A Time of Transition

July is a time of transition for the Governing Board. We say good bye to a number of Board members who have served in a time of great challenge for our community: Christine Ariel, Linda Beall, Eleanor Elmer, Coles Mallory, David Pedrick, and Mary Alice Smith. John Burnham steps down as President but continues on the Board as Immediate Past-President. Together with the other members of the current Board who are continuing their service, these members led us through a time of uncertainty. Their commitment to solving a significant challenge to our congregation's well being saw us through while strengthening the bonds of our community. Because of their leadership, we walk confidently into the future.

The year ahead will be one of renewal for our community. As our Director of Religious Education, Alison Kates, moves on to a new phase in her life after a brilliant tenure, our new DRE, Halcyon Westall, brings new ideas and new energy to this important program. Our minister, Rev. Amy Freedman, will embark on her sabbatical in January while we explore new opportunities for spiritual and communal growth through lay-led and guest minister-led services. Amy and the members of the Worship Committee and Committee on Ministry are already planning for this important phase of our shared ministry. Meanwhile, this year also provides us with the opportunity to take stock of where we are and where we want to go as a spiritual community.

In my view, if any one word characterizes the Channing Community over the past six years, it is vitality. Since we began our shared ministry with Amy, we have seen our programs grow to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse congregation, we have renewed our commitment to preserving our sacred space, we have watched our children grow in a community that encourages them to develop their spirituality and humanity, we have explored new avenues of individual and collective spiritual growth, we have pursued opportunities to advance the cause of social justice and, perhaps most importantly, we have become better friends and had a lot of fun. Together we have put our community on a firm foundation that will sustain it into the future.

In 2002, we articulated a vision for our faith community. Having worked hard since then to establish a foundation for growth, now is a good time to reflect on our shared vision of the future. Why is this "vision thing" important? Because congregations that have a living vision are the ones that are growing - not only in numbers but also in the depth of congregation commitment. By a living vision, I mean one that is continuously translated into objectives, which in turn become detailed plans leading to the realization of the congregation's dreams.

This year, I will ask the Board to take the lead on helping us come together to review, reevaluate and refine our vision. To begin this process, I would ask all of you to reflect on the following questions:

• Why did I come to Channing in the first place? What keeps me coming?
• What do I want the congregation to look like (in terms of size and demographics) in five or ten years as a result of its efforts in ministry, programming, and outreach?
• Where do I want the congregation to worship? Where do I want our children to experience religious education? Where do I want to meet with my fellow congregants to participate in fellowship and in the programs of the church?
• What do I want our congregation to mean to our community? For what do I wish it to be known?
• What are the qualities I want in our life and work together?

These are just some of the questions we will explore together this year. To move forward, to continue to grow, and to embrace the opportunities that are before us, we need to develop our vision. The Board looks forward to working with you to that end this year.

Tom Beall
President of the Governing Board