Channing Memorial Church Year of Decision 2006-2007 Congregation Discussion 2 - Questions & Input ~ Understanding Growth and the Relationship Between Wants and Resources

Focus Discussion #2, Saturday, February 3rd, 2007, 10 AM, Parish Hall

Focus Discussion #2 will raise awareness and understanding among the Congregation of growth and the relationship between wants and resources. The agenda will include:

1. A presentation by the Transition Team which will:
   
   
   1. Review the results of Focus Discussion #1
   2. Provide information on the concepts of congregational growth and change
   3. Provide the Transition Team's view on the changes that the Channing community is now undergoing.
      
      
2. A Brainstorming Session in which participants will be divided into 10-person groups to consider what Channing would be like in each of three scenarios. We will ask participants to envision the following scenarios for Channing in the year 2016. Under each of these scenarios, each group will consider how Channing will be able to meet the needs and desires of the Congregation as expressed at the Focus Discussion #1.
   
   
   1. "Return to a decade ago" scenario:
      
      
      1. 50 - 70 active members / families.
         
      2. 50 - 60 "pledge units" providing approximately $50K annually.
      3. No long term funding source - other than annual fund drive and rental income - established to sustain properties.
         
         
   2. "No change" scenario:
      
      
      1. Approximately 180 active members / families.
      2. 110 "pledge units" providing approximately $140K annually.
      3. $400K - $700K capital campaign possible. Outside funding source required to assist in steeple repair.
      4. No long term funding source - other than annual fund drive and rental income - established to sustain properties.
         
         
   3. Growth scenario:
      
      
      1. 300+ active members / families providing $300K in pledges annually.
      2. $1M - $1.5M capital campaign completed - steeple repaired all buildings restored and in good state of repair. Endowment fund grown to sustain buildings into future.
         
         
3. Lunch (provided by the Transition Team) during which each group will brief the entire group on the results of its discussion and any conclusions drawn.

The three scenarios we will use are designed simply as a catalyst for discussion about growth, the balance between needs and resources, and the future of Channing church. They in no way are intended to offer the only options we as a Congregation should pursue.

If you have any questions or input, please contact the Transition Team at

TransitionTeam@channingchurch.org