In an era of businesses, churches and other non-profit organizations struggling financially and contemplating their future, it seems a natural to perform a self-analysis and design a forward-thinking marketing plan that emphasizes the attractiveness of the organization programs and logistical location.

That was my intent- to offer insight and encouragement to the Calvary UM Church as a member of the church district laity- when I was invited to deliver the Sunday sermon and was warmly received by the congregation on Miller Avenue in Ann Arbor.

Let me say at the outset, Calvary UMC is an active, collegial Christian congregation in support of God's work at home and supports His outreach. The church is under the experienced, dedicated pastoral care of the Rev. Beth Titus. In my sermon, I shared my sincere, long-held belief that the Calvary UMC has many attractive logistical features not found at most urban churches.

It is a neighborhood church in the midst of a sizeable percentage of Ann Arbor's ever-changing population. The busy 30-age-something’s, who are new to Ann Arbor, characteristically look favorably upon the convenience of a neighborhood church like Calvary UMC. They usually desire flexible times of worship, a place for their children to learn and to grow religiously, a diverse music program and plenty of parking. Oh, not too many meetings and potlucks!

And the City estimates that 11,000 cars pass the church daily coming-and-going on Miller Avenue. A sign or banner placed in the front yard could conceivably have a viewing audience larger than most churches in Ann Arbor.

The appointment of Titus as Calvary's pastor brought fresh ideas, great enthusiasm and a commitment to inspire the congregation to stretch and spread the Good News to the commuters who daily drive past the church or live in the surrounding neighborhoods, especially the newly re-located residents.

I recalled the innovative ministry of the Rev. Loren Campbell at the Dixboro United Methodist Church. In 1947, Rev. Campbell's novel programs woke the sleepy Dixboro Church in the little hamlet along busy Plymouth Road. The church, built in 1858, is admired by many a passer-by today driving to and from Ann Arbor.

Loren felt the church appeared to be frozen in time. But during the first 12 months of his ministry, the choir guild organized and new robes were purchased, another guild developed plans for an altar, and a chancel was built.

I surmised that the Calvary congregation could implement a marketing plan based on their logistical attributes. "Put a big banner on the front lawn that says 'Sinners Welcomed Here!' and I added somewhat factitiously, 'be sure to put 'Free Parking!"

In short, under the leadership of the church pastor and the active support and commitment of the congregation, a lot of individuals and families could look to Calvary UMC as a neighborly house of worship and a religious resource center that is easily accessed and has free parking. In Ann Arbor, that says a lot!" Amen.

Photos: Calvary United Methodist Church on Miller Avenue at the foot of Newport Road (top); (bottom) Calvary Singers enjoys fellowship in song.

Dale Leslie grew up in the Dixboro United Methodist Church and later with his wife and children, became an active member of First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor. Calvary United Methodist Church worship service is Sunday at 10 a.m.; Sunday school for all ages begins at 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Titus can be reached at 734.769.0869 or via email bdtitus@a2calvary.org.