As we launch our Community Conversations sessions this Sunday, I want to share some of the vision and direction we are headed in together. This is grounded in all you have shared with me so far this year and what I have learned as a minister over the years.  

Please attend one of the eight sessions between this Sunday, May 21, and Sunday, June 11, and keep the information coming about what you find meaningful now and your hopes and dreams for the future of our community.
Register at www.tinyURL.com/FUPConversations 

1.)    I am hearing over and over stories of people who are looking for ways to build meaningful small group connections within our congregation. I am also hearing people share ways they have meaningfully connected to small groups in the recent past or distant past.  

As a minister who has experience in growing churches and in large churches, I know how important it is for us to grow smaller even as we grow larger. It is wonderful to be in a large church with robust worship, programming, and activities. But, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd.  

Many people want to get to know others and to be known by them. We come to a congregation in search of a community of relationships that nourish our lives. This can happen through many types of small groups, including covenant circles, choirs, classes for children and adults, social opportunities, affinity groups, volunteer teams, and more. What kinds of opportunities have worked for you to make meaningful connections? What would you like to see more of? What would you like to help plan? 

Here are three developments connected to building relationships. One of our new staff positions in our 2023-2024 Budget is a Membership Engagement Coordinator. This person will help people who are new to find their way to groups and activities that will nourish their spirits, minds, bodies, and relationships. We will also be launching opportunities for volunteers to serve with staff and ministers as part of the welcoming team and an adult faith formation team. What programming would you like to see? What programming would you like to help make happen? 

2.)   I am hearing people share stories about wishing they had found us sooner or that we are on the social media platforms their children or grandchildren use. I am also hearing leaders wondering how to get the word out the difference we make in the world and the meaningful programs we offer for people of all ages.   

As a minister who attends church growth seminars and has experience working with youth and young adults, I know how important it is that we have robust communications to connect members, friends, and visitors to our church in ways that feel relevant to young and old alike.  

I remember well attending a workshop with Rev. Sarai Rice, an Alban Field Consultant, who coached those of us who were serving congregations that were breaking thresholds of growth and development. She spoke about how in any size congregation, the communications staff member was second only to the minister(s) in terms of importance when it comes to maintaining or adding to your membership.  

Another new staff position in our 2023-2024 Budget is a full time Acting Communications & Social Media Coordinator. We will further develop the team of staff and volunteers who collaborate on how we reach newcomers, how we build awareness of who we are and what we do, and how we can build community online. What are the communications sources you look at to find out what’s happening? Where would you like to be able to find us in the social media commons? 

May we be a congregation that cherishes our deep, historic roots and our new branches that allow us to reach wider and to climb higher.  

In faith,  

Alison