’s Fellowship 91.3%
5 Bible Study 85.5%
6 Men’s Choir 82.9%
7 Fitness Training 60.9%
8 Scottish Dancing 55.6%

The above ranking indicates that the Sr. Choir are considered to be most useful of the activities mentioned in the survey. The U.C.W., Junior Choir , Men’s Fellowship and Food Bank follow very closely. Considering a margin of error rate for the survey of ± 5% these four activities should be considered as being equally important.

· The respondents were asked to comment on the matter of what can be done to get better participation (or increased participation) in First United programs and services:

Number
Personal contact 1
Phone contacts/men's/junior choir regular practice 1
No idea 1
Advertise 1
Jr. choir move too quickly to Sr. choir 1
Drama, social and youth club 3
Nothing required 1
Announce when Bible Study will take place 1
Jr. Choir contact with children in age group 1
More sports events for Men's Service Club 1
Will participate when family responsibilities decrease 1
Schedule of activities; men's sports, fitness 1
Sunday school all year round 1
Total 15

The most commonly mentioned activity regarding increasing participation at the programs and services of the First United Church gad to do with youth. Other suggestions had to do with the Junior Choir and Men’s Club activities.

· Respondents were asked for their opinion on any programs or services that First United should offer to the congregation or in the community, but do not currently offer. Their responses were as follows:

Number
More Youth Programs 1
Programs for Teens 1
no idea 1
Reach out to other area churches 1
Evening Bible study + youth group activities 1
More at home visiting of elderly +shut-ins 1
Transportation to services for those without 1
See separate list 1
UCW group for young women / mothers 1
Support groups for young mothers, separated 1
Youth band 1
More assistance/contact with seniors 1
Decrease in attention to social issues, interfaith 1
Youth groups 1
More bus trips; 50+ social group 1
Scouts and Guides 1
Bible Study 1
transportation and visitation for elderly 1
More support for disadvantaged 1
Program for seniors 1
Total 20

The most prevalent response to the question dealing with needed programs and services not already offered at the Church had to do with youth involvement. Seven responses were received in this context. The complete list of suggestion is recorded above due to the slight differences evident in each one. Only 15.9 % of survey respondents answered this question – so it would appear that the congregation have little to suggest.

· We asked about respondents who have a family member with an infirmity or disability that affects your / their access to the programs and / or services of the First United:

Number Percent
Yes 8 8.1 %
No 91 91.9 %
Total 99 100.0 %

There were eight (8) respondent parishioners who have family with a disability that affects their access to programs and / or services at First United Church. While this does not appear to be a high percentage of total parishioners it is sufficient for it to be a concern of the leadership.

· Of those respondents with an infirm or disabled family member the following suggestions were made concerning what First United could do to better serve these parishioners:
Number Percent
Chair lift to basement 1 20.0 %
no idea for improvement 1 20.0 %
improve health 1 20.0 %
Daughter has Huntington’s disease; can't participate 1 20.0 %
Transportation needed for disabled 1 20.0 %
Total 5 100.0 %

Only five survey respondents that answered this question there were only two suggestions – that there should be a chairlift to/from the basement and the provision of more readily available transportation for the disabled and elderly.

· We asked for respondents to report what they considered to be the most important issues facing First United Church. The detailed data appears directly below.

Note

See the table below for a comparative listing or the most
important indicated from the data that appears belo

Church Finances Issue Rating:

Number Percent
Not important 2 2.1 %
Fairly important 28 28.9 %
Very important 67 69.1 %
Total 97 100.0 %

Declining Church Attendance Issue Rating:

Number Percent
Not important 1 1.1 %
Fairly important 9 9.5 %
Very important 85 89.5 %
Total 95 100.0 %

Advancing Average Age of Congregation Issue Rating:

Number Percent
Not important 0 0.0 %
Fairly important 19 19.6 %
Very important 78 80.4 %
Total 97 100.0 %

Condition of Buildings / Property Issue Rating:

Number Percent
Not important 5 5.3 %
Fairly important 42 44.2 %
Very important 48 50.5 %
Total 95 100.0 %

Same Sex Marriage Issue Rating:

Number Percent
Not important 34 35.8 %
Fairly important 20 21.1 %
Very important 41 43.2 %
Total 95 100.0 %

Church / Manse Maintenance Issue Rating:

Number Percent
Not important 4 4.2 %
Fairly important 43 44.8 %%
Very important 49 51.0 %
Total 96 100.0 %

Issues No. of Responses Not Important Fairly Important Very Important
Church Finances 97 2.1% 28.9% 69.1%
Decreasing Attendance 95 1.1% 9.5% 89.5%
Advancing Average Age 97 0% 19.6% 80.4%
Condition of Buildings 95 5.3% 44.2% 50.5%
Same Sex Marriage 95 35.8% 21.1% 43.2%
Church Manse Maint. 96 4.2% 44.8% 51.0%

Overall the most important issue was Decreasing Attendance. Almost 90% of those respondents answering the issues question indicated that there is a serious problem facing the Church.

