September 25 Congregational Input Session Results

Approximately 110 members of our community gathered for a potluck meal on Sunday, September 25, to hear a summary of themes emerging from the series of ministry input sessions and offer their response and input.

First we reviewed the Re-visioning Ministry journey.  In 2010, we began what was called a "transition process", including ministry assessments.  We also got input on understanding the changing world around us through the Shift Conference.  In March, we began the ministry conversations with a Plenary Session where each group identified their purpose.  Ten ministry areas conducted constituency input sessions, with open invitations to all community members to attend or to provide input via online survey regarding strengths, potential improvements and new opportunities to seize.  Some groups have conducted follow-up planning sessions to begin to act on the input received.

Facilitators from input sessions reviewed the key themes that emerged from input sessions and the staffing gaps that have been identified in the light of this input and examination.  Click here to access this information.

Table groups discussed this information identifying what possibilities excited them and what made them curious.  Key themes most often identified included (1) the idea of a "Third Place" community ministry center, in addition to the existing church buildings, where comprehensive pastoral care, youth, senior, homeless, and other ministries could be housed; (2)  broader opportunities for Faith Formation for all ages; (3) coordination of ministries; (4) training and equipping for increased lay involvement in initiating and leading ministries; (5) expanding ministries further into our community, beyond our traditional boundaries; (6) improving communication; and adding a reception/welcoming function to staff.  Click here for the full list reported to the whole group.  Click here for all the thoughts recorded at each table.

We talked briefly about a concept called bricolage which means "the creation of a work from a diverse range of things that happen to be available, making creative and resourceful use of whatever materials are at hand."  Recognizing that, even though we do have limits, we also have resources available, participants discussed the existing constraints that we face and listed resources that we have at hand to apply toward moving into the future.  Then, groups generated creative ideas for things we could do now to enhance our ministries.  Click here for the list of constraints, resources and ideas shared with the whole group.  Click here for all of the ideas generated in table groups.

Pastor Paul presented a chart indicating some preliminary thinking about staffing functions that need to be addressed either by re-configuring current responsibilities or adding additional personnel.  (Click here to view the chart.)

Input from this session will be incorporated into further thinking and recommendations for how to proceed with staffing and budgeting will be available in the next couple of months.

Thanks to all who participated with such enthusiastic and positive energy and to all the folks who stepped up to staff the kitchen for this event!

Administration Planning Session Results

Administration held its planning session on August 23.  The group listed a nubmer of challenges they wanted to solve and chose the development of a culture of collaboration as the one they wanted to address.  They identified possible hindrances to effective collaboration both among office staff and in the community at large.  These ideas included--

• Time pressure
• Interruptions
• So much going on that it is difficult to have access to all information
• Difficulty in saying "no"
• Reacting to urgent demands rather than planning and working ahead
• Different personal styles
• Hesitation to ask others to help

They chose Interruptions as an area to discuss and identified several potential causes.  From that list, they decided to work on two causes:  "Meetings by my desk that don't involve me," and unclear job descriptions.  Discussion about interuptions caused by impromptu meetings that distract those nearby let to an action plan to consider how re-configuring office space might minimize distractions and create hospitable space.  They discussed how lack of understanding about who is responsbible for what increases unnecessary interruptions.  A potential action plan to address this was for staff to generate a list of what they are responsible for and create a reference for one another and for community members so that people know how to approach to help with their concern.