CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE November 4, 2012

HISTORY May 6, 2012 Congregational Development Team was approved by the Congregation Request for interest resulted in a 11 person Team approved by Council Team is Co-Chaired by Nancy Schwindt and Lynn Harper Members include: Sheila Rule, Jeanne Foster, Iso McGregor, Allen Switzer, Laura Muirhead, Maureen Crawford, Barb Wynne, Les Robertson and Rev. Keith Hagerman

MANDATE To work with Council and the Congregation to develop a “blueprint” to take Parkminster, all of us together, into the future More Specifically, To understand the ongoing needs of the Congregation To ensure that there is ongoing communication and involvement from the Congregation To come to some conclusions on Parkminster’s identity, mission & vision for the next few years based on our collective understanding of what God is calling us to be and do To research and assess models used by other churches in meeting the identified needs of the Congregation. This may include how to best structure ourselves.

Mandate Continued To further explore and develop ideas discussed in the Gatherings (as they apply) To encourage the piloting of programs/projects that have been identified through the Gatherings for which there is energy and support To revisit the EDGE proposal and assess whether to utilize their support and if so how To make recommendations to Parkminster (Council and Congregation) with respect to programs (create a blueprint) that we should consider implementing to best support and meet the needs of the congregation and ensure long term health and sustainability.

ACTIVITES TO DATE Research: attended conferences, read books, reviewed learnings to date (Gatherings, statistics etc.), and consulted with other churches around practices Organized ourselves into smaller work teams Determined that the Vision and Mission work was a priority

Activities Continued Developed a Conversational Approach with specific design principles that has been used by the United Church of Canada and other human service agencies The approach helps to gather collective wisdom, is inclusive and helps move people toward common understandings

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS Focused on collecting information regarding our Mission and Vision as a church Two different conversations were held 121 different people participated including adults, youth and children Feedback: 90% of participants felt it was a useful way to dialogue in the congregation

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS Overall the feedback was very positive however some people indicated a concern for this process resulting in a Vision or Mission Conversation data has been artfully posted in the gym so everyone can review it Your Team has spent many hours reviewing all the data and identifying themes and areas of focus

MAJOR THEMES Diversity: – Geographically, demographically, statistically, theologically, passions, interests, opinions, talents, dreams, priorities – We believe this to be our Congregation’s greatest gift Growth: – We are generally happy with who we are and want to become energized and engage more deeply in our spiritual development, care of each other, outreach beyond our doors Today we present you with two draft statements based directly from your thoughts

WHO WE ARE A theologically progressive community of faith Who celebrates the rich heritage of our Christian faith Who takes seriously the spiritual search as believers, questioners and questioning believers Who celebrates music as a key expression of the Spirit Who nurtures children and youth in their spiritual journey Who is welcoming, open and inclusive Who respects our diversity as we seek unity in the Spirit With a wealth of gifts, talents and passions Who practices our Spirituality by serving others and reaching out to the community beyond our doors With a strong sense of fellowship and commitment to caring for each other

WHAT GOD IS CALLING US TO BE AND DO A theologically progressive community of faith, who is energized to embrace our future as we Deepen our commitment to each other Nurture our spiritual vitality and growth Live a life of influence in God’s world

WHAT COMES NEXT Looking for Essential Agreement – A United Church tradition which recognizes diversity and allows for unity – Agreement with the intent of the language Time for feedback regarding what is missing In order to move ahead with our Action Plan, the Team needs a show of support for the draft statements of “Who We Are” and “What God is Calling Us to Be and Do”

MOTIONS THAT the Congregation of Parkminster United Church ESSENTIALLY AGREES with the following draft statements of “Who We Are” and “What God is Calling Us to Be and Do”

WHO WE ARE A theologically progressive community of faith Who celebrates the rich heritage of our Christian faith Who takes seriously the spiritual search as believers, questioners and questioning believers Who celebrates music as a key expression of the Spirit Who nurtures children and youth in their spiritual journey Who is welcoming, open and inclusive Who respects our diversity as we seek unity in the Spirit With a wealth of gifts, talents and passions Who practices our Spirituality by serving others and by reaching out to the community beyond our doors With a strong sense of fellowship and commitment to caring for each other

WHAT GOD IS CALLING US TO BE AND DO A theologically progressive community of faith, who is energized to embrace our future as we Deepen our commitment to each other Nurture our spiritual vitality and growth Live a life of influence in God’s world

ACTION PLAN  Provide enough “blueprint” information to you for approval March 3 so Presbytery can form a JNAC Feedback Process for Draft Statements – Explore how small group culture could be used within our larger Congregation as a way to support and nurture our diversity – Explore best practices being used in other churches (Program, Structure, Leadership)

ACTION PLAN – Explore other options through data gathering, use of webinars, further research and review – Work with Finance Committee to facilitate a conversational approach to developing the budget – Communicate with you – RELEASE THE ENERGY!

RELEASE THE ENERGY! Catalogue ongoing outreach and help link others interested in outreach Learn from current examples where people are releasing their energy Gather those with interests in areas already identified eg. Alternate Worship What is your PASSION?

Release Your Energy!