The second most serious issue was cited to be the Advancing Average Age of the congregation, with slightly over 80% indicating it to be a very important.

The Church Manse Maintenance and the Condition of the Church Buildings were virtually tied in terms of being very import matters facing the Churc. They were rated as very important by 51.0% and 50.5% respectivelt.

Same Sex Marriage appears to be the least import of the issues named in the survey with ony 43.2% of respondents naming it as Very Important.

· We asked respondents to tell us what other issues they perceived as being worthy of mention. The resulting list provides an insight into the thoughts of the members of the congregation.

Other Issues Cited:

Number
Shortage of Ministers 1
Finding a Minister 1
Lack of young people entering ministry 1
Attracting youth attendance 1
Against same sex marriage 1
Full time caretaker + secretary 1
Increase in outreach programs 1
No teen youth group 1
Disability entrance on lower floor 1
Against same sex marriage 1
Encourage young families to participate 1
Community issues - e.g. drugs 1
Keeping youth in Church; no same-sex marriage 1
Never consider same sex marriage 1
Full time janitor; against same sex marriage 1
Future of UCW/upgraded kitchen 1
No full time staff very important 1
Keeping children interested 1
Ministry to young couples, youth, college 1
Christian education 1
Church grounds work; pavement 1
Parking lot; grounds, fence, Townsite cemetery 1
Hours of Church service 1
Winter burial 1
Reaching out to youth 1
Opinion of Moderator of United Church of Canada 1
More visitations to sick/shut-ins 1
Total 27
Due to the variation among responses to this question we have included the entire list. The matter of activities and services to youth and young adults arose in many responses, as did the maintenance of the grounds.

· Respondent opinions on the most evident strengths of the First United Church:

Number
Good Leadership, Location, Music 1
Teamwork / Choir / Sunday School Program 1
Fellowship in congregation / Programs 1
Minister / Finances / Accept Other Denominations. 1
Sermon/Music/visitations & friendliness 1
Its background in methodism 1
Good minister/cooperation/dedicated people 1
Good minister presently/active congregation 1
Preaching, senior choir + Sunday school 1
Leadership, integrity + music 1
Good finances + bldg. & land; Gary Graham 1
Unity of congregation +
serving community + backing minister 1
Increasing congregation / Humanitarian aid 1
Good minister now, youth becoming involved 1
Organist, choirs, great minister, sanctuary 1
Dedication of members, leadership, services 1
Minister, Sunday School, UCW, Sr. Choir 1
Talented and capable members, incl. minister 1
Order of service; friendliness of congregation 1
Current leadership, music, youth programs 1
Minister, UCW, Men's Club 1
Promotion of children's' activities, friendly 1
Minister, choir and UCW 1
Fellowship, commitment, understanding 1
Avail. of Church to all types of groups 1
Minister, property, Men's Club, UCW 1
Strong congregation, new minister, facilities 1
Good Sunday School. Take-charge minister 1
Minister, services, openness and friendliness 1
Moving services; music, Sunday School 1
No. of youth at Church - great sermon messages 1
Welcoming and good minister 1
Friendliness of congregation, attracting youth 1
Preaching, Sunday School, Choir 1
Now out of rut. People happy with way things 1
Minister, BofD, UCW + Men's Fellowship 1
Friendly, programs offered 1
Encouragement of youth participation 1
Excellent minister; Sunday coffee positive 1
Maintaining large congregation 1
New minister, strong committees, growth 1
Location, parking + friendliness of cong. 1
Location, welcoming minister, friendly 1
Service groups, leadership, music program 1
Present minister, choir, comm. use of church 1
New minister, music program/choir, congregation 1
Stimulating services 1
Positive Sunday School teaching 1
Our minister 1
Bring back members that have left the Church 1
New minister, UCW Men's Fellowship 1
Financial stability/current minister/outreach 1
Very active, welcoming Church, accepts children 1
Acceptance of other religions/single parents 1
Inspiring new minister; strong UCW, children 1
A lot of children 1
Participants do a good job 1
Total 57

Fifty-seven (57) members of the congregation responded to the request to list what they considered to be the strengths of the First United Church. While their opinions were very diverse there were a few common threads. The Church leadership received high praise from many parishioners, as did the organizers of the various Church activities.

