Channing Memorial Church
Year of Decision 2006-2007
Congregation Discussion 3 - March 14, 2007
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Finding Where We Want
to Align Wants and Resources

 

Year of Decision - Questions We Need to Answer to Craft Our Vision

  1. Ministry. Given the Congregation's expressed desire to expand our programs, expand our community outreach and sustain our shared ministry into the future,

    1. Should we commit to increase the number of staff, the hours of our staff, and / or the pay of our staff (to ensure consistency with UUA guidelines) to assist in managing growing programs, and empower the Governing Board to develop and implement a strategy to meet this commitment in a measured fashion over a number of year? Why or why not?

    2. Should we commit to increase the amount of space available to the Congregation in some way, and empower the Governing Board to develop a strategy for more efficient space utilization using the best recommendations available? Why or why not?

    3. Should we commit to increase the resource base of our community by increasing the number of members and / or pledges to pay for I.A and I.B, and empower the Governing Board to develop and implement a strategy to meet this commitment in a measured fashion over a number of years? Why or why not?

 

  1. Property. Given that our property challenges are significant but that there are feasible solutions that will require time and resources,

    1. Should we commit to remain at our current site in Newport, RI and to restore our Sanctuary (including the steeple) as our spiritual home?

    2. If the answer to II.A is yes, should we empower the Governing Board to develop a plan to restore our Sanctuary and develop our remaining property in such a way that it provides the Congregation with sufficient program space while leveraging the value of our property assets to assist in securing needed capital?

    3. If the answer to II.B is yes, do we, as a Congregation, commit to implementing this plan as a community over a period of up to 20 years?

    4. If the answer to II.A or II.B is no, what do you recommend?"