Area of Influence and Potential for Ministry Worksheet 3 Created by -- Sandy Eaddy, Mike Jackson, Roy White

What we studied… Access to Churches Community Resources Population Trends Economic Impact Potential for Ministries

Study Area = The community within a 2-mile radius of FUMC

Access to Churches Additional United Methodist Churches (1) Bethel United Methodist Church Non United Methodist Churches (20) Including Presbyterian, Episcopal, Southern Baptist, Church of God, Independent Baptist, Apostolic, Evangelical, African-Methodist-Episcopal, Pentecostal Holiness, Church of Christ, Nondenominational Estimated percentage of the population who attend Worship Services Less than 25% attend any church services.

“Religiosity” I consider myself to be a spiritual person. 50.1% I am a conservative evangelical Christian. 41.4% I consider it important to attend religious services. 18.7% My faith is really important to me. 16.8%

Community Resources Marion Clothing Closet Marion Baptist Church Soup Kitchen Marion Church of God Food Bank First United Methodist Church Glorious Grits Marion Intermediate School Good News Club Helping Hands Free Medical Clinic Uncle Charlie’s Hut Alcoholics Anonymous Marion Recreation Department Youth Programs Trinity Behavior Center Backpack Buddies The RISE after-school youth program Marion Council on Aging

Population within the study area 7,434 Ethnic Makeup 69% African American 28% Caucasian 1% Hispanic 1% Asian 1% Other

Total Population Change Population Trends (5-year projection) Increase – African American & Asian Decrease – Caucasian, Hispanic & Other Total Population Change DECREASE - 2.3%

Population Trends by Age (5-year projection) Ages 0-24 – Increase by .1% Ages 25-54 – Decrease by .9% Ages 55-64 – Decrease by .3% Ages 65 & older – Increase by 1.6% Summary - Population Grows Older

Population Trends for Students K-12 (5-year projection) Elementary - Ages 5-9 Decrease by 9.3% Middle School - Ages 10-14 Increase by 4.5% High School – Ages 15-18 Increase by 4.7%

Median Household Income Economic Impact Median Household Income Asian -- $71,999 Caucasian -- $54,016 Other -- $17,884 African American -- $17,547 Hispanic -- $17,142

Households Information about 511 66.4% Households with annual incomes of less than $25,000 47.6% Number of low-income or rent subsidized housing units 511 Households with One Parent 66.4%

Some factors to consider when planning future FUMC ministries: Increased number of Seniors (65 and older) Increased number of middle school and high school aged Children Ethnic makeup of citizens living within the study area Economic level of citizens living within the study area Large number of single-parent households in the study area Existing resources (or lack of resources) for those living within the study area Percentage of citizens who consider themselves to be spiritual people

Potential for Ministry Partnerships with other churches There are at least 20 churches in our study area. Some may be interested in forming partnerships with FUMC to share resources and/or programs. Ministries for Senior Citizens Marion is experiencing an aging population. Many Seniors may be interested in activities designed just to get them out of their homes for a short time while other Seniors may be in need of assistance (transportation, yardwork, simple home repair and maintenance, etc.) that could be accomplished by FUMC members. Ministries for Children and Youth Marion is experiencing an increase in the number of middle school and high school aged children. Many come from economically depressed, single-parent homes. Many children may be interested in being involved in after-school activities or in having a mentor who could serve as a positive role model.

Resources for Slides Mission Insites Website Marion Telephone Directory Google Maps Website Marion Housing Authority Marion County Office of Voter Registration SC Department of Education Website Marion Chamber of Commerce Interviews with a business person, an educator and a politician