· Respondent opinions on the most evident weaknesses of the First United Church:

Number
Lack of Visitation 1
Lack of youth + young adults attending / Community 1
Lack of youth / Resistance to change 1
Lack of youth participation especially in music 1
Financial support/low attendance /lost of young folks 1
Should have more programs for youth 1
Poor congregation participation 1
Visitation, security, + more session members 1
Lack of teen youth groups; advancing age 1
Not welcoming strangers, more for teens 1
Lack of young people for choir, etc. 1
More young families, more youth programs 1
Unfamiliar hymns 1
Lack of volunteers 1
Aging population of members 1
Weekly attendance, givings, variation in liturgy 1
Not enough teaching . . . 1
More visiting of married young couples + youth 1
Lack of participation, attendance, camaraderie 1
Absence of middle age group; outreach 1
Could be more welcoming; personal contact 1
Music, low youth attendance, ageing population 1
Sunday service too late in day, Boring music 1
Needs a bigger Jr. Choir 1
Lack of services for seniors; transport 1
Not enough involvement for children 1
Absence of youth, more guitar music 1
Nothing to entice teen attendance 1
Reluctance of some to accept change 1
Jr. Choir and accessibility within the church 1
Reaching out to families with children 1
Insufficient communications (members/leaders) 1
Sr. members set in their ways, but improving 1
Not friendly enough 1
Average age of congregation; group activities 1
Getting to know congregation; new recruits 1
Bit too 'prim and proper'; more community active 1
Member relationships weak; need more socials 1
Social activities 1
Small participation in barbecue; other social 1
Not enough young families take part in Church 1
Ageing congregation; declining attendance; upkeep 1
Little youth involvement; volunteers, visitations 1
Don't know enough to comment 1
Self centered; be more welcoming 1
Not enough participation by members 1
Total 46

The matter of the lack of youth involvement and activities for young adults received attention from those survey respondents with suggestions for areas of improvement. Some thought that the Church could be more welcoming.

· Respondent description of faith stance or theology:

Number Percent
Fundamental 4 3.6 %
Conservative 25 22.5 %
Liberal 64 57.7 %
Other 18 16.2 %
Total 111 100.0 %

Over 88% of overall survey respondents answered the question dealing with ‘faith stance’ 57.7% of respondents described themselves as being ‘liberal’ in terms of their faith, while 22.5% indicated ‘conservative’. The high response rate of 88.1 % gives thiese responses a high degree of credibility.

· Respondent opinion of the statement . . ."The First United Church, Corner Brook should be on the leading edge of social & sociological issues":

Number Percent
Strongly disagree 0 0.0 %
Moderately disagree 1 1.0 %
Neutral or uncertain 27 26.7 %
Moderately agree 39 38.6 %
Strongly agree 34 33.7 %
Total 101 100.0 %

80.2 % of overall survey respondents told us shared their views with us on the matter of the First United Church being on the leading edge of social and sociological issues. Only one person noted that they were in moderate disagreement with the statement.

· We asked respondents if they had contact with the First United office staff over the past year.

Number Percent
Yes, Have Had Contact 98 85.2 %
No Contact 17 14.8 %
Total 115 100.0 %

Just over 85% of respondents had such contact. This means that a high percentage of the congregation relies on the office to provide information and overall communications. The high response rate (91.3%) in connection with this question indicates that the office is an important aspect of the life of the Church.

· Of those respondents having contact with First United office staff, the following represents their opinion of such contact:

Number Percent
Definitely did not meet my needs 0 0.0 %
Could have been better at meeting my needs 3 3.0 %
Neutral or uncertain 5 5.1 %
Met most of my needs 19 19.2 %
Met all of my needs 72 72.7 %
Total 99 100.0 %

It appears that the congregation feels that they are getting good service from the office staff, even though it is not a full-time position. Only 3 or 5 respondents felt that the service could have been better at meeting their needs. 91 of respondents either had no opinion or felt that the contact was meeting most of their needs or met all of their needs.

