1. We meet today to… Convene in prayer
Be introduced to the Weave our new Tomorrow program and report
Be introduced to the work of our Building Committee and their evaluation and recommendations for the future
Hear about “Project I” urgent building maintenance to be undertaken in 2013
Hear from the members of the First Plymouth Foundation and the Endowment Committee about their joint efforts on behalf of the Church
Hear from Denise Brown (our next Moderator) about our planning for Summer and Fall 2013
Vote on a resolution to remain in our current location for the foreseeable future
Invoke the Holy Spirit and adjourn
February 18, 2019

2. A Report to our Beloved Community
Weave Our New Tomorrow
A Report to our Beloved Community
June 9, 2013
February 18, 2019

3. Weave Our New Tomorrow The “Weavers” Team Phil Thompson, chair
Denise Brown
Judy Macomber
Nancy Fogg
Randy Nicholas
Doug Brown
Nancy Cole
February 18, 2019

4. Weave Our New Tomorrow Why do this report?
There are two major social / cultural dynamics that will dramatically affect our Church’s future
Generational differences about the meaning and place that Church will and should have in the 21st Century
The inescapable reality that our campus is aging and in need of maintenance and upgrades.
Before we embark on any major fundraising or planning for our building, we need to know more about ourselves and our future.
The report features details and analysis of First Plymouth Church and the attitudes, ideals and priorities of us as a community of people.
February 18, 2019

5. Weave Our New Tomorrow The report contains:
Results of a look at our Church’s history and heritage extending nearly years in the region; an event in October 2012 attended by more than 75 of our members.
Results of a questionnaire that was reviewed and responded to by more than 200 people of all ages, backgrounds and participation.
The team visited most Church groups and gathered verbal and written feedback from their members.
People submitted responses on line and in writing.
The team transcribed, analyzed the responses and gleaned common themes (threads) which are holding us together now and into the future.
A new look at the First Plymouth Futures Project of 2007, and Our Next Steps of 2010
An extensive library of comments, data, opinions, vision and dreams of our Community by our members.
February 18, 2019

6. Weave Our New Tomorrow Observations and themes
Our Positive Core Values are reaffirmed
We love to participate and work together in groups
We value reaching out to the wider community as a way of making a significant difference with our time and resources.
We seek opportunities to express and embrace our faith in worship and spiritual development
We seek to pass along our gifts as a legacy to future generations (including our progressive values and theology)
We continue to emphasize and focus our energy on the principles of diversity and inclusion as a community of faith.
We value and cherish our roots and heritage;
We desire to be a progressive and prophetic voice for social justice.
We embrace unconditional acceptance and caring for our community members.
February 18, 2019

7. Weave Our New Tomorrow Observations (cont)
We continue to emphasize “community” and the relationships borne of beloved community
Our responses featured “we, I, us” rather than “the Church” or “it”.
Community has emerged as a new core value
People resonate strongly with the notion that our purpose is our mission rather than mere attendance at Church
Our responses convey a sense of price, deep worth, joy and hopefulness.
February 18, 2019

8. Weave Our New Tomorrow Observations: Emerging Direction - Themes
Spirit-led, spirit-filled worship
Beloved community of faith
Courage to embrace the challenge of living a just life
Be a welcoming, inclusive home for everone
Being a beacon and a prophetic voice for justice
Being relevant in a new and changing world
February 18, 2019

9. Weave Our New Tomorrow
Past is Prologue: Celebrating the threads of our Heritage
We experience God in music and the fine arts
We experience community through small group involvement
We feel connected to our faith when we are actively doing something for others
We maintain a tradition of standing for social justice
We value variety and creativity
Worshiping together is the hub that connects us
February 18, 2019

10. Weave Our New Tomorrow Supplemental data and analyses
We re-evaluated and reaffirmed the results of the First Plymouth Futures Project 2007 to remind us of what we created for ourselves 6 years ago.
We re-evaluated and reaffirmed Our Next Steps 2010 in light of the 2013 realities and challenges.
We found that while there are recommendations and desires that have not been carried forward, most are in place and operating now.
There are threads from these efforts that we want to continue to weave.
February 18, 2019

11. Weave Our New Tomorrow Resources included in the Report
A bibliography of relevant and recommended reading.
Our Ends Statements adopted in 2011
Our Positive Core Values statements generated from the 2007 work.
February 18, 2019

12. Weave Our New Tomorrow Continued work through the Summer and Fall
We will continue to gather input and feedback from our Community
We will update the report based on what we hear
We will publish a final report in time for the September Congregational Meeting.
February 18, 2019