Channing Memorial Church Year of Decision 2006-2007 Our Process

Our Goal
By June 2007, Channing Church has reached a consensus on a common vision for our ministry and our property that empowers the Congregation and its leadership to move in specific directions.

- Consensus statement of Governing Board developed at Board Retreat, 2006

Our Plan

Through the Year of Decision process, the Channing Transition Team will facilitate the congregation in developing an actionable vision statement for our ministry and resources by exploring the following focus areas:

1. Our shared values and needs / Our vision for Channing's ministry

2. Understanding growth and the relationship between wants and resources

3. Finding where we want to align wants and resources

4. Channing 2016 - Crafting our vision

These focus areas are intended to invite the Congregation to share their thoughts and explore possibilities in a somewhat structured manner.

Terminology:

Ministry involves those activities that reflect Channing's reason for existence, including (but not limited to) worship, caregiving, religious education, fellowship, pastoral care, social justice advocacy.

Resources are what is needed to be able to minister effectively, including (but not limited to) our minister, other paid staff, volunteers, money, facilities, supplies, outside professionals, UUA, BCD.

 

PROCESS

Through a series of focus discussions, the Channing Transition Team will guide the Congregation through exploration, dialog, and consensus-building to achieve the following :

a. Pique interest in this focus area and encourage participation.

b. Provide education on the possibilities in thinking about each focus area, and also provide education about the current state of our resources and ministry.

c. Allow time to absorb and ponder both information and results of discussions with fellow congregants.

d. Engage in discussion, to exchange ideas among Congregation members and to provide feedback to the Transition Team.

e. Develop a consensus statement reflecting the ideas expressed by the Congregation.

The Transition Team will make every effort to involve the entire Congregation in the process, through proactive communication and a variety of participation options (written input, personal attendance at discussion meetings, etc.). The Transition Team will also ensure that the Congregation is fully informed of activities and progress throughout the process.

 

SCHEDULE

October 21 - Solicit church leadership input and support, and let the congregation know what's coming. Explain why, build excitement, encourage participation.

November 9 - Congregation Focus Discussion #1.

January - Conduct assessment and provide education about the current state and possibilities of our ministry and resources.

February 3 - Congregation Focus Discussion #2.

March 14 - Congregation Focus Discussion #3.

May 10 - Congregation Focus Discussion #4. Develop an consensus-based vision statement per the retreat agreement, using the elements derived from each focus discussion.

May 23 - Present consensus-based vision statement at Annual Meeting.

June 10 - Affirm consensus-based vision statement via a congregational vote.