· Of those having contact with office staff, the following are their opinions on what can be done to better meet their needs:

Number
More hours available 1
Do not expect that all expectations met 1
Full time secretary 1
Full-time staff, additional hours, knowledgeable 1
Full time secretary is required 1
Full time secretary 1
Meetings of office staff re: changes 1
Regular secretary should be hired 1
Hire a secretary 1
Wheelchair access; paid secretary 1
Need permanent secretary 1
Have same person in office every day 1
Total 12

While only 12 respondents gave an opinion, the most common, and overwhelming comment about the office staff had to do with having a full-time secretary.

· General Comments (at end of survey) . . .

The comments made by the respondents at the end of the survey have been purposely recorded below in their entirety so that readers of this report can draw their own conclusions.

Note

See the end of this section of the report for a
brief analysis of the following comments.

· Do not agree with same sex marriage 1

· Change of leadership was overdue. Change is
most welcome. 1

· Difficult for disabled to attend function In gym 1

· Should have disabled parking near entrance in winter 1

· Could we have the choir curtain removed. We
have a sizeable amount of money invested, yet
we struggle & "beg" and borrow. Why not utilize
some of this money to 'clean' up our needs.
There may be persons who are reluctant to give
money because we do have plenty. Please
consider 'not' moving pianos from one level to
another. Gym needs painting. 1

· I believe that the United Church goes out of its
way to create controversy and the Toronto
head office has too many radical ideas. 1

· Programs presently followed are very useful and
good! 1

· Need more younger families, more scriptures
reading. Why a charge for all event. Where
does all money go from music events. Who
pays for electricity. 1

· Share summer services with other United
churches of Corner Brook 1

· Minister is outstanding, sermons are uplifting,
rapport with Sunday School is wonderful. 1

· Do not agree with same sex marriage by the
Church. Sunday services should include a
prayer of confession and assurance of pardon
for sin. Should be testimonies of faith from
members and also altar calls for salvation. 1

· Thrilled with new direction of church; exciting
and great to be part of it. Need to be more
'welcoming'. More new member orientation.
Name tags for all (to be purchased by members)
Get our old people back; advise things have
changed. More church co-operation;
wheelchair space needed. 1

· Against same sex marriages, want more old
hymns in the services. 1

· Would like to see Sunday school continue to
end of school year. 1

· Sunday school closes too early; close when
school finished.1

· How to relate bible passages to current world
events. Want bible study 1-2 times each week
in evenings. 1

· New minister is a blessing for the Church.
Needs majority of congregation behind him.
We all need to do our part to make his efforts
successful. Full time janitor is needed; bldg.
should be cleaner. 1

· Good change in direction. New minister an
asset. Continue efforts to integrate congregation
into Church activities. 1

· Concerned about cleanliness of Church with
part time janitor. 1

· Full time janitor. Committee set up to regulate
and set fees re: use of Church properties. 1

· Sunday school finished a little early. 1

· Rev. Cole working hard to make Church more
open and friendly. Need to keep this process moving. 1

· Place a sign close to West St. re: services.
Earlier Church service on Sundays. Shorter hymns. 1

· Thoroughly enjoy services. 1

· More programs for young children. More
information in bulletin re: programs and
volunteers needed, etc. 1

· Everything is great. Daughter likes Sunday
School. 1

· Youth group needs to reach out to teens outside
congregation. 1

· Enjoyed services this year + rise in attendance. 1

· Full time caretaker should be hired 1

· Should have part time secretary and full time
janitor. 1

· Minister good with children and getting more
youth involvement. Transportation needed for seniors. 1

· Little or no activities to bring people together.
The Sunday tea and coffee session is good. 1

· Unite the United Churches on CB into 1 church.
Two ministers at First United. Youth program. Change
name to Corner Brook United. Sell
manse. We look too 'rich'. 1

· Sometimes organ music too loud. 1

· Members need to get back into church activities;
more socialization. 1

· Dislike applause for music. 1

· Jr. Choir should sing every Sunday. Like the
way Minister interacts with children. 1

· The Church has become more open and friendly. 1

· 10:30 Church start time would get my attendance
and the attendance of others, especially women. 1

· Should have more programs for youth. youth
band, bus trips, sports. 1

· I would like to understand more about Jesus as
the Son of God. I go to Salvation Army Bible Study. 1

· More attention to social needs as opposed to
asset replacement and maintenance. 1

· In conflict with Salvation Army Temple Bible
Study by having ours at same time on Thursday
mornings. 1

Topics Responses
Like New Minister 8
Want Full Tim Janitor 5
More Programs Needed for Youth 4
10:30 Sunday Services Start Time 2
Sunday School Finishes Too Early 2
Conflict with Salvation Army B/Study 2